Background: Why we’re asking
Editors Canada wants to hear from members about which reference resources and other membership benefits are most valuable to them. As we prepare to renew our reference subscriptions, we urgently need to make difficult decisions about how to allocate our available funds.
This year, Editors Canada spent approximately $25,000 CAD on reference subscriptions. Renewal invoices are now beginning to arrive, and our current cash flow is insufficient to pay the Oxford Reference Online Premium Collection renewal, which is due at the end of November 2026. The remaining invoices are expected in November and December 2026.
This is part of a broader financial challenge. Membership revenue has been decreasing, and the association needs to ensure that its spending remains sustainable while continuing to offer meaningful benefits to members. For more context, see our August 2026 Update on Editors Canada’s financial sustainability and future priorities.
What do our reference subscriptions cost?
| Reference subscription | 2025 renewal cost | 2026 renewal status/cost |
| Oxford Reference Online | US$5,721 | US$6,571.28 (invoice due November 30, 2026) |
| Oxford English Dictionary (OED) | US$3,000 | Awaiting invoice |
| Canadian Press Guide de rédaction | C$4,200 | Awaiting invoice |
| The Chicago Manual of Style Online | US$5,558.47 | US$7,939 (renewal amount provided, but awaiting invoice) |
| Total | Approximately C$24,594 | To be determined |
Note: Before 2025, the Canadian Press subscription included the online Stylebook, Caps & Spelling and the Guide de rédaction for a combined annual cost of C$10,560 CAD. The current subscription covers only the Guide de rédaction.
There is also an annual EZproxy server cost of C$1,500 required to make these references available to Editors Canada members and student affiliates through the association website.
An important consideration: With the exception of the Oxford Reference Online Premium Collection, which is only available to institutional subscribers, individuals can purchase subscriptions to these references.
| Resource | Annual individual subscription |
| Oxford English Dictionary | US$100 |
| The Chicago Manual of Style Online | US$49 |
| The Canadian Press Guide de rédaction en ligne | C$49.95 |
| Total for these three resources | US$148 + C$49.95 |
Your feedback is urgently needed
We need Editors Canada members and student affiliates to tell us which resources you rely on the most, what trade-offs you would support and what other aspects of membership are important to you.
Deadline
Because the first renewal is due at the end of November, we need your feedback right away. Please respond to the poll by November 22, 2026.