Rachel Blaney Urges Government to Support Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program

Ottawa, ON – Rachel Blaney (NDP MP for North Island – Powell River) has written a letter of support for the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program. In her letter to Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, Blaney urged the Government of Canada to renew its commitment to the program with a one-time investment of $20 million.

“It is clear to me that supporting this program serves the best interests of Canadians and our economy, overall,” Blaney wrote. “This unique scholarship program is well-managed, but it faces tremendous pressures and increasing demand.”

Blaney noted that while the national average tuition for post-secondary students in Canada has increased by over 820% since 1982, the award, which was intended to cover more than tuition, has only grown by 233%. It has not received additional government support in 18 years.

“The values of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program align solidly with the values of Canadians and the government. Over the past 41 years, these individuals advanced many humanitarian causes, and require our support,” Blaney wrote. “As a child I watched Terry Fox run across the country and I remember thinking about how brave he was. This honours his legacy.”

Established through two agreements with the Government of Canada in 1982 and 2006, the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award is granted annually to students who have voluntarily completed humanitarian service and overcome adversity. They must be planning to or already be studying towards their first university degree or diploma at a Canadian post-secondary institution, or entering their second year of CEGEP in the upcoming academic year.

“While most scholarships prioritize grades and leadership, this award weighs: humanitarianism as defined by the depth and breadth of impact on others, particularly in areas addressing the most pressing needs of today; and courage and tenacity in overcoming obstacles such as those faced by our nation’s most marginalized communities,” Blaney wrote.

For more information on the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, visit the website: https://terryfoxawards.ca/.

Read Rachel’s letter to The Honourable Chrystia Freeland here: https://rachelblaney.ndp.ca/sites/default/files/letter_for_terry_fox_fund_1.pdf

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