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

This year's theme is all about mis/disinformation, fact-checking, and reporting on "forbidden subjects."

Successful applicants will participate in a three-day intensive program and learn the fundamentals of modern journalism, with an emphasis on digital platforms. In addition to journalistic skills, participants will learn about Canada's civil liberties challenges in 2024.

Through lectures and interactive sessions, attendees will learn about the latest trends and best practices in journalism, as well as the importance of upholding journalistic integrity in the face of censorship.

A highlight of the weekend will be a journalistic group assignment that a panel of senior journalists will grade and offer helpful, practical feedback – with a grand prize for the winning group!

Successful applicants will have all their travel costs (economy class), accommodations, and meals covered while at the conference. This truly is a one-of-a-kind, all-expenses-paid opportunity for young aspiring journalists in Canada!

The lineup of guest speakers includes Ezra Levant, David Menzies, Sheila Gunn Reid, Andrew Lawton, Sue-Ann Levy, David Freiheit (aka Viva Frei), Elie Cantin-Nantel, and we'll be joined by special guest Tamara Lich.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The conference is open to Canadians, permanent residents and non-Canadians with valid work permits interested in pursuing journalism in any medium
• Must be proficient in English
• Vacancies are open to applicants 18 to 30 years of age

Selection Criteria:

• Ambition and work ethic
• Journalistic integrity
• Would benefit personally and professionally from the conference and would be likely to make journalism a career
• A commitment to civil liberties

This conference offers not only a valuable learning experience but also serves as a job fair where attendees can network and engage with prominent journalists and Canadian news outlets, paving the way for future career opportunities.

Applications to attend the conference are open now! The deadline to apply is April 30, 2024.

Click here to apply now!

Conference candidates must first complete the application form. If chosen to continue in the application process, candidates will then be contacted to set up a Zoom interview with TDF staff before being accepted into the conference.

A special thank you to this year's sponsors, Rebel News, True North, The Western Standard, and The Independent Press Gallery of Canada, 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.