The Democracy Fund is hosting its fifth annual Student Journalism Conference in Toronto this August—an all-expenses-paid, three-day program focused on digital journalism, civil liberties, and career-building with leading media professionals.
TORONTO: The Democracy Fund is pleased to announce its fifth annual Student Journalism Conference, taking place August 28–30, 2026, in Toronto.
This year’s conference will focus on citizenship and civil liberties, bringing together aspiring journalists from across Canada for a three-day intensive program. Participants will gain practical training in modern journalism, with a strong emphasis on digital platforms, while exploring the most pressing civil liberties issues facing Canadians today.
Successful applicants will take part in lectures, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions covering the latest trends and best practices in journalism. The program also emphasizes the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in an evolving media landscape.
A highlight of the conference will be a collaborative group assignment, where participants will produce a journalistic project evaluated by a panel of senior journalists. The winning team will receive a grand prize.
The conference also serves as a career-building opportunity, featuring networking events with prominent journalists and Canadian media organizations. Attendees will have access to professional development resources, including a headshot booth, pitch review sessions, and “Ask an Editor” office hours.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Open to Canadians, permanent residents, and non-Canadians with valid work permits
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Ages 18–30
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Proficient in English
Selection Criteria:
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Demonstrated ambition and strong work ethic
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Commitment to journalistic integrity
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Interest in pursuing journalism as a career
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Commitment to civil liberties
Application Deadlines:
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Priority Deadline: May 31, 2026
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Final Deadline: June 14, 2026
All accepted participants will have travel (economy class), accommodations, and meals fully covered, making this a unique, all-expenses-paid opportunity for emerging journalists.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY TODAY.
Featured Speakers Include:
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Ezra Levant, Founder of Rebel News
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David Menzies, Mission Specialist at Rebel News
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Sheila Gunn Reid, Alberta Bureau Chief, Rebel News
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Diego Machado, human rights advocate and immigration professional
Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sponsors:
The 2026 conference is supported by Rebel News, the Independent Press Gallery of Canada, and Juno News.
For sponsorship inquiries and job fair participation, please contact: [email protected]
A special thank you to this year's sponsors for their support in making our Student Journalism Conference possible. Their commitment to supporting independent media and advocating for freedom of the press is truly inspiring. TDF is deeply grateful for their partnership.
If you wish to support our conference, please click here to make a tax-deductible donation to fund our initiative.
Thank you for your contribution to the advancement of journalism and for empowering the upcoming generation of reporters and writers!
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and relieving poverty. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education and supports an access to justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.