Writers' Union of Canada
The Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC), founded in 1973, describes itself as supporting "the country's authors by advocating for their rights, freedoms, and economic well-being." Its members are professional writers who must have published at least one book. The union addresses government and industry about public lending rights, tax reform, copyright legislation, freedom of expression and other industry issues. The union also provides publications, professional development programs, contract advice, grievance assistance, manuscript evaluation service, group health benefits, funding for public and school readings and numerous opportunities for communication and networking within the industry. The  union administers the Danuta Gleed Literary Award for the best first collection of short stories in English published in Canada. The union also administers the Writing for Children Competition, Postcard Story Contest, and Short Prose Competition. Each year the union awards the Freedom to Read Award. Recipients have included authors Derek Finkle and Charles Montpetit as well as former MP Wendy Lill, Toronto lawyer Clayton Ruby, and Janine Fuller, owner of Vancouver's embattled Little Sisters bookstore. Heather Menzies is the chair of the Writers' Union of Canada. John Degen is its executive director. Past chairs have included noted authors  Marian Engel, Margaret Atwood, Pierre Berton, June Callwood, Timothy Findley, Graeme Gibson, Susan Musgrave, Paul Quarrington, Maggie Siggins, Susan McCaslin and Susan Swan. TWUC is based in Toronto.