U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman wishes to release the following statement regarding World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2014.
“World Press Freedom Day honors the brave men and women of the media who have stood for freedom of expression around the world, often in places of oppression and danger, and sometimes at the expense of their safety and their lives. Their contribution to democracy and transparency in government has changed the world for the better. I join billions around the world in thanking them for their professionalism and courage. Freedom of expression is a fundamental freedom, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Canada and the United States not only share a fundamental belief in freedom of the press, we have as governments supported, promoted, and defended those rights, and we will continue to do so.”
Media Contact:
Steve Pike
Spokesperson
U.S. Embassy Ottawa
Tel: 613-688-5317
Email: pikesl@state.gov
