There are many bogus ‘weeks’ and ‘months’ on the unofficial calendar of observances.
Every food in existence somehow has a ‘week’ or ‘month’ dedicated to it. You have to wonder how National Pizza Month or B.C. Hot Dog Day originated.
This is one of those weeks that actually has two credible overlapping tributes. National Fire Prevention Week and National Newspaper Week are both running Oct. 4-10.
We all know the importance of being diligent to prevent devastating fires. Hand in hand with that goes the chance to salute our incredible firefighters and the service they provide in their communities, especially during the pandemic when nothing is being done by the book.
We have a very unique department on Thetis Island as well as loyal and devoted firefighters with the Chemainus and Crofton departments, including many who’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty for decades. They are there when needed the most and are great ambassadors for all sorts of causes whether fire-related or not.
This is actually the 80th National Newspaper Week, a chance for Canadians to reflect on the essential service provided by the news media industry.
“Now, more than ever, Canadians are turning to newspapers as a trusted source of information, because they know they can count on them for credible, fact-based news reporting,” said Bob Cox, Publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press and Chair of News Media Canada. “An active and healthy democracy relies on an active and healthy news media. While we champion the work of Canadian newspapers all year long, this week provides a unique opportunity to recognize, celebrate and support our newspapers and the people behind them.”
We hear about ‘fake news’ all the time, a phrase coined by U.S. president Donald Trump since he took office. The truth is social media has created blurred lines about what constitutes news because anyone can suddenly become a ‘reporter.’
But newspapers adhere to the highest standards where the truth matters and people know they can trust the source, both in print and through a growing on-line presence.