From May 26–28, around 140 CMG members gathered as delegates to the CMG 2025 Convention in Toronto. The convention is a time for delegates to represent the interests of all members by voting on resolutions and amendments that guide the work of elected CMG representatives for the duration of their term.
The convention’s 2025 theme: Our Media, Our Voice, highlighted the critical role a healthy Canadian media ecosystem plays in representing the voices and interests of Canadians. Over two days, key speakers explored various aspects within that theme.
CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. gave a rousing speech about the importance of union solidarity in winning fights to improve the working conditions of workers.
CWA-Canada President Carmel Smyth reflected on the impact of the political landscape on journalists, and the important role media workers play in a healthy democracy.
April Lindgren, professor and founder of the Local News Research Project, spoke about the spread of local news deserts in Canada, likening access to local news to that of emergency services or safe drinking water.
Adrian Harewood, Associate Professor at Carleton University and journalist for over a quarter century, opened day two of CMG’s 2025 Convention with a presentation on the history of Black Canadian Journalism. He noted that journalists contribute to the shaping of history through the stories covered. In speaking about covering Gaza, he noted that media workers play an important role in speaking out about issues so they are not ignored by the public. He spoke about how Henry Bibb and his wife, Mary Bibb, started publishing Voice of the Fugitive , Canada’s first Black newspaper, in 1851 to advocate for the enslaved and uplift the free. Harewood continues to share his writing in Ricochet Media, and through hosting the In Bed with the Elephant podcast.
Vincent Pasquier, Associate Professor at HEC Montréal, gave a short presentation on research conducted by the Obvia team on generative AI and the journalism profession. He emphasized that their analysis highlights the need for collective regulation of AI use.
Dan Oldfield was recognized with the Meritorious Service Award for his significant contribution as both a CMG-elected member and former CMG staff member.
Michael D’Souza, a long-time union activist, chaired the convention and guided delegates through Robert’s Rules of Order as they actively debated and voted on bylaw amendments and resolutions.
Read more about the resolutions adopted.
See the gallery of photos.
Stay tuned to our communications to read more about how your CMG National Executive Committee is acting on those resolutions.