CJFE launches new fellowship supporting Canadian free expression initiatives

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015-2016 Bob Carty Free Expression Fellowship

TORONTO, May 21, 2015 /CNW/ - Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) is excited to announce the Bob Carty Free Expression Fellowship, which will provide financial support to individuals or groups working on projects that further the growth of free expression in Canada.

The Fellowship will be awarded annually to aid projects that contribute to the protection and analysis of free expression issues in Canada. CJFE welcomes application submissions for a range of projects:

• Academic research
• Enterprise or investigative journalism
• Events or conferences
• Other projects that will enhance transparency and accountability in Canada

Fellowship applicants must demonstrate a clear link to a free expression issue in Canada and make a solid contribution to advancing this issue. This year's recipient will receive a grant of up to $7,000.

"This Fellowship represents an important opportunity to make real and lasting improvements to the free expression landscape in Canada," said CJFE's executive director Tom Henheffer. "Change does not come easily but through this new Fellowship, CJFE and its recipients will be able to make a real difference."

The Fellowship has been created in memory of Bob Carty, a tireless defender of free expression and press freedom for all Canadians, as well as a multiple award-winning journalist, activist, and veteran CJFE Board member.  Bob passed away in September 2014, and CJFE is honoured to be able to continue his legacy with this new initiative.

"Bob's contributions to protecting and improving free expression in Canada were incomparable and will be deeply missed," said CJFE president Arnold Amber. "By supporting projects that will carry forward his life's work, passion, and activist spirit, we hope to encourage more Canadians to follow Bob's inspiring path to creating a better nation." 

The deadline for application submissions for the 2015-2016 Fellowship is Friday, June 26, 2015. The first fellowship will commence in September 2015.

More information on the program is available at cjfe.org/cartyfellowship.

About CJFE

CJFE monitors, defends and reports on free expression and access to information in Canada and abroad. Rooted in the field of journalism, we promote a free media as essential to a fair and open society. CJFE boldly champions the free expression rights of all people, and encourages and supports individuals and groups in the protection of their own and others' free expression rights. cjfe.org

SOURCE Canadian Journalists for Free Expression

For further information and media enquiries, please contact: Tom Henheffer, CJFE Executive Director, [email protected], 416-515-9622 x. 226