Dear Siblings,

It has been a roller coaster of emotions over the last month. I have absolutely loved serving CMG members over the past three years and had hoped to continue for another term. While the election results were not what I expected, I fully respect the democratic process and I’m grateful for the trust members placed in me. 

Though the learning curve of becoming the CMG President was steep and the challenges often daunting, it has been my honour to serve and represent you as president of the Canadian Media Guild for the last three years.

I came into this role with some very simple goals: 

• protect CBC/Radio-Canada from the threat of defunding, 
• advocate for the members of our smaller branches who are hit hard by the changes in the Canadian media ecosystem, 
• ensure that all CMG staff positions were filled and improve the CMG staff working environment to ensure retention and stable services for our members, 
• reboot the member training programme that had been derailed by the pandemic,
• and bring in a new member data management system that was modern, streamlined and would improve and accelerate service delivery.

I leave my position as president knowing that all my goals were achieved. Following the results of the election, I started working with your new CMG president, Jane Robertson, and I feel very confident that the Guild is in good hands.

My mandate ends December 31. I will be continuing the transition with Jane when she starts her mandate on the first day of 2026. I’m going back to my position as Digital News Producer in Vancouver and plan to stay active as a member of the CMG. I’m also ready to refocus on my family and on navigating the realities of being a neurodivergent parent supporting a neurodivergent child.

Being a neurodivergent parent has shown me firsthand the importance of advocacy, both at home and at work. The work we do together as union members to protect rights, improve conditions, and ensure everyone has a voice reflects those values of fair treatment and inclusive practices. I encourage all members to stay engaged, participate actively, and use your voice in the Guild so we can continue making a real difference for ourselves, our colleagues, and the next generation of media workers.

With December holidays upon us and its many festivities, I think of all the media workers who will be working to keep Canadians informed and entertained, those who work in locations too far from their families to return, those who are covering wars, conflicts and tragedies, and those whose circumstances find them on their own. I have been you and understand how acute the loneliness can be when you are in these situations. Just know that you are not alone!

For those who will be celebrating with loved ones, cherish those moments!

To all CMG members and Staff, I wish a happy, safe and welcoming and happy working environment in 2026.

In Solidarity always,

Annick Forest

Outgoing president of the CMG

Please note that the CMG national office will be closed from December 24 – January 3, with staff returning to work on January 5. For any urgent inquiries during this time, please contact tali@cmg.ca