Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on World Press Freedom Day
Statements
May 3, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:
“Today, World Press Freedom Day, is an opportunity to underscore the essential role the media play in defending and advancing free speech in Canada and around the world.
“Journalists and other media professionals directly contribute to the strength of our democracy; they speak up for the vulnerable and hold governments at all levels to account. Here in Canada, we could not succeed without their essential work.
“As a former journalist and as Minister of Foreign Affairs, I will use every opportunity to raise concerns regarding violations of freedom of expression. No person should ever be threatened or face violence for expressing ideas and opinions or holding the powerful to account.
“The pursuit of truth and justice is difficult and demanding work. On World Press Freedom Day, we thank all journalists for their commitment and courage — and we honour the memory of those killed in the exercise of their profession or as a result of it.”
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