July 9, 1999

Our Heroes - THE COMMENTARY

By Joseph Planta

www.ourheroes.ca, is a website set up by The Dominion Institute of Canada, and to coincide with this years Canada Day, they set up a poll to gauge Canadian’s opinions on who exactly are our heroes. Revealed the other day were the top 10, which included socialist innovator Tommy Douglas, World War 1 flying ace Billy Bishop, Suffragette Nellie McClung, former PM Lester B. Pearson and Louis Riel, among others. According to this poll our top hero is Terry Fox, and rightfully so.

Fox, who hailed from Port Coquitlam, raised money and most importantly awareness to the effects of cancer in Canada and around the world. In an age where heroes of Canadian heritage are few, this exercise in grandstanding makes us look back at who we are.

The poll fairly knocked off current media superstars and individuals still living from the choices. So who really fits the bill? How about Rick Hansen? Well he’d be on the top of that list for sure. That leaves.... nobody. Why, one asks, well no one fits the bill. Sadly. Heroes do come and go, but when they have absolutely no substance like those of Bryan Adams, Celine Dion or Howie Mandel???, we are very much at a loss. “Where have you gone Joe Dimaggio, our nation turns its lonely eyes at you.”

Questions and comments may be sent to: editor@thecommentary.ca