OCTOBER 2, 2020

WHEREAS, the loss of one’s freedom due to a wrongful conviction has far-reaching and devastating consequences which not only affects the innocent individual’s life, but also affects the quality of life their families, and has a harmful effect on society as a whole; and

WHEREAS, wrongful convictions question the integrity and fairness of the criminal justice system, and unless corrected, undermines societies trust in their criminal justice system; and

WHEREAS, Wrongful Convictional Day is a global movement dedicated to advocating for innocent individuals who have been wrongfully convicted of a crime they did not commit. The implementation and recognition of this day is the start to reaching a broader audience, regarding the importance surrounding injustices. A proclamation will assist to advocate, educate, and create awareness around those injustices in hope for reform to minimize the effect it could have on another individual.

NOW THEREFORE, I Mayor Bill Mauro, for the City of Thunder Bay, Ontario, proclaim October 2, 2019, to be “Wrongful Conviction Day” in the City of Thunder Bay.