The following proclamations, signed by Mayor Danny Breen in 2024, recognize the efforts groups make to enhance our community.
See the archived list of past proclamations (prior to September 2020).
June |
World Ocean Day, June 8, 2024WHEREAS: The ocean is home to hundreds of species at risk, vulnerable ecosystems, produces over half of the world's oxygen, and absorbs 25 percent of all CO2 emissions in our atmosphere, helping us minimize and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
WHEREAS: Countries around the world have committed to protecting 30% of their ocean territory by 2030 in order to reverse biodiversity loss and safeguard at-risk marine life.
WHEREAS: In celebrating the ocean and protecting its habitats and ecosystems, we can together raise the profile of ocean conservation's critical role in improving planetary health and slowing the crisis of species collapse and ecosystem decline.
WHEREAS: Every year, World Ocean Day is celebrated on June 8th worldwide to raise awareness of the crucial role our ocean plays in sustaining life and regulating our climate, and to inspire action to protect it.
THEREFORE: Be it proclaimed that the City of St. John’s recognizes June 8th, 2024 as World Ocean Day.
National Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak Awareness Week, June 3-8, 2024WHEREAS: Intracranial hypotension (IH) or spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) (SIH and HI, collectively the “Condition”) is a debilitating and often invisible medical condition resulting from a spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak; and
WHEREAS: Spinal CSF Leak Canada is a charitable Canadian organization established to improve the lives of Canadians suffering from the Condition; and
WHEREAS: Spinal CSF leak is an important and under-diagnosed cause of disabling daily severe headache that is typically positional and there is little awareness of the medical condition among the public and within the medical community; and
WHEREAS: Under-diagnosis and/or misdiagnosis is extremely common, resulting in little or no treatment for many individuals who are suffering from this condition; and
WHEREAS: Raising awareness and educating the public and the medical community means more efficient diagnoses and better access to treatment for patients.
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim June 3rd – 8th, as National Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak Awareness Week in the City of St. John’s.
Scleroderma Awareness Month, June 3, 2024WHEREAS: 1 in 2500 Canadians are estimated to be living with scleroderma, a progressive, chronic, auto-immune disease with no cure, which causes hardening of the skin and can affect internal organs of the body; and
WHEREAS: scleroderma can strike at any age and affect children, men and women; and
WHEREAS: Scleroderma Atlantic acts as a voice against scleroderma by raising public awareness, advocating on behalf of, and supporting those living with scleroderma and their families; and
WHEREAS: the National Scleroderma Conferences will be held in St. John’s in August 2024
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2024, to be Scleroderma Awareness Month.
National Deafblind Awareness Month, June 1, 2024WHEREAS: deafblindness is a unique information-gathering disability that incorporates the dual-sensory loss of both sight and hearing. Individuals who are deafblind can live full, meaningful lives as independently as possible with the right supports in place, such as Intervenor Services; and
WHEREAS: the National Deafblind Awareness Working Group is led by groups and organizations across Canada that support individuals who are deafblind to increase their independence and improve their quality of life through specialized services; and
WHEREAS: the National Deafblind Awareness Working Group encourages the promotion of deafblindness and National Deafblind Awareness Month, including flag raisings and lighting up of local landmarks in communities across Canada; and
WHEREAS: June should be designated as Deafblind Awareness Month to recognize and celebrate the contributions that individuals who are deafblind make in their communities with the support of intervenors who serve as a bridge to communication for individuals who are deafblind;
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim June 2024, as National Deafblind Awareness Month in the City of St. John’s. |
May |
AccessAbility Week, May 26- June 1, 2024WHEREAS: Accessibility and inclusion benefit us all - particularly the estimated 30.9% of people in Newfoundland and Labrador that live with one or more disabilities; and
WHEREAS: the City of St. John’s is committed to an accessible, inclusive, healthy and safe community for everyone. We strive to meet the diverse needs of our community by identifying, preventing and removing barriers so that all people can equitably live, work, play, and learn here; and
WHEREAS: the City is creating awareness about the importance of accessibility in this week’s celebrations by highlighting the work of the Inclusion Advisory Committee, encouraging the public to review our new three year Accessibility Plan, highlighting a life changing Therapeutic Recreation Program called Together In Movement and Exercise, and sharing information about inclusive and accessible built environments in our community that are available for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy; and
WHEREAS: On behalf of the City of St. John’s, we recognize and celebrate the contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities and the efforts made by organizations to build a more accessible and inclusive community.
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim May 26 – June 1, 2024, as AccessAbility Week in the City of St. John’s.
World Family Doctor Day, May 19, 2024WHEREAS: World Family Doctor Day celebrated May 19, 2024, offers an opportunity to recognize the exceptional efforts and unwavering commitment exhibited by Family Doctors to their patients. World Family Doctor Day recognizes the importance of Family Doctors and the role they play in healthcare in our province and communities; and
WHEREAS: The Endeavour Family Practice Network recognizes the effort to not only aspire to, but achieve and meet the needs of our family practice colleagues and patients.
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim May 19, 2024, as World Family Doctor Day in the City of St. John’s.
Moose Hide Campaign Day, May 16, 2024WHEREAS: the Moose Hide Campaign is an indigenous-led grassroots movement of men, boys, and all Canadians – standing up to end violence against women and children;
WHEREAS: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is at epidemic proportions across Canada with more than 4 in 10 women having experienced it in their lifetime, and this reality is worse for Indigenous women who are twice as likely to experience violence from their current or former partners; and
WHEREAS: the Moose Hide Campaign has distributed over five million moose hide pins that each spark five conversations about issues of gender violence and injustice; and
WHEREAS: wearing the moosehide pin exhibits a commitment to honour, respect and protect the women and children in your life, and to work to end gender-based violence and take action towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples;
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim May 16th. 2024, as Moose Hide Campaign Day in the City of St. John’s.
Heart Failure Awareness Week, May 5-11, 2024WHEREAS: Canadian Heart Failure Awareness Week is marked across Canada to raise awareness of the causes of heart failure and the impact it has on individuals living with heart failure and their caregivers; and WHEREAS: There are nearly 800,000 people in Canada living with heart failure, which affects people of all ages; and
WHEREAS: People with heart failure experience debilitating symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, and exhaustion; and
WHEREAS: People caring for those with heart failure are often overwhelmed and stressed; and
WHEREAS: Heart failure is expected to cost Canada $2.8 billion per year by 2030; and
WHEREAS: Heart Failure Awareness Week was initiated by the Canadian Heart Failure Society, an organization of health professionals and patients, in collaboration with Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Cardiovascular Society, Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses, Canadian Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, Canadian Heart Function Alliance, Heart Life Foundation and Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research.
WHEREAS: Canadian Heart Failure Awareness Week is now celebrated across Canada as a time dedicated to improving awareness and education on heart failure for people of Newfoundland and Labrador and all Canadians;
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim May 5-11th, 2024, as Heart Failure Awareness Week. in the City of St. John’s.
Youth Week, May 1-7, 2024WHEREAS: There is an increasing interest in intentional youth development through recreation in Canada that is founded on a substantial and growing body of research to support the role of recreation in the positive development of youth. Meaningful youth engagement through recreation emphasizes access, equity and social justice and leads to positive youth development.
WHEREAS: National Youth Week reminds us all of the valuable contributions that recreation and parks can make to youth development and that youth can make to community development and with the knowledge that National Youth Week is endorsed by a network of agencies and individuals committed to the positive development of youth;
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim May 1 to 7, 2024, as Youth Week in the City of St. John’s.
Huntington Disease Awareness Month, May 1, 2024WHEREAS: Huntington Disease (HD) is a hereditary, neurodegenerative illness with physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms for which there is no cure; and
WHEREAS: one in every 7,000 Canadians has HD and approximately one in every 5,500 is at-risk for developing the disease. Many more are touched by HD as a caregiver, family member, or friend; and
WHEREAS: HD causes cells in specific parts of the brain to die. The disease leads to incapacitation and, eventually, death. It is likened to experiencing the symptoms of ALS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and schizophrenia all in one disease; and
WHEREAS: Huntington Disease Awareness Month reflects the Huntington Society of Canada’s (HSC) mission, which is to aspire to a world free from HD. HSC celebrates the resilience and hope demonstrated by the HD community. HSC aims to maximize the quality of life of people living with HD by delivering support services; enabling others to understand the disease; and supporting further breakthroughs in research to find treatments that address the root cause of HD; and
WHEREAS: HSC works with health and social services professionals to enable them to better serve people living with HD; and
WHEREAS: HSC is a respected leader in the worldwide effort to end Huntington disease. HSC is the only national health charity dedicated to providing help and hope for families dealing with HD across Canada.
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim May, Huntington Disease Awareness Month in the City of St. John’s.
World Maternal Mental Health Day, May 1, 2024WHEREAS: Pregnancy and childbirth, or adoption, and the infant’s first year of life should be a period of joy and bonding for the entire family; and
WHEREAS: 28% of mothers in Newfoundland and Labrador will experience a significant mood disorder during and after pregnancy, possibly leading to a more severe mental illness; and
WHEREAS: Untreated, these mood disorders may lead to premature labour, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, increased risks of obstetrical complications, lower breastfeeding rates, and poor fetal and infant outcomes (potential cognitive, emotional and behavioral impairments) and, in rare cases, even to suicide; and
WHEREAS: There are professional and peers in Newfoundland and Labrador who can assist parents and families deal with mood disorders; and
WHEREAS: The Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador has been created to improve the care provided to birthing persons and their families;
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim May 1st, 2024 as World Maternal Mental Health Day. in the City of St. John’s.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Awareness Month, May 1, 2024WHEREAS, The Month of May, has been internationally designated as "GBS and CIDP Awareness Month" to educate the public and to focus attention on Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), rare, paralyzing and potentially catastrophic disorders of the peripheral nerves; and
WHEREAS, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), and their variants such as Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN), are rare conditions which are paralyzing and potentially catastrophic inflammatory disorders of the peripheral nerves, which can be characterized by rapid onset of weakness and, often, paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles and face, in some cases leading to complete paralysis and requiring life-sustaining hospital care, and
WHEREAS, the cause of GBS, CIDP, and MMN is unknown, and these conditions can develop in any person, regardless of age, gender or ethnic background, and
WHEREAS, GBS, CIDP, and MMN have a slow and unpredictable recovery, patients and their families face an uncertain future, usually requiring months of hospital care without knowing if or when they will recover, or whether they will face long-term disabilities. Earlier diagnosis, treatment, and access to rehabilitation services can improve the chances of avoiding permanent lifelong residual damage of the nerves, and
WHEREAS, in 2003, GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada, a patient organization providing support, education, research, and advocacy, was founded so that no patient or family would go through GBS,CIDP, MMN or their variants alone. |
April |
World Primary Immunodeficiency Week, April 22-29, 2024WHEREAS: ImmUnity Canada's vision is that all Canadians with immunodeficiency disorders have access to the resources they need to thrive, works with patient families and caregivers as well as healthcare professionals, and empowers people impacted by immunodeficiency disorders to live well through education, support, advocacy, community-building, and research; and
WHEREAS: ImmUnity Canada provides both national as well as regional/provincial services related to immunodeficiency including education, support, advocacy, and research to thousands of patients; and
WHEREAS: ImmUnity Canada will unite its supporters across Canada during World Primary Immunodeficiency Week; and
WHEREAS: The goal is to increase the awareness and advocacy in support of the Primary Immunodeficiency population in our city and across Canada;
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim April 22 to 29, 2024 as World Primary Immunodeficiency Week in the City of St. John's.
National American Sign Language Day, April 15, 2024WHEREAS: National American Sign Language Day 2024 marks 206 years since American Sign Language has been taught in a school setting as the first school for the deaf was founded on April 15, 1817; and
WHEREAS: National ASL day continues to bring awareness and encourage people to learn sign language to better communicate with those that rely on it; and
WHEREAS: On the evening of Monday April 15, 2024, there will be 3 students graduating from the American Sign Language Course (levels 1 and 2) from Healing Life Victory Church; and
WHEREAS: We aim to continue encouraging people to learn ASL and help break down the barriers for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim April 15, 2024, as National American Sign Language Day in the City of St. John's.
Volunteer Week, April 14-20, 2024WHEREAS: The City of St. John’s recognizes the enormous contribution that volunteers and community organizations make to the social, cultural, and economic development of our province; and
WHEREAS: It has been recognized that volunteers in Newfoundland and Labrador have a significant and positive impact on the quality of life for our citizens; and
WHEREAS: The City of St. John’s acknowledges the theme “EVERY MOMENT MATTERS” for Volunteer Week 2024 and recognizes the many people who contribute to our city by volunteering.
THEREFORE: I, Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary, do hereby proclaim April 14th – 20th 2024 as Volunteer Week in the City of St. John’s
World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, 2024WHEREAS: World Autism Awareness Day was created by the United Nations General Assembly and is acknowledged annually on April 2. The Autism Society, Newfoundland & Labrador (ASNL) continuously works to center Autistic voices and support individuals and families not only on April 2 but every day throughout the year; and
WHEREAS: Autism is a Neurotype and part of the range of natural variation in human neurological development. Human beings have a diverse range of Neurotypes. This diversity in human neurotype is what we call “Neurodiversity”. Neurodiversity is a part of nature’s normal biodiversity. This biodiversity ensures all species have healthy ecosystems in which to thrive. Autism is a Neuro developmental difference and may therefore, be on a different developmental timeline. Autistics may avail of supports in different areas at different times across their lifespan.
WHEREAS: ASNL is a team of autistics and accomplices that listens to, acts with and advocates for the autistic community. ASNL elevates autistic voices to shift the cultural understanding and societal competence towards neurodiversity-affirming systems, processes and understanding.
THEREFORE: I, Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary, do hereby proclaim April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day while committing to embrace neurodiversity today and every day throughout the year. I encourage all citizens to understand and embrace the differences and needs of others and to include everyone in activities and discussions.
Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial, April 1, 2024WHEREAS: The Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial; and
WHEREAS: For almost 100 years, the Royal Canadian Air Force and its personnel have been protecting Canada, its interest at home and abroad, and most importantly, its people. Whether it be protecting our aerospace from foreign incursion, or assisting with disaster relief, the Royal Canadian Air Force has stood ready to serve this great nation; and
WHEREAS: Locations across Canada will be illuminating the Skies with RCAF blue, City halls will be raising the RCAF flag, and gardens and greenspaces will be planting the official RCAF tulips, all in commemoration and celebration of the Centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force; and
WHEREAS: A sense of pride in the Royal Canadian Air Force, their Air Force, will be achieved, while also brining awareness to all of the amazing things that the RCAF and it’s personnel have accomplished in the past, continue to accomplish in the present, and will be accomplishing in the future; and
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim RCAF Centennial day in the City of St. John’s. |
March |
Easter Seals Month, March 1-31, 2024WHEREAS: Approximately 100,000 people of all ages in our province live with disabilities such physical, sensory, cognitive, or other disabilities that present barriers to full participation in society;
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February |
Heritage Day/Week, February 20, 2024WHEREAS: the third Monday in February is recognized nationally as Heritage Day; and
WHEREAS: Heritage Day and Heritage Week are a time to reflect on the achievements of past generations and to accept responsibility for protecting our heritage; and
WHEREAS: our citizens should be encouraged to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s uniqueness and to rejoice in our heritage; and
WHEREAS: in 2024 the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will celebrate our rich and diverse heritage.
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim Monday, February 19, 2024, as Heritage Day and February 19-25, 2024, as Heritage Week in the City of St. John’s, and call upon all citizens to celebrate the richness of our past and the promise of our future. Wear Red Canada Day, February 13, 2024WHEREAS, Heart disease is the number one killer of women worldwide and the leading cause of premature death for Canadian women, a fact unknown to many women and their healthcare providers; and
WHEREAS, The Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance is an organization of volunteer health professionals and patients working hard to improve women’s heart health; and
WHEREAS, Wear Red Canada Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness for all Canadians, but especially Canadian women, to be mindful, curious, and proactive in the management of their heart health and wellness; and
WHEREAS, We want to see better prevention, diagnosis, and care and fewer women dying prematurely from heart disease;
THEREFORE, I, Danny Breen, Mayor of the City of St. John’s, do hereby proclaim February 13, 2024, Wear Red Canada Day in the City of St. John’s. 211 Day, February 11, 2024WHEREAS: February 11 is proclaimed as 211 Day in Newfoundland and Labrador; and
WHEREAS: the main goal of 211 is to connect people in our province with the help they need when they need it most. 211 is in every province and territory and it is Canada's primary source of information and referral for government and community-based programs, as well as non-clinical and social services. It operates 24/7, is free and confidential, can accommodate over 150 languages, can accommodate people who are deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing, and wait times are minimal. We can connect people to clinical programs and services through live transfers. All calls are answered by trained and certified service navigators who are ready to listen, assess, provide service navigation and to advocate if needed; and
WHEREAS: 211 will be organizing building illuminations, encouraging municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador to proclaim February 11 as 211 Day, distributing 211 promotional materials, and offering information sessions both in-person and virtually to help the people in our province to learn more about 211; and
WHEREAS: these activities will create awareness of 211 and help people to recognize that 211 can be accessed by anyone living in Newfoundland at anytime by phone, chat, or the web; and
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim Sunday, February 11, as 211 Day in the City of St. John's. Congenital Heart Disease Week, February 7, 2024WHEREAS: Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common of all birth defects, occurring in about one in every 100 births in Canada. Heart defects are present at birth and affect the structure of the heart and how blood flows throughout the heart and body; and
WHEREAS: More than 50 percent of all children born with CHD will require at least one invasive surgery in their lifetime; and
WHEREAS: Survival of children with CHD has greatly improved thanks to advances in medical technology, but for some, CHD means lifelong cardiac care; and
WHEREAS: The Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance continues to bring awareness to the cause so that fundraising for research required to ensure access and advances to ongoing care and support for CHD patients continues.
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim February 7 to 14, as Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week in the City of St. John’s. |
January |
Black History MonthWHEREAS: Black History Month is an internationally recognized annual celebration designed to highlight and recognize the actions, achievements and contributions of Black people around the world;
WHEREAS: We currently live on unceded Indigenous territory, and Black Lives Matter NL knows that as there is no Black liberation on stolen land; and
WHEREAS: Black Lives Matter NL asks the City of St. John’s to recognize and strengthen the historical relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Black community; and
WHEREAS: Black people have been a part of Canada, since the early 1600’s, and have contributed to the country’s and province’s growth, despite the presence of systemic anti-Black racism and other forms of systemic oppression;
WHEREAS: The City of St. John’s recognizes the significant cultural, social, political and economic contributions that Black people continue to make to the City of St. John’s and across the province.
WHEREAS: Black Lives Matter NL is a non-profit organization that fights against anti-Black racism, supports the Black community of Newfoundland and Labrador, fosters Black-centric networks, and works towards liberation from all state-sanctioned forms of oppression, injustice violence and brutality against vulnerable and marginalized communities; and
WHEREAS: We ask that The City of St. John’s and community partners of BLMNL pledge to host inclusive events and activities which focus on celebrating Black peoples within the province in the month of February and throughout the year;
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim February as Black History Month in the City of St. John’s. National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack, January 29, 2024
Whereas: six persons were killed and 19 persons were injured by a gunman who entered the Islamic Cultural Centre of the City of Québec shortly after the end of evening prayers on January 29, 2017 and opened fire;
Whereas: this act of terror devastated the families and friends of the victims, Muslim communities in Quebec, across Canada and around the world, and all Canadians;
Whereas: it is important that Canadians have an opportunity to honour the memory of the victims, to recognize those who selflessly and courageously put themselves in harm’s way to protect others and to express solidarity with the survivors of this tragedy;
Whereas: Islamophobia, racism, violent extremism, and the denial of these realities are at the root of this horrifying crime;
Whereas: it is important that Canadians denounce Islamophobia and all other forms of racism, hate and religious discrimination and take action to combat them;
Therefore: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim January 29 as the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack. |
WHEREAS: There is an increasing interest in intentional youth development through recreation in Canada that is founded on a substantial and growing body of research to support the role of recreation in the positive development of youth. Meaningful youth engagement through recreation emphasizes access, equity and social justice and leads to positive youth development.
WHEREAS: National Youth Week reminds us all of the valuable contributions that recreation and parks can make to youth development and that youth can make to community development and with the knowledge that National Youth Week is endorsed by a network of agencies and individuals committed to the positive development of youth;
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim May 1 to 7, 2024, as Youth Week in the City of St. John’s.
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