Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip has lost his courageous battle with brain cancer and Canadians from Victoria to Iqaluit to St. John's are in mourning. Through his undeniable contributions to the fabric of modern Canadian identity and vigilant fight for unity and reconciliation, Gord Downie touched the lives of so many Canadians. When the news of his diagnosis first broke, JACK petitioned city hall to proclaim "Tragically Hip Day" in Vancouver, which now occurs every July 26th. However, we feel that this quintessential Canadian icon is deserving of a NATIONAL day of remembrance and celebration.

It's also our chance to continue Gord's fight. This day of recognition could also be used to continue the fight against cancer, and specifically glioblastoma. Cancer has taken someone from all of us and now it has taken Gord. What if we could take this shared moment of grief and use it to unite as Canadians in the fight against cancer?

Justin Trudeau respected Gord Downie immensely, as evidenced by his emotional speech shortly after his passing was announced. We'd ask Mr. Trudeau to proclaim a national "Gord Downie Day" as a way for Canadians to remember Gord Downie and his relentless spirit. His contributions to this great country were immeasurable and he will be missed every day. He was the soundtrack of our campfires and the voice for so many who didn't have one. 

Gord Downie was the lead singer of Canada. He was Ahead By A Century. He had Courage. And Grace Too. And he will be forever Hip. Thank you Gord, you will be forever missed and never forgotten.