The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
CBC will undertake the monumental task of naming the Greatest Canadian ever in a special broadcast next week. The final episode of "The Greatest Canadian" airs next Monday, Nov. 29 (check listings), with 10 distinguished people up for the honour. Here are the nominees, in alphabetical order: Frederick Banting Banting's research in the 1920s resulted in the discovery of insulin, bringing new hope to diabetics all over the world. Alexander Graham Bell Bell famously used his telegraph to transmit the first words in history in 1876: "Mr. Watson, come here, I need you." He founded the Bell Telephone Company in 1877. Don Cherry The controversial Cherry is a fixture on Canadian television, bringing his unique perspective to the first period intermissions of "Hockey Night in Canada." He is a former NHL player and coach. Tommy Douglas Canada's "father of Medicare," Douglas was a popular political force in Canada for more than four decades, gaining acclaim for his devotion to social causes. Terry Fox In 1980, Fox, a young cancer survivor, inspired a nation with what was intended to be a cross-country run to raise money for cancer research. Sadly, the Marathon of Hope ended prematurely when he succumbed to the disease he committed himself to eradicating. Wayne Gretzky The greatest scorer in NHL history, Gretzky is best known for what he did on the ice. Off the ice, he serves on countless charities, and his foundation helps disadvantaged children participate in hockey. Sir John A. Macdonald Known as the founding father of Canada, Macdonald united the French and the English and facilitated the construction of Canadian Pacific Railway. Canada's first prime minister is regarded by many as its best. Lester B. Pearson As prime minister in the 1960s, Pearson oversaw the introduction of the Canada Pension Plan, national Medicare, a national labour code, and the Maple Leaf flag. He also received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1956. David Suzuki The respected environmentalist hosts CBC's award-winning "The Nature of Things" and has written more than 30 books. He is considered a master as educating his audience while entertaining them. Pierre Trudeau The charismatic, sometimes controversial former prime minister held Canada's highest office for nearly 16 years, remaining committed to his goal of a unified country. It's not too late to cast your ballot. Log onto www.cbc.ca/greatest/ or phone toll-free 1-866-303-VOTE (8683).
