The Democracy Fund hosted its third annual Student Journalism Conference and Job Fair in Toronto from July 12 to 14, 2024.

The theme focused on misinformation/disinformation, fact-checking, and reporting on "forbidden subjects."

Successful applicants engaged in a three-day intensive program covering modern journalism fundamentals, with a focus on digital platforms and Canada's civil liberties in 2024. Through lectures and interactive sessions, attendees learned the latest trends and best practices in journalism, emphasizing the importance of upholding journalistic integrity amid censorship.

Lineup of guest speakers:

• Ezra Levant
  Founder and owner of Rebel News and the host of The Ezra Levant Show. He is the author of multiple best-selling books, including Ethical Oil and most recently, China Virus.
• Amy Hamm
  She is a co-founder of the nonpartisan organization CaWsbar, Canadian Women's Sex-Based Rights. Amy holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Thompson Rivers University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of British Columbia.
  
• Sue Ann Levy 
  Canadian writer, investigative reporter, author, and former political columnist for the Toronto Sun and Postmedia, who focused on municipal and social issues in Ontario.
  
• "Viva Frei" David Freiheit
  Canadian lawyer and political commentator 
• David Menzies
  David “The Menzoid” Menzies is the Rebel News "Mission Specialist." The Menzoid is equal parts outrageous and irreverent as he dares to ask the type of questions those in the Media Party would rather not ponder.
  
• Elie Cantin-Nantel
  Journalist, Columnist & Commentator with The Hub 
  
• Sheila Gunn Reid
  Sheila is the Alberta Bureau Chief for Rebel News and host of the weekly The Gunn Show with Sheila Gunn Reid. She's a mother of three, conservative activist, and the author of best-selling books including Stop Notley.
  
• Andrew Lawton
  Canadian journalist, politician, author, and former radio broadcaster known for his work with conservative media, including True North and CFPL (AM) in London. He is the author of a book on the Freedom Convoy protest and a biography of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
• Tamara Ugolini
  Tamara is a human rights activist turned journalist and is the Senior Editor at Rebel News. Motherhood introduced her to parental rights advocacy and what it means to have true, informed consent. She critiques the shortcomings of "Big-Policy" on the individual and questions mainstream narratives.
• Keean Bexte
  Journalist at The Counter signal 

Meet our sponsors:

• Rebel News
  Rebel News, founded in 2015, prides itself on telling the other side of the story. They follow the facts wherever they may lead — even if that conflicts with the official narrative of the establishment. Rebel News fights for freedom of speech both for themselves and for those with whom we disagree — that’s how freedom of speech works. They believe any and every idea ought to be open to criticism and debate. And they are not afraid to champion people who have been forgotten by the establishment. Rebel News is one of the few media outlets that has the power, freedom, and reach to challenge the views presented in the mainstream media.
  
  
• True North
  True North is a Canadian digital media platform that seeks to provide Canadians with fair, accurate, truthful and fact-based news reports, analysis, investigative reports, podcasts, interviews and documentaries.
  
  
• The Western Standard
  The Western Standard, founded in 2004, is an independent source of news and commentary fighting for a strong and free Western Canada, committed to the truth even when it hurts, and opposed to any government funding, regulation or intervention of the press.
  
  
• The Independent Press Gallery of Canada
  The Independent Press Gallery of Canada (IPG) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to independent, non-governmental journalist organisations. IPG helps protect the rights of journalists and promote a culture of free and independent media in Canada. Providing member services that range from press credentials to internships, advice and other assistance, IPG strongly stands for the independence and rights of its journalists.
  
  
• The Counter Signal
  The Counter Signal, founded by Keean Bexte, is an alternative to mainstream media that offers a news and culture podcast. Listeners can tune in to challenge media misinformation and access unbiased, non-government-funded news. The Counter Signal is dedicated to preserving freedom of speech and delivering the truth.

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.

For those interested in sponsoring our conference as a partner and participating in our job fair, please email [email protected]. 

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. TDF 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.