The Democracy Fund will host its fifth annual Student Journalism Conference in Toronto from August 28-30, 2026

This year's theme focuses on citizenship and civil liberties.

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 2026.

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!

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. Pave your way for future career opportunities alongside hands-on experiences like a professional headshot booth, pitch review sessions, and “Ask an Editor” office hours.

Attend the Independent Press Gallery Awards Luncheon

Conference attendees are invited as special guests to the Independent Press Gallery Awards Luncheon — a celebration of independent journalists whose reporting informs the public and uncovers important stories.

Students will meet experienced reporters, connect with leaders in independent media, and get a closer look at the kind of journalism that makes a real impact.

The luncheon will also feature the live announcement of the winning student assignment, giving participants the chance to be recognized in front of established journalists and media professionals.

Learn more about the awards here: www.independentpressgallery.com/ipg-awards

Priority Consideration Deadline: May 31, 2026
Final Application Deadline: June 14, 2026

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

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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Diego Machado
  Diego is a former human rights lawyer from Bogotá, Colombia, who began his career advocating for victims of the country’s armed conflict. After immigrating to Canada in 2013, he earned a master’s degree in international law from Université de Sherbrooke and went on to work across federal and provincial governments and in the settlement sector. He now works in the immigration field in Alberta and continues to advocate for human rights, newcomer integration, and individual liberties in Canada.

• Elie Cantin-Nantel
  Elie is the founder and publisher of EMCN Media, a new independent conservative media venture based in Ottawa, ON. Prior to starting his own business, he worked for several Canadian conservative outlets, beginning at The Post Millennial, then True North, and most recently The Hub,where he served as its Ottawa correspondent. Elie has covered Parliament Hill as one of the youngest journalists accredited by the Parliamentary Press Gallery, along with major political conventions and election campaigns. He is currently completing a Joint Honours degree in Communication and Political Science at the University of Ottawa.
  

• Caryma Sa’d
  Caryma is a Toronto-based lawyer and journalist, focusing on Canada’s protest circuit and hate industry. Her footage and commentary are relied upon by major broadcasters nationally and worldwide, including Associated Press, Canadian Press, CBC, CNN, Fox News, and Reuters.
  
  
• Kate Marland
  Kate Marland is deputy editor of conservative publication Without Diminishment. Formerly a commercial litigator in Ottawa, she also led the Canada Strong and Free Network’s Conservative Values Tomorrow mentorship program, where she developed a passion for identifying, organizing, and recruiting young people to champion responsible government and individual freedom. She holds a JD from the University of Ottawa, an MA in Fashion Studies from Ryerson, and a BA in Orchestral Performance from McGill.
  

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

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.
  
  
• 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 organizations. 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.
  
  
• Juno News
  Juno News is an independent Canadian media outlet launched in 2025 by journalists Candice Malcolm and Keean Bexte. It reaches over 10 million Canadians each month, with a readership spanning policymakers and the general public. The outlet is fully audience-funded and does not receive government support.

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

Apply Now Donate Become a Sponsor

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. 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.