Canadian Journalism Collective Announces First Funding Distribution, New Executive Director, and Full Board of Directors

For Immediate Release—The Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC-CCJ) is proud to announce three major milestones in strengthening independent journalism across Canada: the distribution of its first round of funding, the appointment of its inaugural Executive Director, and the election of its first full Board of Directors.

On March 11, the CJC-CCJ began distributing funding to Canadian news businesses as part of its role implementing Canada’s landmark agreement with Google to distribute $100 million annually to the Canadian news ecosystem. An initial tranche of $17.25 million in payments were made to eligible news businesses. Additional payments will roll out between now and the end of April. This funding supports for-profit and nonprofit outlets, large and small organizations, Anglophone and Francophone media, and publications serving Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities.

Additionally, the Collective is pleased to welcome Sarah Spring as its first Executive Director. With an extensive background in advocacy and governance, Spring brings a deep understanding of media policy and organizational leadership to the role. She previously served as Executive Director of the Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC), where she played a pivotal role in advocating for documentary filmmakers in the passing and implementation of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11), positioning documentary production as essential to Canadian culture.

At DOC, Sarah led governance reforms that ensured 50% representation of Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals on its national board of directors, successfully doubled the organization’s membership to a record 1,500 members, and led industry-wide initiatives focused on mental health and well-being. Based in Montreal, she previously served as President of the board of directors of the Rencontres Internationales du Documentaire de Montréal (RIDM), and served for many years on the board of directors of the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC creators.

“I have spent my career advocating for independent media and ensuring that all voices are seated at the table,” said Sarah Spring, Executive Director of the CJC-CCJ. “The CJC-CCJ represents a transformative moment for independent journalism in Canada. Just as the audiovisual sector has navigated Bill C-11, the journalism community has worked through the complexities of C-18, creating a rare opportunity to shape a media landscape that is more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative. I am inspired by the Collective’s mission and honoured to lead this critical work at such a pivotal moment.”

The CJC-CCJ is also pleased to announce the election of its first full board of directors, representing a broad and diverse spectrum of Canada’s media landscape, ensuring that the Collective remains transparent, equitable, and positioned for long-term success :

• Emma Carver – Torstar
• Paul MacNeill – Island Press
• Simon Brisson – Journal Le Charlevoisien
• Dru Oja Jay – The Breach
• Sophie Gaulin – La Liberté
• Maureen Googoo – Ku’ku’kwes News
• Jasmine Kang – Global Korean Post
• Francis Sonier – l’Acadie Nouvelle
• Scott Pettigrew – Acadia Broadcasting Corporation
• Gabriel van Loon – Van Loon Simmons Professional Corporation
• Catherine Edwards – Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations
• Amélie Hinse – Fédération des télévisions communautaires autonomes du Québec
• Louis Béland – Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada
• Rob Hailman – Trent Radio
• Cal Millar – CHCH

This newly elected board will provide governance and oversight as the CJC-CCJ distributes funding and champions a more sustainable, diverse, and independent Canadian news ecosystem.

Erin Millar, outgoing chair of the CJC-CCJ, thanked the interim board – Jean LaRose (Dadan Sivunivut), Gabrielle Brassard-Lecours (Pivot), Adam Raeburn (Moose FM), Cathy Edwards (CACTUS) and Dru Jay (The Breach) – for their tireless work to establish the CJC-CCJ.

“Four months after receiving a strong five-year endorsement from the CRTC, the CJC-CCJ has reached an unprecedented milestone, establishing a fully operational fund and setting a new global standard for transparency, equity, and innovation,” said Millar. “As we hand over leadership to the new executive team and elected board, I am confident that the CJC-CCJ is well positioned to take on the next stage of work: defending the Online News Act, promoting innovation in local news markets, evaluating its impact, and advocating on behalf of the entire industry to forge a sustainable path for the future.”

About the Canadian Journalism Collective

The Canadian Journalism Collective-Collectif Canadien de Journalisme (CJC-CCJ) is a federally incorporated nonprofit organization created for the purpose of distributing funds allocated under the Online News Act. The (CJC-CCJ) was founded in May 2024 by a diverse group of news publishers and broadcasters to promote sustainability, equity, and innovation in the implementation of the Online News Act and regulations.

Our overriding objective is to ensure that the Act and regulations are implemented in a way that supports the full diversity of Canadian media, including traditional print and broadcast organizations, new, innovative emerging media, and independent local news media. This spirit and substance were reflected in the CJC-CCJ’s proposal to Google to act as the distributor of the $100 million annually that, pursuant to the Online News Act, it is investing in strengthening the Canadian journalism ecosystem.

For more information, please contact:

Gabrielle Brassard-Lecours

info@cjc-ccj.ca