Minister of Foreign Affairs marks World Press Freedom Day

May 3, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Journalists and media workers play a vital role in our society by providing us with the information we need to make informed decisions, broadening our horizons and holding individuals and institutions to account.

“As we mark World Press Freedom Day, journalist and media workers continue to be targeted in the pursuit of the truth. In 2019 alone, 25 journalists were killed for their work. Countless others were intimidated, jailed or tortured—often with impunity. All over the world, censorship and misinformation propagated by states are increasing.

“In times of great uncertainty, such as these we are living in right now, quality journalism is critical. By ensuring that people have access to credible and accurate public health information, journalists are helping to save lives.

“Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy. Now, more than ever, we must raise our voices in support of its preservation and in opposition to those who would seek to subvert it.”

Quick facts

• Alongside the United Kingdom, Canada co-hosted the inaugural Global Conference for Media Freedom in July 2019, where the Media Freedom Coalition was formed. The coalition is a partnership of 36 countries and other stakeholders working together to advocate for press freedom.
• Canada is proud to co-chair the Media Freedom Coalition, together with the United Kingdom.
• Canada is also supporting efforts to promote media freedom through the Global Media Defence Fund, which is administered by UNESCO and issued its first call for proposals in April 2020.
• Canada looks forward to hosting the second Global Conference for Media Freedom.

Associated links

• Freedom of expression and media freedom
• United Nations World Press Freedom Day