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 society’s trust in their criminal justice system; and
WHEREAS: Wrongful Conviction 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.
THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that I, Larry Johannson, Mayor of the City of Selkirk, in the Province of Manitoba do hereby proclaim October 2, 2023 to be “Wrongful Conviction Day” in Selkirk and commend its thoughtful observance to all citizens.
Larry Johannson
MAYOR
