Proclamations

Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, January, 2025

WHEREAS: The brave firefighters of the St. John’s Regional Fire Department put their lives on the line every day to protect our community, often facing dangerous and hazardous environments; and

WHEREAS: Research shows firefighters are at an elevated risk of developing various types of cancer due to exposure to toxic chemicals, carcinogens and smoke during firefighting and rescue operations; and

WHEREAS: Early detection, prevention, and improved safety measures, including protective equipment, are critical to reducing risks and protecting the health and well-being of our firefighters; and

WHEREAS: We recognize the need for increased education and awareness surrounding the risks of cancer for firefighters, the necessity for proactive action, and the importance of providing resources for affected individuals and their families;

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim January 2025 as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month in the City of St. John’s.

Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day, January 26, 2025

WHEREAS: Kawasaki Disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children and affects children around the globe. Early diagnosis is a matter of life or death and/or lifelong coronary distress. Early detection is critical; increased awareness of early symptoms is imperative to diagnosis and effective treatment. We want Kawasaki disease to be top of mind of Canadians and for us to increase awareness and save children's hearts from the effects of Kawasaki disease; and

WHEREAS: Kawasaki Disease Canada was incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act in May, 2014. In December 2015, Kawasaki Disease Canada became registered as a national charity.  Kawasaki Disease Canada’s mission is to ensure Kawasaki disease is top-of-mind for Canadians. Our vision is saving children’s hearts from the effects of Kawasaki disease; and

WHEREAS: Kawasaki Disease Canada is the only Canadian national charity working to improve outcomes of Kawasaki disease and at the forefront of Kawasaki disease issues by collaborating with families affected by the disease and medical professionals.  January 26 is the anniversary of the day in 1961 that Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki began to recognize a cluster of symptoms that led to the classification "Kawasaki disease". It has been more than 50 years, the cause of the disease is still unknown; and

WHEREAS: Increased awareness is imperative to save children’s hearts from the effects of KD. Kawasaki Disease Canada supports international partners in the quest to increase awareness and is pursuing this proclamation across Canada.

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim January 26, 2025, as Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day. in the City of St. John’s.

February

World Cancer Day, February 4, 2025

WHEREAS: Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. Every year we have around 4,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians diagnosed with cancer; and

WHEREAS: Many residents of St. John’s and other communities are affected by cancer - directly or indirectly; and

WHEREAS: Through the World Cancer Day, it is important to acknowledge the experiences of people affected by cancer and challenges they face, and have dialogues about how to better address their issues; and

WHEREAS: Recognizing the World Cancer Day will help increase awareness about this disease, and identify the impact of cancer on our population’s physical, psychological, social, financial, and medical wellbeing; and

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim February 4, 2025, as World Cancer Day in the City of St. John’s.

Wear Red Canada Day, February 13, 2025

WHEREAS, 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, 2025, Wear Red Canada Day in the City of St. John’s.

Heritage Day/Week, February 17-23, 2025

WHEREAS: 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 2025 the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will celebrate our rich and diverse heritage.

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim Monday, February 17, 2025, as Heritage Day and February 17-23, 2025, as Heritage Week, and call upon all citizens to celebrate the richness of our past and the promise of our future.

Scout Guide Week, February 17-22, 2025 

WHEREAS, the City of St. John’s recognizes the significant contributions of Scouting and Guiding organizations to the development of young people in our community; and

WHEREAS, Scouts and Guides provide opportunities for personal growth, leadership, outdoor education, and community service to youth of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities; and

WHEREAS, the values of Scouting and Guiding align with the City’s commitment to fostering engaged, responsible, and compassionate citizens; and

WHEREAS, February 17-22, 2025, marks Scout Guide Week, a time to celebrate the enduring legacy of these programs and their positive impact on individuals and the community as a whole;

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim 17-22 of February, as Scout Guide Week in the City of St. John’s.

March

World Poetry Day, March 18, 2025

WHEREAS:  UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, adopted March 21 as World Poetry Day with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard; and

WHEREAS:  Poetry is one of humanity's most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expressions – for its continual reinvigoration of language, its ability to teach old ideas new tricks, and its capacity to help us see the world anew and more fully understand the human experience; and

WHEREAS:  World Poetry Day is an occasion to honour poets, revive oral traditions of poetry recitals, promote the reading, writing, and teaching of poetry, foster the convergence between poetry and other arts such as theatre, dance, music, and painting, and raise the visibility of poetry in the media.

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim March 21, 2025, as World   Poetry Day in the City of St. John’s.

April

Records and Information Management Month, April 2025

WHEREAS: International Records and Information Management Month will take place in the month of April 2025; and

WHEREAS: Records and Information Management Month serves to increase awareness of the importance of maintaining secure, accessible, and well-organized information; and

WHEREAS: Effective management of records and information is critical to the efficient operation of the City’s governance and the delivery of public services as it encourages informed decision-making, regulatory compliance, record safeguards, and the preservation of municipal history; and

WHEREAS: The City acknowledges the value of sound records and information management practices and strives to foster a strong records and information management culture, supported by a mature Information Management program.

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2025 as Records and Information Management Month in the City of St. John’s.

Daffodil Month, April 2025

WHEREAS: People in our community have been directly affected by cancer and share a

strong bond with others who experience this disease; and

WHEREAS: The Canadian Cancer Society is proud to be a champion and voice for Canadians who care about cancer and is committed to uniting and inspiring Canadians to take control of cancer; and

WHEREAS: Through Daffodil Month, funds are raised to invest in research that will change the future of cancer and a support system that makes life better for those affected by cancer; and,

WHEREAS: Many of Canadian Cancer Society volunteers in St. John’s and local donors are part of a collective of people united by the same goals, helping people live longer and improving the lives and experiences of those affected by cancer; and

WHEREAS: The daffodil is the symbol of strength, courage, and life for those living with

cancer and for local people to rally around by donating, proudly wearing a daffodil pin,

buying a digital daffodil in honour or memory of a loved one, or volunteering; and

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim April 2025, as Daffodil Month in the City of St. John’s.

World Primary Immunodeficiency Week, April 22-29, 2025

WHEREAS:  Primary immunodeficiencies (PIs) are inherited, genetic conditions that affect immune system development, and/or how it functions. There are over 500 types which widely range in severity, and 70-90% of people with a PI are still undiagnosed worldwide; and

WHEREAS:  World Primary Immunodeficiency Week offers an opportunity for patients to inform and educate health policy-makers, schools and families, workplaces and the general public about primary immunodeficiencies to drive the earliest possible diagnosis and optimal treatment, while also allowing patients with a very rare disease to connect; and

WHEREAS:  The World PI Week theme for 2025 is “see the unseen: unite to uncover the true stories behind Primary Immunodeficiencies” which acknowledges that PIs influence lives in ways the world often does not see, that people living with a PI deserve recognition, empowerment and support, and that by sharing real stories, awareness can be turned into action, and action into progress; and

WHEREAS:  ImmUnity Canada will unite its supporters across Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada during World Primary Immunodeficiency Week by providing online awareness events for patients and their families and encouraging patients and caregivers to share their stories with the public.

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim April 22nd to April 29th, 2025, as World Primary Immunodeficiency Week in the City of St. John’s.

Volunteer Week, April 27-May 3, 2025

WHEREAS:   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 “VOLUNTEERS MAKE WAVES” for Volunteer Week 2025 and recognizes the many people who contribute to our city by volunteering.

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim April 27^th – May 3^rd, 2025, as

 Volunteer Week in the City of St. John’s.

May

Youth Week, May 1-7, 2025

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; and

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, 2025, as Youth Week in the City of St. John’s.

Municipal Awareness Week, May 4-10, 2025

WHEREAS: Municipal government is responsible for the provision of services that enhance the quality of life of its citizens; and

WHEREAS: Dedicated mayors, councillors and staff are essential for the effective governance of their municipalities; and

WHEREAS: Collaboration, partnership and citizen involvement are essential for active, sustainable and vibrant communities; and

WHEREAS: It is fitting and proper to recognize and encourage the contributions of all who work diligently for the improvement of our municipalities.

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim May 4-10 as Municipal Awareness Week in the City of St. John’s.

World Maternal Mental Health Day, May 7, 2025

WHEREAS: 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 professionals 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 7, 2025 as World Maternal Mental Health Day in the City of St. John’s.

Moose Hide Campaign Day, May 15, 2025

WHEREAS:  The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led, grassroots movement of men, boys and all Canadians standing up to end violence against women, children, and all those along the gender continuum; and

WHEREAS:  the Moose Hide Campaign was founded along the ‘Highway of Tears’ in British Columbia in response to the injustices and violence faced by many women and children in Canada, particularly those who are Indigenous; and

WHEREAS:  Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is at epidemic proportions across Canada with more than 4 in 10 women having experiences 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 six million moose hide pins that each spark five conversations about issues of violence against women, children and all those along the gender continuum; and

WHEREAS:  wearing the moose hide pin demonstrates a commitment to honour, respect and protect the women and children in your life, end gender-based violence and take meaningful action towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; and

WHEREAS:  participation in the Moose Hide Campaign is a concrete action for all citizens to address the legacies of colonization, residential schools and the reality of more than 1,200 missing or murdered women in Canada; and

WHEREAS:   engagement with the Moose Hide Campaign aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG2S+)

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2025, as Moose Hide Campaign Day in the City of St. John’s.

World Family Doctor Day, May 19, 2025

WHEREAS: World Family Doctor Day celebrated on May 19, 2025, offers an opportunity to recognize the exceptional efforts and unwavering commitment exhibited by family doctors to their patients; and

WHEREAS: This year’s theme has a focus on mental health with emphasis on the importance of both family doctors’ well-being and the well-being of our patients; and

WHEREAS: World Family Doctor Day recognizes the importance of family doctors and the role they play in healthcare in our province and its communities; and

WHEREAS: The Endeavor 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, 2025, as World Family Doctor Day in the City of St. John’s.