NDP statement on World Press Freedom Day

NDP Public Safety critic, Matthew Dubé, made the following statement on World Press Freedom Day:

“On World Press Freedom Day we honour the journalists who defend freedom of expression and fundamental democratic principles every day, and pay tribute to members of the media who have lost their lives or been injured in the line of duty.

Freedom of the press cannot be taken for granted. Canada has slipped for the second straight year in the World Press Freedom Index, in part because of police spying on journalists and demanding reporters turn over background materials.

The new ranking now leaves Canada out of the top 20 countries in terms of media freedom.

A number of government agencies continue to spy on journalists across the country and the Liberal government has yet to take any action, including rolling back the most dangerous elements of C-51 that infringe on civil liberties and allow greater spying on journalists and citizens of all stripes.

When we attack the freedom of the press, we’re attacking our own people, democracy and freedom.

New Democrats will continue to fight for freedom of the press and stand with the media against attacks on their independence.”