6-K

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FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of October 2004 Commission File No.: 1-31349

THE THOMSON CORPORATION
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

Metro Center, One Station Place
Stamford, Connecticut 06902, United States
(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F o                        Form 40-F ý

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):                             

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):                             

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes o                        No ý

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82                             .

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Description
99.1	Press release dated October 28, 2004

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

THE THOMSON CORPORATION
By:	/s/  DEIRDRE STANLEY Name: Deirdre Stanley Title: Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Date: October 29, 2004

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EXHIBIT INDEX
SIGNATURES

EX-99.1

The Thomson Corporation Metro Center, One Station Place Stamford, CT 06902 Tel (203) 539-8000 www.thomson.com
News Release
Media Contact: Jason Stewart Vice President, Media Relations (203) 539-8339 jason.stewart@thomson.com For Immediate Release	Investor Contact: Frank J. Golden Vice President, Investor Relations (203) 539-8470 frank.golden@thomson.com

The Thomson Corporation Announces
C$900 Million Note Offering

STAMFORD, Conn., October 28, 2004 — The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC), one of the world's leading information services providers, today announced it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of Canadian investment dealers for a public offering in Canada of C$900 million (US$740 million) of notes.

        The offering includes C$300 million of 4.35% notes due December 1, 2009 and C$600 million of 5.20% notes due December 1, 2014. Thomson plans to use the net proceeds of the offering to partially fund its previously-announced redemption of C$1.2 billion of debt securities. The offering is expected to close on November 26, 2004, which is also the scheduled redemption date.

        The notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the notes and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. This press release is being issued pursuant to Rule 135c under the Securities Act.

This news release includes forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and reflect the Corporation's current expectations. These forward-looking statements, such as the Corporation's expectations regarding the offering and its expected use of proceeds, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. The Corporation can give no assurance that the offering will be completed. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations are discussed in the Corporation's materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States from time to time, including the Corporation's annual information form, which is contained in its annual report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2003. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.