# Canadian Association of Journalists

The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ; in French: Association Canadienne des Journalistes) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and professional development for journalists across Canada. Founded in 1978, the CAJ promotes excellence in journalism and encourages investigative journalism.

## History

The CAJ was established in 1978 as the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) to support investigative reporters working in isolation within newsrooms. One of its key initiatives, the Canadian Committee to Protect Journalists, later evolved into Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE). In 1990, the organization rebranded as the Canadian Association of Journalists to reflect a broader mandate encompassing all forms of journalism.

## Awards

The CAJ annually recognizes outstanding journalism in Canada, with a focus on investigative reporting. The awards are presented at the organization's annual conference.

### Investigative Journalism Awards

* Don McGillivray Award for Investigative Journalism (selected from investigative categories)
* Open Newspaper/Wire Service (articles published in newspapers or wire services)
* Community Newspaper (articles in newspapers with circulation under 25,000 or publishing fewer than five times a week)
* Magazine (articles published in Canadian magazines)
* Open Television (under and over five minutes runtime categories)
* Regional Television (broadcast on local or regional stations)
* Open Radio News or Current Affairs (audio broadcasts of any length)
* CAJ/Marketwired Data Journalism (entries utilizing data journalism techniques)

### General Awards

* Photojournalism (portfolio showcasing journalistic vision and quality)
* Scoop (first reports breaking significant information)
* Daily Excellence (outstanding daily, deadline-driven reporting)
* Print Feature (non-investigative articles in newspapers or magazines)

### Special Awards

* jhr/CAJ Award for Human Rights Reporting (journalism exposing human rights violations, international in scope)
* CWA Canada/CAJ Award for Labour Reporting (journalism highlighting labour and workplace issues)
* CAJ/CNW Group Student Award of Excellence (recognizing excellence in student journalism)
* Code of Silence Award (highlighting government secrecy and lack of transparency)

## Membership and Programs

The CAJ operates as a membership-based organization, providing various programs and professional development opportunities for journalists across Canada.

### Membership Benefits

Members of the CAJ receive access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities, including:
* Annual CAJ Conference – A national gathering featuring workshops, panel discussions, and networking events.
* EU-Canada Young Journalist Fellowship – An annual fellowship providing selected young journalists the opportunity to visit European Union institutions in Brussels.
* Inside Scoops – A series of workshops covering investigative techniques, newsroom challenges, and emerging media trends.
* Slack Channel – A dedicated space for members to network, share job opportunities, and discuss journalism-related topics.
* Membership Directory – An exclusive directory of journalists for professional connections and collaborations.

## Governance

The CAJ is governed by a board of directors elected through national and regional elections. Members must be practicing journalists as defined by the CAJ bylaws.

### Past Presidents

| Term in Office | President |
| 2020-present | Brent Jolly |
| 2018-2020 | Karyn Pugliese |
| 2015-2018 | Nick Taylor-Vaisey |
| 2011-2015 | Hugo Rodrigues |
| 2007-2011 | Mary Agnes Welch |
| 2003-2007 | Paul Schneidereit |
| 2001-2003 | Robert Cribb |
| 1999-2001 | Boni Fox |
| 1996-1999 | Tom Arnold |
| 1994-1996 | Wendy McLellan |
| 1992-1994 | David Stewart-Patterson |
| 1991-1992 | Shirley Muir |
| 1990 | Julian Sher |
| 1988-1990 | Stephen Bindman |
| 1986-1988 | Don McGillivray (Centre for Investigative Journalism) |
| 1985-1986 | Nick Fillmore (Centre for Investigative Journalism) |
| 1983-1984 | Wendy Jackson (Centre for Investigative Journalism) |
| 1982-1983 | Harvey Schachter and Jean Dussault (Centre for Investigative Journalism) |
| 1978-1981 | Jock Ferguson and Jean-Claude Leclerc (Centre for Investigative Journalism) |

## External Links

* Official website
* Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE)