Dear Editors Canada members and student affiliates,
We want to provide you with an update on Editors Canada’s financial position and the work the national executive council (NEC) is doing to ensure our association’s long-term sustainability.
Over the past three to four years, Editors Canada has experienced substantial operating deficits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we benefited from higher membership levels and were successful in securing government funding that helped to cover operational costs while also allowing us to build a financial reserve. These resources helped us to continue operating and supporting our members through a period of significant change.
However, we have gone through these savings much more quickly than anticipated. While our 2026 budget accounted for lower membership numbers, actual membership has been below expectations, placing additional pressure on our finances.
The NEC has worked hard to balance financial sustainability while keeping membership accessible. As part of that commitment, we voted to freeze membership fees in 2025 and 2026. While this helped reduce the financial burden on Editors Canada members during a challenging economic period, it also meant that our revenue did not keep pace with increasing expenses.
We recognize that the current economic environment has created challenges for many. The increased cost of living, affordability pressures and competing financial priorities mean that people have had to make tough decisions about participating in professional associations, whether to renew their memberships, attending conferences and other events, and investing in professional development opportunities. Like many membership-based organizations, we are experiencing the impact of these broader economic pressures.
At present, Editors Canada has approximately $15,000 in monthly financial commitments, while our available cash flow has fallen to around $4,000. Because we are not a charitable organization, we are also limited in the grants we can pursue. Most available grants are project-based and cannot be used to cover ongoing operating expenses, making sustainable membership revenue and new income opportunities essential to our future.
While these challenges are significant, the NEC is actively looking for ways to address them. We are exploring immediate options to improve cash flow, as well as longer-term solutions to reduce overall costs, strengthen our financial position, increase membership and develop new revenue streams.
In the coming weeks and months, we will begin consulting with members on a new draft Strategic Plan. A key priority will be identifying strategic goals that further the initiative of increasing Editors Canada’s visibility, membership and financial stability.
Addressing these challenges will require the ideas, energy and involvement of our members. We encourage everyone to consider how we can work together on initiatives that raise the profile of Editors Canada and the editing profession, build partnerships, engage our communities and demonstrate the value of being part of our association.
We also invite members and partners who are able and willing to do so to consider making a financial contribution to Editors Canada. Donations help sustain our ongoing operations, allow us to keep delivering value to members and provide additional flexibility as we work toward long-term sustainability. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps strengthen the future of the association.
There are other ways to support us, too. You can purchase webinar recordings, encourage a colleague to join or renew their membership, or volunteer your time with the association. Every bit of support helps us grow and thrive.
Editors Canada has always been strengthened by the commitment of its members. By working together, we can navigate this challenging period and build a stronger, more sustainable future.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to sharing more information about new initiatives and opportunities for members to get involved in the weeks and months ahead.
If you have questions or comments, please email president@editors.ca.
National Executive Council
Editors Canada