OCTOBER 2, 2022

WHEREAS, the loss of one’s freedom due to a wrongful conviction has far-reaching and devastating consequences which not only affects the innocent individual’s life, but also affects the quality of life of their families, and has a harmful effect on society as a whole; and

WHEREAS, wrongful convictions question the integrity and fairness of the criminal justice system, and unless corrected, undermines societies trust in their criminal justice system; and

WHEREAS, Wrongful Convictional Day is a global movement dedicated to advocating for innocent individuals who have been wrongly convicted of a crime they did not commit. The implementation and recognition of this day is the start to reaching a broader audience, regarding the importance surrounding miscarriages of justice. A proclamation will assist to advocate, educate, and create awareness around those miscarriages of justice in hope for reform to minimize the effect it could have on another individual.

NOW THEREFORE, I, the Mayor for the City of Thunder Bay, Ontario, proclaim October 2, 2022, to be “Wrongful Conviction Day” in the City of Thunder Bay.