NDP Statement on World Press Freedom Day

The Leader of Canada's NDP, Jagmeet Singh, issued the following statement:

"Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we recognize and celebrate the role journalists play in building a free and open society. Journalists and the media play a critical role in Canada and around the world by working to keep those in power in check, helping to build a free and more open society and ensuring people get quality information.

The main theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day is journalism under digital siege. This year's theme is about recognizing and addressing the multiple ways journalism is endangered by surveillance and digital attacks.

In Canada, while we have a strong appreciation and respect for the freedom of the press, we also have work to do. The pandemic has shown that, now more than ever, people need a strong and independent press to have access to reliable information. Our media is exposed to threats which create vulnerability, whether through cyber-attacks which harm the investigative work of journalists or unfair competition from web giants who take advertising revenues and make it difficult for smaller, regional news outlets to compete.

For the 7 years that the Liberals have been in power, they have been outspoken about protecting our news media, but instead of taking action, they have chosen to protect the profits of the web giants – buying more advertising for their personal benefit.

The NDP used our power to pressure the government to finally table a bill that forces web giants to pay their fair share to journalists for the use of their content. It is a step in the right direction to catch up with other countries that are showing more leadership.

New Democrats will continue to support the work of journalists and fight for a safer digital future for journalists. Today, we thank all journalists in Canada and worldwide, who investigate injustice and shine a light on the stories that matter.”