Annual general meeting 2026

Motion

Moved by Gael Spivak

I move that “important documents such as strategic plans” be added to this clause in the Consultation Policy.

“Matters that affect the association and its members include the following: 

• reputational matters, such as appearance, values and broad communication themes 
• governance structures, such as committees, twig co-chairs and executives (branch executives and national executive council) 
• decision-making discussions, by committees, twig co-chairs, branch executives and the national executive council
• decisions made by the national executive council 
• volunteer relations”

Supporting statement

Some people thought that the most recent strategic plan did not have to go to members for a formal consultation. The reasoning was that the NEC had already consulted on the input into it. This created dissent when it came time to vote on the plan, and the inevitable consultation that members wanted ended up causing lengthy delays.

Adding wording about documents will make it clear that end documents (not just the process leading to those documents) need to be sent for member consultation.

Motion

Moved by Heather Buzila

I move that Editors Canada eliminates the position of executive director and adds the position of administrative director, with duties to be defined in relevant policy documents.

Rationale:

• In 2025, having an administrative director instead of an executive director allowed Editors Canada to save approximately $36,500 on staff/contractor salaries, which also led to the projected deficit for 2025 being reduced by approximately $25,000. So far for 2026, having an administrative director instead of an executive director is allowing Editors Canada to project a modest surplus of $8,000 after three years of deficits.
• Continuing with the administrative director model would allow the organization to save costs while going through a period of difficulty (i.e., low volunteer engagement and lower memberships).
• As a member-run organization, having an administrative director is a more appropriate model than having an executive director. The administrative director has a limited scope of practice and authority, generally restricted to managing the day-to-day operations of the organization. All major decisions are made by the members and the national executive council. By formalizing the administrative director role, we are ensuring that Editors Canada remains a member-run organization.
• Staff have said that the shift to administrative director has been quite smooth and that the administrative director has still been available for what is typically needed in the day-to-day (e.g., payments, information on process/procedure, leadership).
• The changes to the Editors Canada bylaws that would be required are very small, consisting of changes to two sentences in the “Officers” section of the bylaws. Changes to policies and procedures could be made throughout 2026/2027, with members voting on any necessary documents at the 2027 AGM.

Motion

Moved by Greg Ioannou

I move that all the association’s policies and procedures/guidelines revert back to all of them being voted on by members, instead of some being voted on by members and some by the national executive council.

Supporting statement

The initial governance task force was set up in 2011 to make sure that the association’s bylaw and policies aligned with the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. The task force members did a great deal of work to make sure the old policies were divided into policies and procedures (or guidelines, depending on which category they fell into) and that they followed best practices for effective governance documents.

Until then, all the governance documents could be changed only by a vote of members (directors alone could not change them). The task force thought that moving certain administrative documents to the national executive council would still preserve the member-run nature of the association but would be more flexible. Underpinning this was the belief that past values of members would continue to be respected in the documents.

The recent dissent over whether to remove nominators from one of the association’s most important awards (the President’s Award for Volunteer Service), and members requiring a vote on it, has revealed a vulnerability in the governance documents that the task force did not anticipate. In order to preserve the member-run nature of the organization, it is better to go back to the previous system: any changes to these documents should go to members for a vote.

Motion

Moved by Greg Ioannou

I move that a sentence be added to the Decision Making Procedures to require that the NEC record AGM decisions in the Decision Log for Editors Canada Annual General Meetings, 1979-present by October of each year.

Supporting statement

The Decision Log is an important tool for members to make sure that directors know what member decisions at AGMs must be adhered to. It hasn’t been up to date in the last few years without a former director asking about it. As of March 2026, the 2025 AGM motions and member votes were not recorded on it.

Having the requirement to update it in an official procedure document will make the task more likely to get done in a timely manner each year.

Motion

Moved by Joanne Findon and Joanna Odrowaz

We move that the national executive council set up a task force to determine what areas of artificial intelligence (AI) (including generative AI) Editors Canada should focus on, to take advantage of new work opportunities and to tackle the risks that AI presents for editors.

Supporting statement

Editors Canada members have had numerous conversations about editing and AI. There may be many opportunities that could benefit editors.

The participants in a recent Editors’ Vine meeting agreed that we should determine what topics to focus on so that we can concentrate our resources in areas that bring the greatest benefit to members, in terms of work, as well as the association’s possible position(s) on AI. We want to avoid missing out by not considering all the potential outcomes.

We think a task force should be set up to explore these questions and determine the association’s focus. For example, the task force might examine the ethics of working with AI, changes to scope of work when editing AI-generated work, how to promote the value of using trained editors to work on AI-generated texts, and getting work from AI failures (bias, fact checking, plain language, miscited references, and others).

Motion

Moved by Greg Ioannou

I move

• that Editors Canada members develop a strategic plan based on CIEP’s strategic plan, adding some of the ideas from the proposed strategic plan, the comments on that plan, the members’ discussions on the various social media, and discussions among members. 
• that the NEC encourage members to be part of the discussions to develop the plan.
• that Editors Canada schedule a members’ meeting before the end of 2026 to vote on the plan the members draft. 

Supporting statement

The proposed strategic plan was not adopted, and Editors Canada does not have money available to hire a consultant to help develop another strategic plan. 

But our association is made up of talented writers and editors – as shown by the constructive comments of the 37 members who commented on the plan. 

We’ve already done a lot of the thinking, in the discussions of the proposed plan, in the comments on that plan, and in ideas in discussions of future strategies in several discussions on Facebook, the forum and Discord. 

Many people think that AI is threatening the future of our profession. This is a terrible time to be moving forward with no plan. We have excellent ideas on how to move forward. We have the people who can develop a plan. Let’s just do it. 

How? Online meetings of anyone who is interested in contributing. This won’t exactly be the first time members have gotten together to draft a complex document. 

CIEP has a good strategic plan for an editors’ association. It would give us a basic framework that we could build on. 

Link to the CIEP plan here:  https://www.ciep.uk/about-the-ciep/governance-and-reports.html

Motion

Moved by Alex Benarzi

If the motion to eliminate the position of executive director and add the position of administrative director is adopted, I move that we amend Section 6.01, subsection e, as shown below.

Current bylaws:

6.01.e) Executive Director – The Executive Director shall be the chief executive officer of the Association and shall be responsible for implementing the strategic plans and policies of the Association. The Executive Director shall, subject to the authority of the Executive Council, have general supervision of the affairs of the Association.

Proposed amendment:

6.01.e) Administrative Director – The Administrative Director shall oversee the day-to-day operations of the Association. The Administrative Director shall, subject to the authority of the Executive Council, have general supervision of the staff and financial management of the Association.

Background:

Section 6.01 of the bylaws contains the descriptions of the officers. As the description of the former executive director position differs in scope from the newly created administrative director position, the bylaws should reflect the updated scape and name change. The scope outlined in the proposed bylaw amendment reflects how the role of administrative director has differed from the role of executive director during this trial year.

Online meeting participation

1. Why do I have to register in advance?

Members always need to register to attend a general meeting of the association. When members attend in person, they do this on-site, at the door. To allow members to participate online, we need some lead time to sort out the logistics of the platform, including buying a large enough virtual meeting space for everyone who wishes to attend.

2. What is the deadline to register if I want to attend the meeting online?

You must register no later than Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., ET (four business days before the meeting).

3. I’m not sure I can attend. Should I register anyway?

Yes, please do. You must register by the deadline to receive a link to the meeting. You will not be able to attend without this link, so it’s important to register if you think you might attend the meeting online.

4. How do I register?

Please visit the registration page by Friday, June 19, 2026, and follow the steps to register. You will then receive a confirmation email that contains a unique registration URL that will allow you to access the AGM on Thursday, June 25, 2026, on Zoom. You will also receive an automatically generated reminder email the day before the meeting.

5. Can I share my registration URL with anyone else?

No. Each member who registers will receive a unique URL to access the online meeting. Please do not share your URL. If another person uses your unique URL before you do, you will not be able to log in to the meeting.

6. I’m a student affiliate. Can I register for the AGM?

Student affiliates are allowed to attend the AGM, but they are not permitted to vote. Because we can’t prevent an online participant from voting on Zoom, students who wish to attend this year’s AGM must do so by phone. Please note that Zoom does not offer a Canadian toll-free number to join meetings and webinars, so long distance charges may apply. See Zoom’s international dial-in numbers.

If you are a student affiliate who would like to call in to hear this year’s AGM, please email communications@editors.ca by Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

7. Who do I contact if this doesn’t work?

If you have technical difficulties, see the Zoom FAQ page. We recommend logging into Zoom using your registration URL at least 10 to 15 minutes ahead of the meeting time to check that everything is working and to become familiar with the virtual meeting room.

8. Where can I find the agenda for the meeting?

Here is the agenda, including the supporting documents.

9. What if my computer breaks down, or I lose my Internet connection, or there is a power outage during the meeting? What if I have to leave the meeting?

If something happens at your end that is beyond our control, and you cannot solve it while the meeting is in progress, you will miss the rest of the meeting. Be sure to test your equipment and Internet service ahead of time and have a backup plan if needed.

The meeting can continue even if some members leave before it is over. According to the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, “If a quorum is present at the opening of a meeting of members, the members present may, unless the by-laws otherwise provide, proceed with the business of the meeting, even if a quorum is not present throughout the meeting.” (Section 164.3)

If there is a prolonged power outage at the hosting end, or if the software we are using fails, we may need to reschedule the meeting. We will contact you by email if this happens.

Proxy information

1. I can’t attend the meeting. Can I vote by proxy?

Yes. Members who cannot attend may authorize another member to vote on their behalf by giving that member a signed proxy.

To do so, download and complete the proxy form (for association members only) and send it to the member you wish to empower to vote on your behalf.

Your chosen proxy-holder must be a member and must register the signed proxy by sending it to the national secretary by Friday, June 19, 2026.

If you wish, you may appoint the national secretary as your proxy-holder. Email your signed proxy to the secretary at secretary@editors.ca by Friday, June 19, 2026.

2. How will online proxies be managed?

During the AGM, online proxies will be counted along with all other online votes. In this case, the secretary will receive the list of online proxies ahead of time to confirm which proxies have been assigned to which members. Those members who are proxy-holders and attending the AGM online will be able to vote on behalf of those who appointed them by using the messaging feature in Zoom. The secretary will record the votes manually during the voting process.

Please note, if you give someone your proxy, you can’t attend the meeting. We can’t set up an arrangement that would technically permit someone to vote twice (once by the proxy they gave to someone else ahead of time, and once themselves during the meeting). (Learn how to revoke a proxy.)

3. What does the Editors Canada bylaw say about proxies?

Proxy voting is covered in section 3.11 of the bylaw: Absentee Voting at Members’ Meetings.

4. Can I mail in my proxy to the national office?

Yes. The national office receives scans of mail sent to a virtual mailbox and will forward any proxies to the national secretary by email.

Mail your proxy to:

Editors Canada
2967 Dundas Street West #1449
Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Z2

Proxies sent by mail must be received by the national office no later than 11:59 p.m., ET, on Friday, June 19, 2026.

5. What if I give my proxy to someone and then decide to attend the online meeting myself?

In this case, you must revoke your proxy. If your proxy-holder planned to attend online, send an email to the secretary (secretary@editors.ca) by Friday, June 19, 2026.

6. What if I register for the online meeting but then find out I cannot attend?

You can still participate by giving a signed proxy to someone who will attend online so that person can vote on your behalf.

A proxy form was sent with the call to meeting; you can also download one here (see above for more information on proxies).

If you appoint a proxy-holder, you must withdraw your registration for the online meeting by using the link in your Zoom confirmation email or by sending an email to secretary@editors.ca.

Online voting

1. How will online voting work?

During the AGM, a poll will be posted within Zoom. Members will vote using the poll function and the secretary will tally the votes.

Any member attending online who is a proxy-holder will also be able to vote on behalf of the absentee member(s) who appoints them, using the messaging feature. The secretary will record these votes manually.

More information on how to participate online will be sent to those who have registered closer to the meeting date.

Nominees for 2026–27 national executive council

Want to know more about the Editors Canada members who have put their names forward for the 2026–27 national executive council (NEC)? Here’s where you’ll learn more about the nominees. The new NEC will be elected at our annual general meeting (AGM) on June 25, 2026. The new NEC term will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Candidates for two years

Alex Benarzi (he/him)

Editors Calgary
I began my official editing career in 2020, connecting with clients as I obtained my certification in editing through SFU. Most of my freelance work has been in fiction and academic writing. Beyond this, I am passionate about accessibility in language and in practice. As a fiction writer as well as an editor, I believe in bridging atypical and accessible writing. I believe that, in tandem, writers and editors have the power to see the world differently and communicate it clearly. I am also passionate about community: connecting with writers and editors in an increasingly isolated industry.

Leïta Boucicaut (she/her)

Editors Toronto
I’ve been an editor for more than 15 years, yet I still feel very new to this world as there is always learning to be had. I have worked with individual clients and for larger corporations, including Egypt Independent, the Hamilton Spectator and the Toronto Star. Having only joined Editors Canada two years ago, I’m still very new to this association. That being said, I want to get the most out of my membership, and I imagine others feel similarly. My intent is to help bring people together for the benefit of us all so we may feel that our investments are worthwhile. I’ll be here to listen to what people want and need, and I hope that we can build a stronger association together.

Kaitlin Littlechild

Editors Atlantic
I am both a freelance editor and writer and work as a communications and marketing specialist for an environmental consulting firm. I frequently edit works written by Indigenous authors and works written about Indigenous Peoples. I commonly edit (and occasionally write) in the areas of business communication, health, public health, biology, environmental issues and marketing pieces of all types.

When (if) I have spare time, I can be found outside enjoying all that New Brunswick has to offer—beautiful beaches, waterfall hikes, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, camping. There is always something to explore with my kids and dogs.

Matt Long (he/him)

Editors Hamilton-Halton
I formally launched my freelance editing career in 2023 by completing the George Brown Editorial Skills certificate and started What’s the Idea Editing. I primarily edit non-fiction, including magazines and memoirs, with a focus on film, TV and physical media. I served as Editors Canada publications committee chair from 2023 to 2026, leading the Edit Like a Pro project and coordinating the publication of Editing with Respect and the 2024 edition of Professional Editorial Standards. I am also an experienced writer and project manager. My original content along with my portfolio and testimonials are all available at whatstheidea.ca. I’m based out of Hamilton, Ontario.

Mauricio Martínez

Editors Calgary
I’m a curriculum designer and editor with more than 10 years of experience turning complex technical content into clear, useful material. I’ve worked across Canada, Colombia and the UK, which has sharpened my eye for language that travels well across contexts and audiences.

Returning directors

Here are the NEC members who will stay on, as they have one year remaining in their term. (Members are elected for a two-year term.)

Arija Berzitis (she/her)

Editors Toronto
I am a former associate editor and typesetter and currently proofreader in financial documents. I have a degree in English Language and Literature and am a native speaker of English (my parents emigrated from Latvia to England and then Canada following the Second World War). My schooling from kindergarten took place in Canada and although I finished my Hon. B.A. many years ago, I am currently working on the Publishing Certificate at Ryerson. I have had freelance copy editing experience in journals for about 10–15 years now. I was recently a technical editor for the Canadian journal TESL Canada from the University of Western Ontario. This involved editing references and their citations. However, I have also copy edited scientific and highly technical journals from the United States as well, including in such fields as humanities, social sciences, philosophy, futures, management, ultrasound, and medical and education. A current project includes copy editing a memoire written by a first-time writer, something I’m not used to but enjoying very much for the complete about-face from my usual activities.

Greg Ioannou

Editors Toronto
I’ve been a freelancer since 1977, and have taught editing all over the place. I was a founding member of (F)EAC and have had all sorts of positions on the executive, including president three times and treasurer six times (yikes!). In real life I own and run a writing and editing company called Colborne Communications, where my office is populated with moose paraphernalia. I’m also the publisher at Iguana Books. More importantly, I captain a team in a weekly trivia league, and frequent local pubs and stamp auctions.

Błażej Szpakowicz

Editors British Columbia
A former academic with a PhD in history, I’ve worked as an editor for four years, specializing in academic and fiction editing. As a member of the Editors British Columbia, I’ve participated in Vancouver-based branch meetings and seminars. I’ve also served on the Editors Canada training and development committee since 2017, helping run the successful ongoing webinar program. If elected, I shall help guide the further development of this program and ensure it offers a wide range of ongoing professional development, in both French and English, to all Editors Canada members across Canada, regardless of location, background or expertise.

Liana Tang

Editors Toronto
I am a Canadian author and editor whose debut YA novel Stuck in Her Head (Earnshaw Books) won five awards, including the Gold IPPY Award. My forthcoming works include a 2026 picture book with Comicker Press—under contract for Chinese translation—a 2028 adult horror slice-of-life manga with the same publisher, and a commissioned, NDA-protected franchise novel co-written with Jacob Miles, creator of the Star Wars and Marvel toy lines. I have served as a national and regional juror for the Scholastic Awards, a university guest lecturer, and am an active member of Editors Canada and the Writers’ Union of Canada.