The mayor of Terry Fox’s hometown speaks out against what he calls “appropriation” of the Canadian athlete’s legacy at anti-vaccine rally in Ottawa.
The Terry Fox Memorial Sculpture, a bronze statue of the cancer research activist near Parliament Hill, was used to hold a protest sign with the words ” Mandate Freedom (compulsory freedom).
A Canadian flag was also tied like a cape around the statue’s neck, while a pole with an upside-down flag was placed near one of the hands, giving the appearance that the Fox statue was waving the flag. reversed.
Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West said Terry Fox was a national inspiration and a unifying force, adding that no matter the cause, no one should “appropriate his legacy” or touch his his statue.
Mr. West clarified in a tweet that the poster and flags should be removed immediately, prompting Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson to respond that he has instructed city staff to do so.
These images prompted comments, including from the Terry Fox Foundation who wrote that “Terry believed in science and gave his life to help others” and that the foundation continues its mission to fund cancer research.
The photo of the statue, which circulated on social networks, also reacted to James Moore, former federal minister and vice-chairman of the board of the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Terry Fox died of cancer that got worse during his Marathon of Hope across Canada while raising money to fight a deadly disease – the complete opposite of what is happening here. Hold a protest, do your thing, but don’t disrespect this monument to a Canadian hero,” James Moore wrote.