[Senator Clay Davis]

When you get caught trying to use a Canadian icon for political purposes, and get totally shot down...

The Terry Fox Foundation and the family of the Canadian icon deny claims made by the national Conservative Party about its multi-million-dollar campaign pledge to the Fox Foundation.

"We need to clarify that we did not respond enthusiastically suggesting the idea was great as MP James Moore reported in yesterday's Conservative announcement promising to match The Terry Fox Foundation's fundraising efforts this year up to $35 million," the Fox family said in a written statement.

"We would always welcome government support of cancer research in Terry's name," said the family.

"Specifically, we would hope that all federal parties would come together in this the 35th anniversary year, for Terry and all who run in his name, in support of the Terry Fox Research Institute's proposal for a pan-Canadian comprehensive cancer centre strategy."

Britt Andersen, Executive Director of The Terry Fox Foundation, echoed the sentiment.

"As an international non-profit organization, The Terry Fox Foundation is non-partisan," said Andersen. "The Foundation welcomes new investment commitments in cancer research from any and all political parties."

On Sunday Federal Industry Minister and Tory heavyweight James Moore was in Port Moody, B.C., to announce that a re-elected Conservative government would commit up to $35 million to match donations raised during this year's Terry Fox Run.

"It would be nice if the other political parties would all double down on our commitment and stand with the legacy of Terry Fox and say regardless of what happens on Oct. 19 that they will recognize Terry Fox as a hero and will move forward," said Moore, who is not running for re-election.

"But it's a commitment that will for sure be met by Stephen Harper should he be elected."

"They're aware of it," said Moore when asked about the Fox family. "They're enthusiastic and they think it's great."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/britis...edge-1.3236608