About

Championing press freedom in Canada and abroad


World Press Freedom Canada succeeded Ottawa’s National Press Club in its role of monitoring press freedom issues nationally and globally in 2008. The committee was incorporated as a non-profit body to champion press freedom in Canada and abroad.

Our mission is to champion press freedom in Canada and around the world by advocating for the rights of journalists, celebrating the vital role of journalists in promoting transparency, accountability, and democracy in Canada and abroad and identifying press freedom violations.

Follow World Press Freedom Canada on Bluesky, YouTube, X and LinkedIn.

Contact us at:
info@worldpressfreedomcanada.ca

What We Do


Advocacy: We fight for stronger protections for journalists and media workers in legislation and in practice, ensuring they can work freely and securely.

Celebration: We recognize and honour the indispensable contributions of journalists and media workers, showcasing their role in fostering informed public discourse and democratic resilience.

Support: Whether through direct action, resources, or partnerships, we stand in solidarity with journalists and media workers facing threats, intimidation, or censorship. By championing the rights of the press, we champion the right of all people to access truthful and independent information—a cornerstone of any free and democratic society.

Board of Directors


Heather Bakken
Heather Bakken

President

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Janet E. Silver
Janet E. Silver

Vice President

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Shawn McCarthy
Shawn McCarthy

Past President

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Bea Vongdouangchanh
Bea Vongdouangchanh

Secretary

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Maeghan Ziebarth
Maeghan Ziebarth

Treasurer

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Sue Allan
Sue Allan

Director

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Guy Badeaux
Guy Badeaux

Director

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Dean Beeby
Dean Beeby

Director

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Roy Christensen
Roy Christensen

Director

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Lynn Desjardins
Lynn Desjardins

Director

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Leslie Dickson
Leslie Dickson

Director

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Alyson Fair
Alyson Fair

Director

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Howard Fremeth
Howard Fremeth

Director

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Susan Korah
Susan Korah

Director

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Kathryn May
Kathryn May

Director

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Gord McIntosh
Gord McIntosh

Director

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Elizabeth McSheffrey
Elizabeth McSheffrey

Director

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David Rodier
David Rodier

Director

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Joanna Smith
Joanna Smith

Director

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Greg Weston
Greg Weston

Director

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Hugh Winsor
Hugh Winsor

Director

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Committees


Our committees play a crucial role in advancing our mandate to champion press freedom at home and abroad and support democracy. By focusing on key areas such as advocacy, communications, events, fundraising, and governance, each committee contributes to creating a robust, informed, and engaged community that protects the rights of journalists and media workers. Our work on these committees help raise awareness, foster public dialogue, and provide essential resources, all of which are vital to ensuring that press freedom remains a cornerstone of democratic societies.

Advocacy & Education

This committee monitors press freedom issues, raises awareness, and proposes annual advocacy and education priorities. It coordinates with the Communications and Event Planning committees to implement activities, conduct research, and provide recommendations to support the organization’s mission.

Communications

Responsible for executing the communications plan, this committee
manages content development, translation, and publishing across various platforms. It updates the website, responds to ad-hoc communication requests, and provides regular updates to the board.

Newsletter Sub-Committee

The newsletter sub-committee publishes Dispatch, WPFC’s bimonthly newsletter. Members write and solicit content and works to increase awareness and sign-ups.

Social Media Sub-Committee

This sub-committee manages our social media presence on LinkedIn, X and Bluesky while engaging with relevant accounts, and amplifying WPFC’s activities through posts and graphics, helping to raise awareness of press freedom issues.

Event Planning

This committee develops and executes the Annual Event Workplan, coordinates press freedom-related activities, and manages events beyond the awards and luncheon.

Awards Sub-Committee

This sub-committee organizes the annual awards program, including drafting calls for nominations, soliciting submissions, and selecting winners for Press Freedom, Local Journalism, Career Achievement, and Student Achievement awards as well as the International Editorial Cartoon Contest.

Luncheon and VIP Reception Sub- Committee

This sub-committee plans and executes the annual Press Freedom Luncheon and VIP reception, coordinating venue, speakers, and promotional efforts. It works with the Communications committee to produce event materials, manage VIP attendance, and create event collateral.

Finance

This committee supports the Treasurer with financial planning and reporting, conducts research on banking and investment options, and leads fundraising efforts. This committee also manages donor engagement and ensures monthly financial updates are provided to the board.

Fundraising & Foundations Sub-Committee

This sub-committee focuses on fundraising strategies, maintains an updated prospectus, and engages potential donors. This committee collaborates with the Event Planning committee to create fundraising events and ensure financial sustainability.

Governance & Operations

This committee advises the Secretary and Executive on governance and operational improvements, recruits volunteers, and implements strategies to modernize WPFC’s organizational structure.

Get involved with World Press Freedom Canada

Are you passionate about protecting press freedom and supporting democracy? We invite you to get involved and make a meaningful impact.

Reach out today to learn more about how you can get involved.

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