Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day and the essential work that journalists do to challenge the powerful and inform the public.
Sadly, around the world journalists are forced to risk their lives and livelihoods in the practice of their profession.
Over the past decade, more than 600 journalists have been killed, and nine out of 10 murders of journalists go unpunished.
Repeated attacks in Sri Lanka, the imprisonment of journalists in Ethiopia, Somalia and Iran, and the assault and arrest of atheist bloggers in Bangladesh are just a few recent examples among far too many.
As we recognize the extraordinary dedication and sacrifices of journalists around the world, we also celebrate the exceptional work of our friends in the press gallery and reporters across Canada, including this year's recipients of the World Press Freedom Award, Stephen Maher and Glen McGregor.
I hope that all members of this House will join me in paying tribute to their contributions.