WHEREAS, a healthy, professional news media sector is essential for the proper functioning of civil society and democracy at the local, provincial, federal and international levels, and as an annual observance each May 3rd, and

WHEREAS, The United Nations has proclaimed World Press Freedom Day

WHEREAS, according to the Local News Research Project, since 2008 more than 600 news outlets in nearly 400 communities across Canada have closed or merged (compared to the launch and continued operation of roughly 264 in 193 communities), and

WHEREAS, 25 municipalities in nine provinces across Canada acknowledged World Press Freedom Day in 2025,

THEREFORE, I, Ken Boshcoff, Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay, do hereby proclaim May 3rd, 2026, as World Press Freedom Day in Thunder Bay.

Ken Boshcoff 

Mayor