Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ)

The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) is an independent, not-for-profit organization established in 1978, dedicated to advocating for and providing professional development to journalists across Canada. Its core mission is to promote excellence in journalism, encourage investigative reporting, serve as the national voice for Canadian journalists, and uphold the public's right to know. The CAJ's headquarters are located in Toronto, Ontario.

The CAJ offers a range of services including professional development programs such as an annual national conference, regional learning opportunities, and a mentorship program. It actively engages in advocacy on critical issues like source protection, freedom of information, public disclosure, and fostering diversity of voices within newsrooms. The association also maintains ethics guidelines and hosts an annual awards program that recognizes outstanding Canadian journalism, particularly in investigative work. Additionally, the CAJ launched the Canadian News Industry Peer Support (CNIPS) program in May 2025 to support journalists with work-related mental health challenges.

Under the leadership of President Brent Jolly, the CAJ continues to be a prominent voice in the Canadian media landscape. Recent activities include decrying Rogers Sports & Media layoffs, endorsing calls for Anti-SLAPP legislation in Alberta to protect free speech, and expressing deep concern over RCMP requests for media to check with police before publishing news stories. The organization is also committed to promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) within the journalism industry.