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May 3rd, 2015

Statement by the NDP on World Press Freedom Day

NDP Heritage critic Pierre Nantel (Longueuil–Pierre-Boucher) made the following statement today on World Press Freedom Day:

“World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to honour the essential role journalists and media play in keeping people around the world informed. Despite the challenges and risks inherent to their job, journalists continue to defend freedom of expression and democratic principles.

“Today, we pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives or been injured in the line of duty. It is unacceptable that, in 2015, journalists are still prosecuted, detained and assassinated for doing their jobs. Independent media is of immeasurable value in a free and democratic society, and it is our duty to ensure that this continues to be respected and protected.

“We also take this opportunity to stand in solidarity with journalists and Canadians who have been affected by the Conservative’s reckless cuts to CBC/ Radio-Canada.

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

“New Democrats thank journalists and the media for their invaluable work informing the public. Let’s work together to defend freedom of the press.”