The Democracy Fund is hosting our second annual Student Journalism Conference in Toronto from August 11 to 13, 2023.

The theme of this year's conference is Fighting Censorship.

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 2023.

Through workshops, panels, 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 special journalistic assignment that a panel of senior journalists will grade and offer helpful, practical feedback – with valuable prizes for the winners! 

Successful applicants will have all their air travel (economy class), accommodations, meals while at the conference, and commuting costs covered. 

The lineup of guest speakers includes Ezra Levant, Andrew Lawton, Aaron Gunn, Sheila Gunn Reid, Avi Yemini (virtually), Sarah Miller, David Menzies, Derek Fildebrandt, Harrison Faulkner, David Haskell, and several others.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The conference is open to Canadian, 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

Applications to attend the conference are no longer being accepted.

If you wish to support our conference, please click here to make a tax-deductible donation to fund our initiative.

Thank you for investing in the future of journalism and empowering the next generation of reporters and writers!

A special thank you to this year's sponsors, True North, Rebel News, and the Independent Press Gallery of Canada, for their support in making our Student Journalism Conference possible. Their unwavering dedication to independent media and passion for promoting free speech and journalism is inspiring, and TDF couldn't be more grateful for their partnership. Thank you for investing in the future of journalism and empowering the next 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.