A Writer-Centered World May 29Th to June 1St Delta St

2014 ONWORDS CONFERENCE AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CENTERING THE MARGINS: A Writer-Centered World May 29th to June 1st Delta St. John’s 120 New Gower Street St. John’s, NL 2 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting what’s INSIDE

Agenda 04 Chair’s Report 10 Minutes, 2013 11 National Council & AGM Directives, 2013 21 Auditor’s Report 30 Forward, Together: Strategic Plan, 2010-2014 40 Regional Reports 41 Liaison, Task Force, and Committee Reports 46 Executive Director’s Welcome 69 Members and Guests Attending 70 Panelist and Speed Networker Biographies 71

Cover image © MUN, Department of Geography, 2013-80

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 3 AGENDA

Centering the Margins: A Writer-Centered World Hashtag for the weekend is: 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting #OnWords Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre *Please remember to also add 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s, NL @twuc to your tweets as well May 29 – June 1, 2014

Thank to our lead sponsors the Access Copyright Foundation, ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society, Amazon.ca, Random House of Canada, Mint Literary Agency, and Newfoundland Labrador.

Please be aware that the use of spray colognes, hairsprays, and/or air fresheners, may trigger allergic reactions and create health problems for others.

THURSDAY, May 29, 2014

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EXECUTIVE MEETING — Placentia Bay room

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING — Placentia Bay room

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm REGISTRATION — Main Lobby

6:15 pm – 7:00 pm NEW MEMBER RECEPTION — Rocket Bakery and Fresh Foods, 272 Water Street

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm WELCOME RECEPTION WITH THE WRITERS ALLIANCE OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR — Rocket Bakery and Fresh Foods, 272 Water Street, 3rd floor. To avoid the stairs go around to the back entrance. Welcome words from TWUC Chair Dorris Heffron, WANL Executive Director Alison Dyer, and St. John’s poet laureate George Murray.

FRIDAY MAY 30, 2014

8:30 am – 4:00 pm REGISTRATION — Main Lobby

8:30 am – 4:00 pm BOOK TABLE — Main Lobby

9:00 am – 9:30 am MEET & GREET ORIENTATION MEETING with caffeine — Salon B Official welcome and housekeeping announcements. Don’t miss!

4 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting 9:30 am – 10:45 am WORKSHOPS

All panels may be audio recorded and media may be present. Please note that your comments during the panels may be included in the audio recording.

Writing From My Centre — Salon C Even with the world at our fingertips, sometimes the best stories are waiting to be found in a writer’s own backyard. Hear how the “Local Literati” use their home, neighbourhood, city, and/or region in their writing, and how “local” has impacted and influenced their work. Moderated by Andrew J. Borkowski, with fellow panelists Paul Bowdring and Marjorie Doyle. Sponsored by Newfoundland Quarterly.

Come Together — Salon D Writers love their unions, federations, guilds, associations, etc. With both national and provincial writers’ organizations existing all across Canada, how can they work together to benefit their shared members? Join moderatorDouglas Arthur Brown, Alison Dyer from the Writers Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador, and R.P. MacIntyre from the Saskatchewan Writers Guild as they discuss the merits of these organizations and how they can (and do) work together to benefit their shared members. Sponsored by the Association of Canadian Publishers.

10:45 am – 11:00 am COFFEE BREAK — Crush Lobby

11:00 am – 12:15 pm WORKSHOPS

Small Press? Large press? Self-publishing? The Case for Each — Salon C In the past few years, we have seen closures and mergers of some notable mid-sized Canadian publishing firms and an increase in the number of organizations offering self- publishing services. In today’s rapidly changing publishing landscape, writers seem to be faced with fewer traditional and more non-traditional publishing options. Which option is best for you? Join Elisabeth de Mariaffi, Donna Morrissey, and Bill Freeman as they discuss working with small presses, large presses, and self-publishing.

The Art of Presenting: Reading & Performance — Salon D When authors are asked to leave the comfort of their page or screen and meet their readers face to face, whether at a school, a festival, or a reading series, how will they perform? Join Amy House to learn some tips to make your presentation memorable (for good reasons), and hear how Charis Cotter and Vanessa Shields have developed successful methods of presenting. Sponsored by Breakwater Books.

12:15 – 1:30 pm LUNCH BREAK

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 5 Agenda

1:30 pm – 2:45 pm WORKSHOPS

To Tweet or not to Tweet — Salon C A discussion of the world of social media from different sides representing those who choose to and those who choose not to engage with the online world, and why. Does social media help a writer find and connect with an audience or is it simply a hindrance to the writing process? Join Trudy Morgan-Cole, Shane Joseph, and Janet McNaughton as they discuss this ever-evolving phenomenon and how they choose or choose not to integrate it into their writing life. Let them help you find the best social media route for you! Farzana Doctor to moderate.

50-40-10, Say that Again!? — Salon D Why does the primary producer of the book – the writer – only receive 10% of the profit? When and how did this division of profit in publishing arise, and is it still appropriate in this day and age when writers are expected to be more involved in the production and promotion of a book? Join moderator John Degen, publisher Jerry Cranford, and writer Mary W. Walters as they discuss the often daunting economics of being a writer, both from a historical and future perspective, and how it is evolving in this digital age.

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm COFFEE BREAK — Crush Lobby

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm WHAT THE TWUC? WHAT WRITERS NEED NOW. — Salon B Professional facilitators Jennifer Murray and Catherine Smalley will guide us through the first steps of TWUC’s strategic plan for the next five years.

5:00 pm – 5:45 pm REGIONAL MEETINGS BC/Yukon — Salon C Ontario — Salon D Other Regions check the board at AGM Registration

8:00 pm – 9:00 pm MARGARET LAURENCE LECTURE delivered by Guy Vanderhaeghe The Masonic Temple, 6 Cathedral Street Sponsored by The Writers’ Trust of Canada.

9:00 pm – 10:00 pm CASH BAR RECEPTION – The Masonic Temple, 6 Cathedral Street Sponsored by The Writers’ Trust of Canada

SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2014

8:30 am – noon REGISTRATION — Main Lobby

8:30 am – 4:00 pm BOOK TABLE — Main Lobby

6 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting 9:00 am – 10:30 am PLENARY BUSINESS SESSION — Salon B

• Call to order • Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting • Business Arising from Previous Minutes • Report from the Chair • Treasurer’s Report: • Auditor’s Statement • Appointment of the Auditor • 2015 Proposed Budget • New Business — Recommendations from National Council • 2016 to 2018 AGM Locations • Regional Reports • BC/Yukon • Alberta/NWT/Nunavut • Manitoba/Saskatchewan • Ontario • Quebec • Atlantic

9:00 am – 10:30 am SPEED NETWORKING — Brownsdale Room, Lower Lobby

An opportunity for a 15-min. one-on-one with an industry professional. Register at the AGM Registration Desk

• Andrea Cooper – Publicist • Kathy Hodder – Chair, Winterset in Summer Literary Festival • Lori Knoll – Program Officer, Canada Council for the Arts • Sandy Newton/Claire Wilkshire – Editors

10:30 am – 10:45 am COFFEE BREAK — Crush Lobby

10:45 am – 12:00 pm PLENARY BUSINESS SESSION – Salon B • Reports and Recommendations from TWUC Appointees: • Access Copyright • Book and Periodical Council Representative • Freedom of Expression Liaison for PEN Canada National Affairs • Grievance Liaison • Public Lending Right Representative • Rights and Freedoms Liaison • Writers Trust Liaison • Write Editorial Board • Reports and Recommendations from Committees • Membership Committee

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 7 Agenda

• Reports and Recommendations from Task Forces • Membership Demographics Task Force • International Opportunities and Information • Constitutional Review Task Force • Approval of Articles of Continuance • Approval of draft By-Law

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm LUNCH BREAK

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm WEBSITE 101 — Salon B TWUC Communications Coordinator Kristen Gentleman will discuss some of the member features on the Union’s website. Q & A session to follow.

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm COMMITTEE & TASK FORCE MEETINGS – Committees should designate a meeting spot and then head to lunch together - write on flip chart at the registration desk.

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE MEETING – outgoing and incoming — Placentia Bay

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm PLENARY BUSINESS SESSION — Salon B • Reports and Recommendations from Task Forces cont’d • Constitutional Review Task Force cont’d • Nominating Committee Mandate and Protocol Task Force • Other Business

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm SPEED NETWORKING — Brownsdale Room, Lower Lobby

• Tamara Reynish – Executive Director, Riddle Fence • Leslie Vryenhoek – Piper’s Frith • Lori Knoll – Program Officer, Canada Council for the Arts • Sandy Newton/Claire Wilkshire – Editors

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm CHILDREN’S WRITERS MEETING — Salon B

4:00 pm – 6:30 pm FREE TIME

6:30 pm – 12 am WRITERS’ DINNER & DANCE — Salon A 6:30 pm Cocktails 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Dinner 9:00 pm – 12:00 am Dancing Music provided by The Mahers Bahers with dance caller, Gayle Tapper

8 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2014

9:00 am COFFEE — Crush Lobby

9:15 am – 12:00 pm PLENARY BUSINESS SESSION and ELECTIONS – Salon B • Nominating Committee • Elections • Wrap up of outstanding business • Closing Words

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING — Placentia Bay Room

NEWS VISUALS NQ ARTS CULTURE $30/year POLITICS HISTORY ED 4002 Memorial University FOLKLORE St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7 p 709.864.2426 POETRY FICTION f 709.864.4330 e [email protected] & MORE A Cultural Journal of Newfoundland and Labrador

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 9 CHAIR’S REPORT

Summing up in St. John’s. It has a nice ring to it, like the unique accents of Newfoundland and Labrador. That’s what I’d like to focus on, the rare pleasure of being here with all you TWUCers, experiencing the sense of community that is the basis of The Writers’ Union of Canada, and the delightful hospitality we are receiving here in St. John’s, thanks to the creative planning and hard work of the AGM Planning Task Force. Would Paul Bowdring, Charis Cotter, Libby Creelman, Stan Dragland, Johanna Guy, and Joan Clark of the St.John’s contingent please stand up, along with TWUC staff, Valerie Laws, Kristen Gentleman, John Degen, Siobhan O’Connor and Nancy Macleod. These are the people who made this fabulous AGM happen. But, in summing up, I’m expected to focus on From left: Dorris Heffron, David Chariandy, Marian Hebb, Lee D. Thompson, George Melnyk, Merrily Weisbord, Bob Armstrong, whatever we achieved this year. Farzana Doctor, Harry Thurston, Carellin Brooks, Steve Pitt, Katherine What we achieved was done with the help, again and always, Palmer Gordon, Glenn Dixon, Siobhan O’Connor, and John Degen. of our stellar staff. Chairs come and go. It is the staff who keeps the ship afloat year after year. Let me now introduce the talented, hardworking crew of basic principles remain our driving force. TWUC: our National Council. It is they who must approve and We were mandated by the government to make changes to do or facilitate the work of TWUC. our Constitution to be in line with new legislation governing not First Vice Chair, Harry Thurston; Second Vice Chair, Katherine for profit organizations. The Constitution Task Force, Chaired by Palmer Gordon; Treasurer George Melnyk; Atlantic Rep, Lee Katherine Gordon, has been working diligently and is on course Thompson; Quebec Rep. Merrily Weisbord; Ontario Rep. Steve to have the task completed by the October 2014 deadline. Pitt; Manitoba/Saskatchewan Rep. Bob Armstrong; Alberta/ The Curriculum Task Force created by Harry Thurston will Northwest Territories/Nunavut Rep. Glenn Dixon; BC/Yukon address TWUC’s high priority of working to increase the use of Rep. Carellin Brooks; and our Advocates, David Chariandy, Canadian books in schools, colleges, and universities. Farzana Doctor, and Eric Enno Tamm. Read the International Opportunities and Information (IOI) This has been the test pilot year implementing the new Task Force report by Gilbert Reid to see how TWUC is now structure of TWUC, moving from committees to: Standing connecting with national writers’ organizations, programs and Committees, time limited Task Forces, and Liaisons, with exchanges on five continents. Canadian Studies are not dead! forums for the use of all members. Copyright violations remain our great challenge at home Some task forces took longer than others to mandate, but and abroad. We continue to protest these violations. The new now all are up and running. The use of e-blasts to solicit mandate and structuring of Access Copyright gives us hope volunteers for the work of committees, task forces, and liaisons at home. We are lucky to have an Executive Director, John has been an excellent way of finding and using the many Degen, so expert and respected on copyright issues that he expert members of TWUC in various fields, from curriculum to was recently elected Chair of the International Authors Forum international opportunities to censorship and financial matters. (IAF) Steering Committee. So, TWUC is now central to an Our volunteer base has expanded widely. international initiative, currently opposing Google’s illegal Please read the reports of all the committees, task forces, and copying of millions of copyrighted works. liaisons to see the work that has been done and continuing. One year ago, when I picked up the gavel, I spoke of my hope The forums, I must say are not working well. Members of collaborating more with other writers’ groups such as PEN. report they don’t have time for them or find them difficult to We have done that fruitfully. We supported the first National manoeuvre. We are seeking improvements. Indigenous Writers’ Conference. Through our influence on the In WRITE magazine, I have described how this has been International Authors Forum we have indeed increased our an historic year for TWUC, with passing the referendum on profile internationally. admitting self-published authors, our Founding Member, Enough crowing about what we have done! The good ship Alice Munro winning the Nobel Prize for Literature, and how TWUC has not yet completed this year’s voyage. Let’s get on our Founding Members Interview Project has enriched our with it… archives. In the May issue of Quill & Quire I have an article showing how TWUC has developed in 40 years and how its Dorris Heffron

10 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting MINUTES

TWUC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ship as a whole through mail-in ballot. That’s been on the May 30 – June 2, 2014 whole successful. Albert at Bay Suite Hotel When I became National Chair last year, I took over another review and renewal process that was already un- Ottawa, Ontario derway, initiated by my predecessor, Greg Hollingshead. At the instigation of the Nominating Committee, which pointed out the difficulty in finding chairs for committees SATURDAY, June 1, 9:00 am that were essentially moribund, National Council under- Call to order. took a review of our entire volunteer organizational structure. We brought in governance experts and surveyed our M/S/ACCEPTED: Business Agenda. (A.Schroed- members and worked hard to evolve a renewed structure er/E.A.Warner) that opens more conversations among the membership and gives you more opportunities to participate in the Notices of Motion were read. discussions and decisions of this organization.

M/S/ACCEPTED: 2012 AGM Minutes, as circulated. The Writers’ Union is a member-driven organization. That (T.Barris/J.Dagg) is fundamental. This is its great strength – and its great challenge too, especially now that it is growing into the M/S/ACCEPTED: Chair’s Report by Merilyn Simonds, as thousands. In the beginning, when the membership was circulated and below: a hundred or so writers, most of them would be at the AGM. When I joined in 1988, the membership was about On page 10 of your AGM booklet (Fast Forward @ 40), 600. There were around 120 at my first AGM, or 20%. To- you can read my report of this past year when I served day, we have 2000 members. There are 170 at this AGM. you as National Chair. Most of us know what happened: That’s 8.5%. Not all of those engage in these plenary the closing of act one and opening of act two in the copy- discussions, so the percentage is even lower. As this per- right drama, the demise of Douglas & McIntyre and their centage declines, it becomes more and more important rising Phoenix-like from the ashes of their former selves; to find ways for the membership at large to share their the debacle at Library & Archives Canada that culminat- thoughts. In the course of these plenaries, you’ll hear ed in Daniel Caron’s leave-taking this month, to actual reports on some of the innovations we’ve made. If you cheers from his staff when they heard the news. have other ideas, let your National Council know, as this challenge will always be with us and we need everyone’s As that was going on in the outside cultural world, we ideas on how to improve our communication amongst were busy at “home” too. I am, as many of you know, ourselves. a “systems” person and a person committed to broad, grassroots engagement. Every one of us has a voice and In an effort to find out for myself what members were I’m always interested in how to create opportunities that thinking, I spent a great deal of my year as National Chair, encourage each of us to participate in whatever way we on the road. I travelled 25,000 kilometers, visited 19 can. cities, 10 provinces, and 1 territory, and met with writers who were interested in becoming members and hundreds When I was on National Council 15 years ago, I undertook of our members – about a third of the TWUC member- a review of Union systems that looked at continuity, how ship in all. to minimize the shock effect of a wholesale renewal of National Council each year and encourage a more demo- How many of you were at one of those Chair’s Tour gath- cratic process. The result was staggered terms for region- erings? al reps and election of some positions by the member-

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 11 Minutes

I was reassured to discover that what members write on When Erna Paris was National Chair, she oversaw the the TWUC Member Survey is the same as what they say in creation of a Strategic Plan that was developed by four person: they join the Writers’ Union because of commu- members – Michelle Berry, Peter Dube, Brian Brennan, nity, and all the member services we offer, to get to know and Alan Cumyn. This Strategic Plan has served us bril- their fellow writers and be inspired. A close second is liantly as the little stone that keeps us steady as we think advocacy: they join because they support the work we do through what we want to do and what we are able to do. with governments and cultural industries. And they renew Kelly Duffin and the staff developed an equally brilliant their memberships for the same reason – for community Operating Plan that maps out how the Strategic Plan can and advocacy – though after being in the organization, be implemented: how to make decisions between what the priorities switch and they value advocacy first, com- we want to do and what we can actually accomplish. munity second. There is, I discovered too, a very strong appetite among our membership for political action. This Today, we will be engaging in very fundamental discus- is who we are. sions, one of which addresses who we are as an organization, who we want to be, and how we might get there. At the 40th anniversary Chair’s Tour gatherings, we talked about all that was going on and what members Our discussions are always passionate, often intense, want. They want us to connect directly with students and and sometimes raucous. That’s okay. The test of a good teachers in the copyright battle as there is a strong feeling organization is not that there aren’t any bumps but that it that we are natural allies, not the adversaries that we have survives the bumps, as we always have. been painted to be; they want us to help them prepare for federal and provincial elections by developing a toolkit of What impressed me most about my year as Chair was the questions to ask to discover policies that affect writers frank and open discussion – in the gatherings across the and artists in general; they want us to explore collabora- country and at the National Council table. We are writers. tions with other provincial and national writers organiza- We are good at speaking our minds. We are also good at tions with a view to strengthening our numbers and elimi- listening with an open mind and a generous heart. Best nating redundancies; they want us to continue outreach of all, we are not afraid to say, “I don’t know,” which is the to writers of culturally diverse backgrounds; they want us essential beginning to any worthwhile exploration. to keep doing the professional development workshops that help them understand the publishing world and its Thank you. changes; and they want us to communicate with them, to continue the Letters from the Chair, to continue with our (B.Nuttall-Smith/W.Grady) eblasts as important issues emerge. IN MEMORIAM What the members want is all-important. You elect the Merilyn Simonds asked for a moment of silence for National Council and you drive the agenda of the Union members who passed away since the last Annual General that is implemented by, the National Council, the Execu- Meeting: tive Director, and the staff. Richard C. Bocking Of course, we can’t do everything. We have to balance our Fred Bodsworth aspirations, our desires, and our needs with our human Marjory Gordon resources and our financial resources. We have to balance Margot Griffin our goals, too, with the opportunities for action that pres- Allan Gould ent themselves and the risks involved in those actions. Hope Morritt Mairuth Sarsfield Strategy is how we balance goals with resources. That’s why I’ve put up this slide. You can think of our goals as M/S/ACCEPTED: Treasurer’s REPORT, by Silver Donald the big pile of stones and our resources as the little pile Cameron, as circulated with additional comments below: or vice versa. The single stone underneath, that’s the one that is important. That’s the one we move to make our I turn 76 this month, and as I reflect on that, I realize that goals and resources balance. That’s strategy. this is probably my last time on National Council, which

12 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting led me to reflect on my time on National Council — I Now, I am an unusual choice as treasurer. I’m not an think I’ve served six or seven times — and about my time accountant or an economist. Do you know what accoun- in the Union and how it started. About 43 years ago I was tants use for birth control? Personality. working on a project called Conversations with Canadian Novelists, in which I talked to 20 of the best writers in And do you know the definition of an economist? Some- Canada about what they did and how they did it. I didn’t one who’s good with numbers, but doesn’t have the tell them that in the process they were teaching me how personality to be an accountant. to do it. In retrospect, I think I chose very wisely. Five of those novelists have turned out to be Margaret Laurence I am happy to be neither an accountant nor an econ- Lecturers; I also spoke to Margaret Laurence herself, as omist. I would like to note that, happily, the treasurer well as to Harold Horwood and David Lewis Stein. doesn’t have to know a lot or do a lot, thanks to the indispensable Siobhan, who does all the heavy lifting and So I did the book, and got to be friends with a number of handles all the difficult and boring stuff. these people, and then one day Harold Horwood came booming through Nova Scotia on his way back to New- All that said, I realized just now that during my time as foundland, and stopped overnight at my house in Cape treasurer I actually had a small project of my own and Breton. He told me that he was just coming back from a that was to make the financial reporting as clear as possi- meeting where a great organization of writers had been ble, knowing that members really don’t like to think about formed, The Writers’ Union of Canada, and he insisted financial stuff. What you will find now is that when you that the organization needed a fighting member from look at the financial statements you will find a summary Nova Scotia. on the Union’s financial operations on the first page. If you turn to the next page you will get a more detailed So I joined. I was deeply honoured to be accepted as a report. Essentially it is like the précis and the main text. peer by a group I admired so much, and I have felt that It is clearer and more comprehensible. The statement way from that day to this. What a privilege it has been to also provides three columns: last year’s budget, which be a part of this organization and to have served several shows what we thought would happen; this year’s oper- times both on the Executive and also on National Coun- ating statement, which shows what actually did happen; cil. and next year’s budget, which shows what we think will happen next. I have also have tried to convey that this is I’ve noticed that many of our Chairs have a common a story told in numbers. The balance sheet describes who quality in dealing with their responsibilities. They not the protagonist is, and where it stands at this moment. only oversee the regular work of the Union on continuing The operating statement tells the actual unfolding story. issues like contracts and member services and so on, but they have often had very personal projects on which In summary, we are in a strong financial position with they wanted to move the ball down the field during their good assets and few liabilities. We are projecting a deficit tenure, and which they often pursued after leaving the budget, which is not ideal, but the strength of organi- chair. The most spectacular was Marian Engel and An- zation’s financial position allows us to absorb a small dreas Schroeder with Public Lending Right, but Erna Paris deficit. I think it’s important, over time, to get rid of that had the Strategic Plan, Graeme Gibson had the Writers’ deficit, which could eventually hamper our ability to serve Trust, and Pierre Berton addressed the sorry state of book our membership. But for now we’re in good shape. reviewing in the country. He would be very saddened by the current situation. I move the adoption of this report. (S.D.Cameron/K. Gordon) Merilyn Simonds has had at least three huge issues this year: dealing with the explosive changes in copyright, and M/S/ACCEPTED: 2012-13 Auditor’s REPORT and AU- with membership criteria, which will fundamentally affect DITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT by Sam Marinucci, as TWUC in the years ahead, and dealing with the Union’s circulated. (S.D.Cameron/G.Gunn) committee structure, which hadn’t changed in 40 years. I think this has been a transformative year for the Union M/S/CARRIED: APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR. That The and I am proud to have been a part of it. Writers’ Union of Canada appoint Sam Marinucci as auditor

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 13 Minutes

for 2013-14. (S.D.Cameron/G.Gibson) accept BC/Yukon, Alberta/NWT/Nunavut/, Manitoba/Sas- katchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Regional reports M/S/: PROPOSED 2013-14 BUDGET, as circulated. (S.D. as contained in the booklet Fast Forward @ 40 and in the Cameron/E.Paris) kits. (B.Brennan/B.Gallander)

M/S/CARRIED: TABLE PROPOSED 2013-14 BUDGET. Representatives from each region came to the micro- To table the proposed 2013-14 budget. (S.D. Cameron/A. phone to say a few words. Mazza) M/S/CARRIED: JOY KOGAWA HOUSE. That The Writers’ Silver Donald Cameron noted that the 2012-13 National Union of Canada explore ways to support the secure continu- Council has been a sensational National Council. The ation and preservation of the historic Joy Kogawa house and Chair has been indefatigable. It has been a very, very busy its programs. (H.Greco/D.Burford) year with wonderful leadership. Don offered his personal It was requested that a letter of support be sent by the thanks to all of his colleagues on National Council. executive as soon as possible due to pressing time lines. It was requested that information about how individuals M/S/CARRIED: HONORARY MEMBERSHIP FOR KELLY can support Kogawa House be circulated to members. DUFFIN. That Kelly Duffin, the former executive director of The Writers’ Union of Canada, be made an honorary mem- Indigenous Writers Conference ber of the Union in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Canadian writers. (S.D.Cameron/D.A.Brown) Paul Seesequasis joined the meeting. Merilyn introduced Paul Seesequasis as follows: M/S/CARRIED: HONORARY MEMBERSHIP FOR DON ORAVEC. That Don Oravec, the former executive director of In the winter 2013 issue of Write magazine, writer, former The Writers’ Trust of Canada, be made an honorary member public funder, and activist Paul Seesequasis wrote Idle No of the Union in recognition of his outstanding contributions More: Indigenous Writers Rising, describing the resurgence to Canadian writers. (G.Gunn/D.Heffron) of Indigenous writing and publishing in Canada. In that article, Paul wrote “The Writers’ Union has an obligation M/S/CARRIED: LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR FOUNDING to be there for Indigenous writers.” I agree. What’s more, MEMBERS. That the Union recognize the contribution of its we’ve talked about this issue at National Council and first National Council by awarding them life memberships in with staff, and we all agree. Paul is helping to organize the Union. (S.D.Cameron/B.Armstrong) a National Indigenous Writers Conference in Vancouver this coming October. TWUC will make sure we are there, M/S/CARRIED: LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR GREG GATEN- participating and sharing. I’d like to welcome Paul Seese- B Y. That Greg Gatenby, the founding Artistic Director of the quasis to the stage now to give us a quick update on the Harbourfront Reading Series festival and IFOA (Internation- plans for that conference, and where he sees this relation- al Festival of Authors), be awarded a life membership in The ship between TWUC and Indigenous writers going. Writers’ Union of Canada in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Canadian writers. (D.Heffron/Z.Garnett) Paul thanked Merilyn for her generous introduction. He said that he was pleased to be at the Union’s AGM. He Dorris Heffron presented Greg Gatenby with his life noted that he would like to talk about the Indigenous membership. Greg Gatenby accepted his award with Writers Conference taking place in Vancouver tentatively thanks. scheduled for October 19 & 20. This is a much overdue conference and Paul noted that he is looking forward to Myrna Kostash noted that Penny Dickens was unable to TWUC being there. He noted that TWUC member Joanne attend the AGM due to ill health. Arnott is on the working committee for the conference. The two day conference will include readings in the Directive: That a letter of appreciation and support be evenings but the days are about getting work done. The sent to Penny Dickens. first day is about building a national network. Indige- nous writers and TWUC could both benefit from working M/S/ACCEPTED: REGIONAL REPORTS as circulated. To together. There is a new generation of Indigenous writers

14 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting who have a lot of talent and are writing in various fields Merilyn thanked the many Union volunteers who make including journalism, media, and film. The second day the work of the Union possible. will include four workshops: getting published; living the story; building and maintaining an author platform; and Notices of Motion were read. book proposals and pitches. M/S/ACCEPTED: MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA TASK FORCE The conference is being supported by the Canadian Cen- by Eric Enno Tamm, as circulated. (E.E.Tamm/G.Payerle) tre for Studies in Publishing at Simon Fraser University. Abstain 1 They are currently seeking funding for the conference through traditional means such as grants as well as new M/S/CARRIED: SELF-PUBLISHED WRITERS. funding sources such as crowd sourcing. WHEREAS new information technologies and innovations such as online bookselling, digital ebooks, online print-on-de- Paul noted that in some ways the genesis for this idea mand services, mobile computing (smartphones and tablets) came from discussions with John and Merilyn through and crowd-funded creativity are fundamentally transform- Facebook. Paul looks forward to continuing the relation- ing the publishing industry throughout Canada and North ship with The Writers’ Union of Canada. America; WHEREAS the traditional trade-publishing model based on Notices of Motion were read. a contract and royalties is undergoing change, including a growing number of authors paying for publicity, book web- M/S/ACCPETED: COMMITTEE REPORTS, as circulated. sites, book tours, book design and even editing and produc- To accept International Affairs, Rights and Freedoms, Mem- tion; bership, Status of Women reports as contained in the booklet Fast Forward @ 40. (S.McNicoll/G.Payerle) WHEREAS the restructuring of the publishing industry, including bankruptcies and mergers and a reduction in royalty Merilyn invited Committee Chairs to come to the micro- advances, has significantly reduced the opportunities and phone and say a few words about their Committee. financial rewards to publish with established trade publishers;

M/S/ACCEPTED: TASK FORCE REPORTS, as circulated. WHEREAS in a survey of TWUC membership in 2011 some To accept Access Copyright Task Force, Digital Copyright 58 percent expressed interest in services like Amazon and 47 Infringement, Reciprocal Membership Discount, Repression percent expressed interest in ebook self publishing; of Public Expression reports as contained in the booklet Fast Forward @ 40. (B.Grills/K.Fletcher) WHEREAS given the limited opportunities and poor contract terms being offered by traditional trade publishers, many suc- Merilyn invited Task Force Chairs to come to the micro- cessful writers are turning to self-publishing and alternative phone and say a few words about their Task Force. business models for monetization such as pay-wall protected websites and crowd-sourced funding; M/S/ACCEPTED: TWUC REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS, as circulated. To accept Access Copyright, Book and Periodical WHEREAS self-publishing is making up a growing percent- Council, Public Lending Right, and Write Editorial Board age of professional authors and a disproportionate number Reports as contained in the booklet Fast Forward @ 40. of new and young authors will be self-publishing given the (K.McGoogan/G.Gunn) limited opportunities and poor contract terms of traditional publishers; Merilyn invited Representatives, Appointees, and Liaisons to come to the microphone and say a few words about WHEREAS The Writers’ Union of Canada is increasingly their work. responding to queries for services and professional support to writers who self publish by holding workshops on publicity, M/S/ACCEPTED: COMMITTEE TRANSITION TASK social media marketing and self-publishing for its members, FORCE REPORT by Merilyn Simonds, as circulated. and will increasingly need to deal with commercial and con- (D.A.Brown/E.Paris) tractual issues related to self-publishing by its members;

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 15 Minutes

WHEREAS The Writers’ Union of Canada will likely face unanimous vote. dwindling and ageing membership if new and young self-pub- 2.4 Following a decision by the Membership Committee: lished professional authors are not admitted into its member- e. a rejected applicant may appeal the decision of the ship; Membership Committee to the National Executive, whose ruling shall be final; WHEREAS The Writers’ Union of Canada must be strong f. a rejected applicant may re-apply for admission to and united in the future by continuing to be the single, the Union each or any year thereafter; or authoritative voice for professional book authors, including g. a member of the Membership Committee itself may those who are self-published; request a review by the National Executive of an acceptance or rejection. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the National Council (E.E.Tamm/G.Gibson) Passed unanimously to cheers and with the assistance of the Constitutional Review Task Force a standing ovation. take into advisement the recommendation of the membership present at the 2013 AGM to hold a referendum on M/S/ACCEPTED: CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW TASK expanding the Membership criteria as described in bold font FORCE by Katherine Gordon, as circulated. (K.Gordon/H. as follows: Menzies) 2.1 Membership shall be open to all writers who satisfy the Membership Committee of their compliance with the follow- M/S/CARRIED: CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW TASK ing requirements: FORCE MOTION. That, because in order to continue in (a) that the writer has had a book published by a com- existence as a Canadian Not-for-profit Corporation after mercial or university press or the equivalent in another October 17, 2014, we must apply for a Certificate of Continu- medium; ance before that time and undertake certain changes to the or Union’s Constitution as prescribed by the Canada Not-for- that the writer has self-published a book and satisfies Profit Corporations Act, the National Council of The Writers’ all three of the following conditions: Union of Canada be authorized to apply for such Articles of I. that the book is registered with an International Continuance and undertake consultation with the member- Standard Book Number (ISBN) ship and a referendum by mail in ballot to obtain approval II. (that commercial intention is demonstrated for the required changes and for any other necessary or desir- III. that the Membership Committee select three able amendments to the Constitution that could be made at TWUC members, who shall remain anonymous the same time. (K.Gordon/P.Dubé) to the applicant, to review the self-published book and attest to the applicant’s professional- SUNDAY, May 27, 9:15 am ism (b) that the Membership Committee has at its discretion Notices of Motion were read. and by a majority vote decided that this book is a trade book; and M/S/CARRIED: SPYING AND HARASSMENT. That the (c) that the writer is a Canadian citizen or permanent National Council poll the members of the Writers’ Union resident of Canada or identifies himself or herself as an to discover if and to what extent governments and police in Aboriginal or Indigenous person born or resident within Canada have spied upon and harassed artists and writers and Canada. publishers of Canada. (J.Bacque/R.Brown) Abstention 1 2.2 No society or corporation shall be a member of the Union. M/S/CARRIED: DIALOGUE WITH ACCUTE AND OTHER 2.3 The Membership Committee shall: TEACHER ORGANIZATIONS. Whereas in the panel dis- a. accept or reject all applications for membership by cussion between Roanie Levy of Access Copyright and Laura majority vote; Murray of Queen’s University, it transpired that a meeting b. solicit new members; between TWUC and ACCUTE would prove more fruitful to c. make recommendations to the National Council improve dialogue between writers and the university commu- concerning rescission of the membership of any per- nity than previous attempts have been: Be it resolved that son for non-compliance with this by-law; and National Council attempt to facilitate a meeting between d. be empowered to waive any of the above criteria by TWUC members and ACCUTE and other teacher organi-

16 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting zations with a view to establishing a dialogue about copy- Merilyn Simonds right between writers and the users of copyright materials. (W.Grady/H.Thurston) Well, here we are. At the end.

M/S/CARRIED: CANADIAN WRITING IN THE EDUCA- All weekend I’ve been trying to remember the struggles TION SYSTEM. That in light of the decommissioning of of the past year, but it’s like being pregnant, as soon as the Curriculum and Libraries Committee, National Council the baby’s born, you forget all that. This AGM has been be asked to review the mandates of all TWUC Task Forces the baby, and I’ve been filled with wonder and joy and to determine if any of them could add curriculum to their exhilaration to be involved with this living breathing thing mandates, failing which National Council be asked to strike called the Writers’ Union 2013. a dedicated Curriculum Task Force to increase the inclusion of Canadian writing at all levels of the education system in A lot of growing has gone on this year. Kelly resigned every Canadian province and territory. (B.Schermbrucker/T. almost as soon as my year began so among my first tasks Barris) was to hire a new Executive Director. I can’t do that I said, I’ve never even held a job! But that’s the wonder of M/S/CARRIED: WRITING FOR CHILDREN COMPETI- taking up a role like this: one after another you are faced TION. Whereas the Writing for Children Competition has with things you can’t imagine doing and somehow you do raised the profile of The Writers’ Union of Canada and un- them. I’m not sure what use these skills will be in the rest published writers and provides an entrée to our organization of my life – perhaps I’ll write a novel about a highly func- to would be professional writers and whereas the entry fee tional arts organization – but learning them has brought covers the cost of the prize, be it resolved that TWUC rein- a deep satisfaction. state the contest. (S.McNicoll/J.Dagg) I want to thank the staff of this Union. I always knew they M/S/CARRIED: JURY TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNT- were terrific, but you have to sit in this Chair for a year in ABILITY. That National Council explore the possibility of order to understand how absolutely devoted and skilled delivering a template for prize juries that would help en- and remarkable they are: Siobhan O’Connor, Valerie Laws, sure diversity, fairness, transparency, and accountability. Nancy McLeod, Kristen Gentleman, our ED John Degen, (S.Djwa/M.Siggins) Abstain 4 and our wonderful Marian Hebb.

Library and Archives Canada I want to thank my husband, Wayne Grady, too, for his Merilyn noted that the director of Library and Archives patience and support. Canada has resigned and they are looking for new director. Merilyn noted that the Union has received a letter And I want to thank the National Council I worked with. from Janet Lunn suggesting that a professional archivist The Chair is the face of the Union, the voice of the Union be hired as the new director. for a year, but the real work is done by the more than a M/S/ACCEPTED: Nominating Committee Report as cir- dozen men and women who give tirelessly of their time culated. (M.Kostash/S.Crean) and energy to meet daily at our internet Board table and three times during the year in marathon face-to-face M/S/CARRIED: NOMINATING COMMITTEE MANDATE meetings. I have served on several National Councils, AND PROTOCOL TASK FORCE. Given that there are but none as honest and open and willing to explore the outstanding issues regarding the Nominating Committee’s boundaries as this one. Kudos to you all: Michael Elcock, mandate and operating protocols, be it resolved that a new Glenn Dixon, Anita Daher and Bob Armstrong, Steve Pitt, Task Force be struck to review the proposals from the Na- Joyce Scharf, Lee Thompson, Douglas Arthur Brown, Eric tional Council and the Nominating Committee and to report Enno Tam, and Katherine Gordon. back to the membership in 2014 with a recommendation for a mandate and protocols of the Nominating Committee. Be And kudos to you, dear members of The Writers Union of it further resolved that the composition of this Task Force ex- Canada. You have created a unique and powerful organi- clude all members of the 2012-13 Nominating Committee, all zation, one that it has been my great pleasure to serve. members of the 2012-13 National Council and all members of the 2013-14 National Council. (M.Kostash/S.Crean) Thank you. And farewell.

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 17 Minutes

Dorris Heffron (2012-13 First Vice-Chair) took over the And the result is superb. John Degen. TWUC’s first male Chair from Merilyn Simonds. Executive Director.

Dorris presented a gift of thanks to Merilyn on behalf of Merilyn has a mate who is also a writer and recent chair all members. “We give you our heartfelt thanks.” of TWUC, Wayne Grady. Like Graeme Gibson and Marga- ret Atwood, they are a pair of leaders who are dedicated Dorris Heffron to the development and strengthening of TWUC. Between As I said when all of you TWUCers acclaimed me as the two of them, Merilyn and Wayne have served on First Vice-Chair… I get it. It’s all part of your strategy of National Council for the past ten years. We are grateful to preventing me from having too much fun at AGMs. It them and to every individual writer who has served TWUC has worked. Thank you. You see before you a reformed over the past 40 years. old wolf. Left the dance floor early. Not a bit hung over. (Unlike some of my dear old cohorts). Am bright eyed But it is our anomaly, Merilyn Simonds, to whom we are and bushy tailed. Will not back down from the challenges most grateful for her prodigious work, all her time and ahead. travels in gathering and leading, as Margaret Laurence called us, the “tribe” of writers. The role of the First Vice-Chair is to learn from and follow in the footsteps of the Chair. Again, I get it. I see your And now you have me! In this honoured position with all strategy. You could not have given me a more challeng- its onerous work. I promise to stand my ground and not ing, awesome to the point of terrifying, FABULOUS, lead back away from the foreseeable important TWUC issues: wolf to follow. • continuing the fight for copyright enforcement, for paying writers for the use of their work, in the Merilyn Simonds is an anomaly! I’ve never seen anything education system, in libraries, as hardcopy or elec- like it… the amount of work she can take on! She is the tronic books; Director of a successful literary festival, she teaches ump- • preserving and facilitating the use of our books in teen courses on and off-line, writes a column, produced a Libraries and Archives Canada; limited edition book, and expertly managed a full year of • supporting Freedom of Expression; TWUC work. • advocating for Canadian books on educational curriculums ... the motto, Susan Swan and John Merilyn can take on so much, and get it done so fast Degen have come up with” More Canadian books and efficiently, it has made all our heads spin on Nation- in school backpacks” al Council. There would be important, well-articulated, • supporting the National Reading Campaign; and emails coming from her at midnight and again at 7am, • the very challenging overseeing of the pilot proj- and many of the hours in between. Even when she was ect or our committees restructured into Standing touring, flying all around western Canada, driving round Committees, Task Forces and Forums. central and eastern Canada, or living in Mexico, the correspondence continued. She carried on all the business of My long term vision for The Writers’ Union of Canada is the Union in a very busy year. for it to become an even greater national umbrella organization of professional writers, leading and collaborating This was the year of restructuring committees into with other writers’ organizations, provincial and national. forums and task forces, and the year of expanding our membership criteria to include self-published authors. I will, of course, follow the will of the members re expand- Every TWUC year there are the foreseen jobs and usually ing our criteria for membership to include self-published at least one unforeseen whopping ambush. This year it writers. I do believe the referendum results will confirm happened in early September. Merilyn suddenly had to the vote – so historically and congenially passed at this lead us in searching and selecting a new executive direc- AGM. tor. We on Council were suggesting contingency plans in case we were unable to find a suitable person in a num- I also envisage TWUC as move connected to national ber of months. But the task was completed in just over writers’ organizations in other countries. This is related to one month, much thanks to Merilyn’s efficient managing. expanding the scope of our International Information and

18 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting Opportunities forum and creating a task force focusing Famous as she was, Margaret had to live on modest on nations on all the continents. means. Her white stucco cottage was neat, clean, and cold. Typical old English house. But her hospitality was With helpful reminders and nudging from our invaluable warm, generous, frank and friendly. Very Canadian. staff (John, Siobhan, Valerie, Kristen, and Nancy) I promise to follow through on motions and directives from this My husband, Bill Newton-Smith, a philosophy don, at AGM and from the membership throughout the year. I Balliol College, and I brought wine and bread and cheese. know I can count on Marian Hebb to keep up legal. Margaret had sherry. We had good intelligent conversation about her writing, ancestry, Canadian literature. We All of these foreseeable challenges, and anything else we were invited back. may be gobsmacked with this 40th anniversary year, your elected National Council and I will take on, driven by you, Margaret became my mentor, though in those days we the membership of TWUC. didn’t think or talk in those terms. She was a truly kind, empathetic, encouraging person to many Canadian writ- Before we move on to the elections. I want to give you a ers. As I recall, Adele Wiseman was her closest friend and quick personal picture of the very first Chair of TWUC. most frequent guest at her house in Penn. But Margaret housed many visiting writers. She worried a lot about Because she was the most famous Canadian writer of that what she saw as too common a phenomenon. The one time, Margaret Laurence was made the Honourary Chair book author. The writers who had for various reasons to of TWUC in summer 1973. give up after one book.

My friendship with Margaret goes back to 1970 when I Having my first novel come out in 1971, I followed my life was a 25 year old living in Oxford, and I had the stunning plan of having my first baby the next year. Apple is her good fortune of having my first novel accepted by the name. Also reaching for Oxford’s Continuing Studies, first publisher I submitted to: Macmillan, London. I had I began to worry about being a one book author. It was chosen Macmillan, not because it was one of the biggest Margaret Laurence who assured me, yes, Apple would and most venerable publishers in the UK, but because it grow hair, she would have teeth, and I would write more was the only one I knew had a productive branch plant in novels. It just wouldn’t be very easy as it was with my Canada. I was most concerned to be published in Canada. first, before I had children. I planned to go home and be part of the writing scene. In 1973 when Margaret decided to move back to Canada When I went into London to sign the contract with a and was to become the first Honourary Chair of the excit- senior editor there, Marni Hodgkins, we did the signing ing new writers’ group, The Writers’ Union of Canada, I business, then Marni said, “I’ve just edited a book by an- was happy for her, and seriously longed to be there too. I other Canadian writer, Margaret Laurence. Do you know wanted to give her some parting yet celebratory gift. her?” I asked her what she would like. She looked pensive as “I know of her!” I was rendered bug eyes and witless. I she regarded me in my 1970s outfit. Out of economic had read all of Margaret’s books. Hers was the kind of necessity I made most of my own clothes. Not the high writing I most admired. boots and broad brimmed hats, but the long skirts and long cloak. Simple sew stuff. Margaret took quite a fancy Marni smiled and said. “I could arrange for you to meet to my long black cape. This one! With the Dracula red her.” lining.

Margaret was living in a village called Penn, not far from “Could you make one for me?” she asked. “I’d like one Oxford, as other Canadian writers did. Soon I have a letter with flaming orange lining.” from Margaret inviting me to her home for Sunday lunch. She warned me that lunch would be simple, her cauliflow- Can anyone tell if she wore it to that meeting in Novem- er and mushroom soup. ber 1973 in Ottawa when she presided over the formal inaugural meeting of The Writers’ Union of Canada?

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 19 Minutes

It’s something I quietly hope to hear of in the Founding say that she hoped he would be a member of the National Members’ Interview project, which, thanks to the talents Council very soon. of Chris Moore, the approval of National Council, and the funding from the Access Copyright Foundation, I was able Election Results to launch at the very beginning of 2013. National Council: I’ll end the nostalgia part now by reading to you a little Harry Thurston (First Vice-Chair); Katherine Gordon excerpt from one of the letters Margaret wrote to me after (Second Vice-Chair); George Melnyk (Treasurer); Carellin she had returned to settled in the homeland. Brooks (BC/Yukon Representative); Bob Armstrong (Man- itoba/Saskatchewan Representative); Merrily Weisbord “I’m afraid this will be a brief letter, as I am up to my neck (Quebec Representative) David Chariandy, Farzana Doc- in correspondence, and will be leaving for the Writers’ tor, and Eric Enno Tamm (advocates). Union meeting in Ottawa day after tomorrow. Then straight on to Winnipeg for 4 days, then home, then off [Glenn Dixon (Alberta/NWT/Nunavut Representative); again to Corfu for 2 weeks — Jocelyn is there this year Steve Pitt (Ontario Representative); and Lee Thompson and I’m going to visit her for the last half of May. (Atlantic Region); are serving the second year of a two- year term.] When I moved to England in 1962, I always knew I would come home one day. As you know, I moved back in Membership Committee: 1973, and I have always been glad that I did. I feel very Jillian Dagg, Paul Bowdring, Katharine Fletcher, Kathryn settled here now — I love Lakefield, and I have a lot of Kuitenbrouwer, and Fred Stenson. good friends within reachable distance. I’ve become very involved with a lot of issues here, including the Writers’ Nominating Committee: Union — things I couldn’t (or felt I couldn’t) do in En- Myrna Kostash (Chair) gland. I think I’ve always felt that this was my true place of belonging, and if I were to do battle for various causes Merilyn presented a token of thanks to the departing in which I believe, it would have to be here. Of course, members of National Council. Canada is like family in a way — one gets much more en- raged about the things that aren’t working out here than M/S/CARRIED: UNTABLE BUDGET. To untable proposed one would abroad, but that is because one cares more. 2013-14 budget. (R.Brown/K.Gordon)

Anyway, my thoughts are with you, and I wish you luck M/S/CARRIED: PROPOSED 2013-14 BUDGET. To approve and peace.” the 2013-14 budget as presented. (S.D.Cameron/E.Paris)

Elections M/S/CARRIED: DESTROY BALLOTS. To destroy the ballots Susan Crean, co-chair of the Nominating Committee an- from the 2013 elections. (S.Crean/G.Payerle) nounced that David Chariandy had withdrawn his name as a candidate for Second Vice-Chair. M/S/CARRIED: ADJOURN. To adjourn the meeting. (B.Nuttall-Smith/G.Payerle) David Chariandy thanked the Nominating Committee for putting his name forward. He said that it was a huge honour and he appreciated their faith in him. He said that he wanted to declare his warm and enthusiastic support Katherine Gordon as Second Vice-Chair.

Katherine Gordon thanked David for his endorsement. She noted that he had kindly told her in advance that he would be withdrawing his name – although she had encouraged him to let his name stand. Katherine went on to

20 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting DIRECTIVES

NATIONAL COUNCIL AND AGM DIRECTIVES mand services, mobile computing (smartphones and tablets) May 30 - June 2, 2013 and crowd-funded creativity are fundamentally transform- Albert at Bay Suite Hotel ing the publishing industry throughout Canada and North Ottawa, Ontario America; WHEREAS the traditional trade-publishing model based on  APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR. That The Writers’ a contract and royalties is undergoing change, including a Union of Canada appoint Sam Marinucci as auditor for growing number of authors paying for publicity, book web- 2013-14. DONE. sites, book tours, book design and even editing and production;  HONORARY MEMBERSHIP FOR KELLY DUFFIN. That Kelly Duffin, the former executive director of The WHEREAS the restructuring of the publishing industry, in- Writers’ Union of Canada, be made an honorary member of cluding bankruptcies and mergers and a reduction in royalty the Union in recognition of her outstanding contributions to advances, has significantly reduced the opportunities and -fi Canadian writers. DONE. nancial rewards to p ublish with established trade publishers;

 HONORARY MEMBERSHIP FOR DON ORAVEC. That WHEREAS in a survey of TWUC membership in 2011 some Don Oravec, the former executive director of The Writers’ 58 percent expressed interest in services like Amazon and 47 Trust of Canada, be made an honorary member of the Union percent expressed interest in ebook self publishing; in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Canadian writers. DONE. WHEREAS given the limited opportunities and poor contract terms being offered by traditional trade publishers, many suc-  LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR FIRST NATIONAL COUN- cessful writers are turning to self-publishing and alternative CIL. That the Union recognize the contribution of its first business models for monetization such as pay-wall protected National Council by awarding them life memberships in the websites and crowd-sourced funding; Union. DONE. WHEREAS self-publishing is making up a growing percent-  LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR GREG GATENBY. That Greg age of professional authors and a disproportionate number Gatenby, the founding Artistic Director of the Harbourfront of new and young authors will be self-publishing given the Reading Series festival and IFOA (International Festival limited opportunities and poor contract terms of traditional of Authors), be awarded a life membership in The Writers’ publishers; Union of Canada in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Canadian writers. DONE. WHEREAS The Writers’ Union of Canada is increasingly responding to queries for services and professional support to  JOY KOGAWA HOUSE. That The Writers’ Union of writers who self publish by holding workshops on publicity, Canada explore ways to support the secure continuation social media marketing and self-publishing for its members, and preservation of the historic Joy Kogawa house and its and will increasingly need to deal with commercial and con- programs. A letter of support was sent to Kogawa House tractual issues related to self-publishing by its members; Committee. WHEREAS The Writers’ Union of Canada will likely face  SELF-PUBLISHED WRITERS. dwindling and ageing membership if new and young self-pub- WHEREAS new information technologies and innovations lished professional authors are not admitted into its member- such as online bookselling, digital ebooks, online print-on-de- ship;

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 21 Directives

WHEREAS The Writers’ Union of Canada must be strong 2.4 Following a decision by the Membership Committee: and united in the future by continuing to be the single, (a) a rejected applicant may appeal the decision of the authoritative voice for professional book authors, including Membership Committee to the National Executive, those who are self-published; whose ruling shall be final; (b) a rejected applicant may re-apply for admission to THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the National Council the Union each or any year thereafter; or with the assistance of the Constitutional Review Task Force (c) a member of the Membership Committee itself take into advisement the recommendation of the mem- may request a review by the National Executive of an bership present at the 2013 AGM to hold a referendum on acceptance or rejection. expanding the Membership criteria as described in bold font Approved by referendum. as follows:  CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW TASK FORCE MOTION. 2.1 Membership shall be open to all writers who satisfy the That, because in order to continue in existence as a Canadian Membership Committee of their compliance with the follow- Not-for-profit Corporation after October 17, 2014, we must ing requirements: apply for a Certificate of Continuance before that time and (a) that the writer has had a book published by a com- undertake certain changes to the Union’s Constitution as mercial or university press or the equivalent in another prescribed by the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, the medium; National Council of The Writers’ Union of Canada be autho- or rized to apply for such Articles of Continuance and undertake that the writer has self-published a book and satis- consultation with the membership and a referendum by mail fies all three of the following conditions: in ballot to obtain approval for the required changes and for I. that the book is registered with an Interna- any other necessary or desirable amendments to the Consti- tional Standard Book Number (ISBN) tution that could be made at the same time. DONE. II. that commercial intention is demonstrated III. that the Membership Committee select three  SPYING AND HARASSMENT. That the National TWUC members, who shall remain anony- Council poll the members of the Writers’ Union to discover if mous to the applicant, to review the self-pub- and to what extent governments and police in Canada have lished book and attest to the applicant’s spied upon and harassed artists and writers and publishers of professionalism Canada. DONE. (b) that the Membership Committee has at its discretion and by a majority vote decided that this book is a DIALOGUE WITH ACCUTE AND OTHER TEACHER trade book; and ORGANIZATIONS. Whereas in the panel discussion be- (c) that the writer is a Canadian citizen or permanent tween Roanie Levy of Access Copyright and Laura Murray resident of Canada or identifies himself or herself as an of Queen’s University, it transpired that a meeting between Aboriginal or Indigenous person born or resident within TWUC and ACCUTE would prove more fruitful to improve Canada. dialogue between writers and the university community than previous attempts have been: Be it resolved that National 2.2 No society or corporation shall be a member of the Union. Council attempt to facilitate a meeting between TWUC members and ACCUTE and other teacher organizations with 2.3 The Membership Committee shall: a view to establishing a dialogue about copyright between (a) accept or reject all applications for membership by writers and the users of copyright materials. Various over- majority vote; tures made to teacher organizations. (b) solicit new members; (c) make recommendations to the National Council  CANADIAN WRITING IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM. concerning rescission of the membership of any person That in light of the decommissioning of the Curriculum and for non-compliance with this by-law; and Libraries Committee, National Council be asked to review (d) be empowered to waive any of the above criteria by the mandates of all TWUC Task Forces to determine if any of unanimous vote. them could add curriculum to their mandates, failing which

22 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting National Council be asked to strike a dedicated Curriculum WORKING GROUP ON TWUC’S DEMOGRAPHICS. Task Force to increase the inclusion of Canadian writing at Move that National Council establish a working group to all levels of the education system in every Canadian province further investigate the demographic of TWUC membership and territory. Curriculum Task Force has been established. and report back to National Council with recommendation on how TWUC might effectively attract younger authors to  WRITING FOR CHILDREN COMPETITION. Whereas the Union. Report was presented to Winter 2014 NC and the Writing for Children Competition has raised the profile of recommendations are being implemented. The Writers’ Union of Canada and unpublished writers and provides an entrée to our organization to would be profes- MAY 26-29, 2011 — TORONTO, ONTARIO sional writers and whereas the entry fee covers the cost of the prize, be it resolved that TWUC reinstate the contest. On the FUTURE AGM LOCATIONS. That the 2013 AGM be held in agenda for the Fall National Council meeting. Writing for Ottawa; that the 2014 AGM be held in Halifax or St. John’s; Children Contest is now administered by CANSCAIP in and that the 2015 AGM be held in Winnipeg. partnership with TWUC. ACCESSCOPYRIGHT. Recognizing that collective licensing JURY TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. That of copyright is a vital interest of the creator community, but National Council explore the possibility of delivering a tem- that creators receive an inadequate share of the revenues of plate for prize juries that would help ensure diversity, fairness, Access Copyright and are unable to control how the copyright transparency, and accountability. For further discussion. income raised in their name is managed; And recognizing that key differences in the copyright interests NOMINATING COMMITTEE MANDATE AND PRO- of publishers and creators will always prevent Access Copy- TOCOL TASK FORCE. Given that there are outstanding right from fully and effectively representing creators’ copy- issues regarding the Nominating Committee’s mandate and right interests; operating protocols, be it resolved that a new Task Force be Moved that a solution is an operational separation of struck to review the proposals from the National Council creators’ and publishers’ interests in collective licensing, for and the Nominating Committee and to report back to the instance, by the British model of a creator-run distribution membership in 2014 with a recommendation for a mandate collective that controls and distributes the half of collective and protocols of the Nominating Committee. Be it further revenues that belong to creators; resolved that the composition of this Task Force exclude all And moved that National Council direct an investigation as members of the 2012-13 Nominating Committee, all mem- to how a significant reform of collective licensing in Cana- bers of the 2012-13 National Council and all members of the da can be brought about at the earliest possible moment. 2013-14 National Council. Erna Paris is Chairing Task Force Underway. Research project with IPOsgoode, funded by which will report to the 2014 AGM. Access Copyright.

 PROPOSED 2013-14 BUDGET. To approve the 2013-14 JUNE 3-6, 2010 — OTTAWA, ONTARIO budget as presented. DONE. ACCESS COPYRIGHT. Resolved that the Writers’ Union  DESTROY BALLOTS. To destroy the ballots from the urge Access Copyright to drastically improve the degree of 2013 elections. DONE. consulting it does with its rights holders when determining significant changes to the way those rights holders’ photo- MAY 24-27, 2012 — VANCOUVER, B.C. copy earnings are spent. DISCUSSION ONGOING.

CREATORS’ INTERESTS. That advocacy for creators’ inter- INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE CONNECTION. Inspired ests within a robust system of collective licensing and control by the examples of Canada’s First Nations author, poet and of creators’ revenue distribution be a priority in the Union’s playwright Drew Hayden Taylor, and TWUC member Thom- Strategic Plan. To be part of Strategic Planning discus- as King, the International Affairs Committee wishes, with the sions. aid and guidance of Drew, Thomas, and others, to create an international creative connection with published aboriginal

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 23 Directives

writers of many nations, including Canada. This outreach will ancient-forest free (so far in Canada alone this initiative has be based, in part, upon the ongoing alliance Drew Hayden saved one million trees), And whereas we, as writers, should Taylor has successfully built with New Zealand Maori artists. not have to choose between our love of the written word and To be addressed, in part, at National Indigenous Writers our love of the wild: Conference Be it resolved that TWUC will signal its strong and passionate leadership on this issue by: YOUNGER MEMBERS. Based on the outreach program of • Using its national influence to lobby publishers, the former chair Susan Swan to continue the life of this Union, government, the writing community and the public on TWUC will task each member to seek at least two younger the importance of transforming the paper industry; (18-40) members whose published work and artistic activist • Creating an online toolkit to advise members about energy they respect and admire, as none of us will be active how to get the paper they want for their books -- provid- in TWUC forever, and as the new members will, with luck, ing information on how to negotiate on this issue with have a longer forever than most of the present membership. publishers, magazine editors, and agents, including the possibility of asking for a ‘green clause’ in publishing MAY 21-24, 2009 — CALGARY, ALBERTA contracts; • Distributing the “Canadian Writers’ Pledge” to all MODEL POLICY FOR CONVENING JURIES. Whereas members; literary prizes play an increasingly important role in advanc- • Forming an active working partnership with the NGO ing the careers of Canadian writers, both in terms of visibility “Markets’ Initiative,” whose work on this issue has been and in terms of sales; and Whereas there has been in recent powerful and transformative, to help them reach writers years a number of cases in which the composition of juries in Canada and around the world; has been called into question either for perceived conflicts • Sending letters of support and congratulations – on of interest or for perceived difficulties in members’ status as behalf of TWUC members -- to those book publishers “peers”; and Whereas writers of any genre have a right to who have formally committed to phasing out their use be judged by an impartial jury of their peers; Be it resolved of papers coming from ancient forests. that The Writers’ Union of Canada draft a model policy for Office began work with David Leonard at Market’s Initia- convening juries that includes clear and relevant provision tive. They have since reduced staff and the office is work- for defining “peer” status and preventing conflict of interest ing to make a contact at Canopy. To date we have had no in which jury members have a creative, editorial, or financial response from Canopy. interest in nominated titles and/or a close personal or professional relationship with nominated authors, and that the NATIONAL COUNCIL DIRECTIVES Union liaise with the relevant bodies (i.e. the Canada Coun- cil, The Writers’ Trust, the British Columbia Achievement JANUARY 24-26, 2014 Foundation, the Charles Taylor Foundation, and provincial Arts Councils, etc.) to communicate said policy model. PUBLIC LENDING RIGHT AND HOLDING BASED SYS- TEM. That National Council formally support the holding MAY 22-25, 2008 — TORONTO, ONTARIO based system, as opposed to the loans based system, and direct TWUC’s Public Lending Right representative to represent ANCIENT FOREST-FRIENDLY PAPER. Whereas there is this position. very little ancient forest left on the planet (80% has been logged), And whereas these forests provide a delicate ecosys- QUEBEC’S SAUVONS LES LIVRES Moved that TWUC tem, giving life to cougars and bears, tiny lichens and birds supports Quebec’s Sauvons Les Livres movement and its and insects, purifying water, containing genetic diversity and demand that the Quebec government legislate a maximum cooling the planet, And whereas enormous swaths of what 10% discount on the publisher’s list price for the first nine remains of this ancient forest are located in Canada, And months after publication. whereas there is a powerful movement in Canadian and worldwide publishing – spearheaded by writers working with CONSTITUTIONAL UPDATE. 1. The By-law (the general the “Markets Initiative” campaign – to procure paper that is operating rules of TWUC, which together with the letters

24 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting patent form our current Constitution) be updated to incorpo- books, and Canadian authors’ incomes, And dependent on rate or accommodate the changes identified in the attached the Canadian Booksellers Association supporting similar document (subject to changes that may be requested by policy, Be it resolved that the Writers’ Union supports a min- National Council). imum ban on discounting of more than 10% in the first nine 2. Blakes be instructed to: months after a book is published. a. Prepare a draft application for Articles of Continuance for review by the Constitutional Review Task Force GENERAL UNRESTRICTED RESERVES. Whereas, The and National Council Writers Union of Canada has a large amount of funds in b. Prepare a draft by-law that would incorporate or general unrestricted reserves that are being kept in cashable accommodate the amendments and comply with the GICs at very low rates of return; and Whereas, such a large new legislation, and amount is not required for immediate use by the Union c. Provide advice on the process of obtaining member- for budgetary purposes; and Whereas, these funds can be ship approval for the Articles of Continuance and better apportioned in a way as to maximize the return to enacting the By-law that will take effect after receipt the Union, while maintaining fiscal stability and a balanced of the Certificate of Continuance. annual budget; and 3. The new By-law be drafted to avoid the creation of classes Whereas, the membership of the Union would want to make of Members. the better use of the funds; Be it resolved that: LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR ALICE MUNRO. Moved that 1. That the National Council approve the elimination of TWUC award Alice Munro a Lifetime Membership in rec- the current general unrestricted reserves category and its ognition of her great contribution to Canadian and interna- re-designation into three new categories effective April 1, tional literature as endorsed by her being awarded the Nobel 2014. That these categories be: Emergency Reserve Fund; Prize for Literature on December 10, 2013. To be presented Advocacy and Special Projects Reserve Fund, and Legal to her daughter at AGM. Reserve Fund. 2. That the Emergency Reserve Fund be the priority reserve REGIONAL LIAISONS. That National Council encourages with a minimum of $100,000 to be used to cover bud- Regional Representatives to discuss the idea of regional liai- getary deficits or other emergency uses, and that this sons at regional meetings at the Annual General Meeting. amount be invested in cashable GICs. 3. That the Advocacy and Special Projects Reserve Fund  OUTREACH SQUAD. That the Union create an Out- be set at $100,000 to be used to fund timely advocacy reach Squad to attend readings and emerging author events activities or special projects that the membership or where they can make announcements and disseminate litera- National Council has voted is necessary to represent the ture about the Union. DONE. interests and goals of the Union and that these funds be invested in fixed-term GICs for periods of one to three OFFER WRITE FOR FREE. That The Writers’ Union of years. Canada offer WRITE Magazine online for free and actively 4. That the balance of the unrestricted general reserve promote it to writing schools. Superseded by subsequent funds be placed in a Legal Reserve Fund to be used for motion. legal costs associated with advocacy in the courts on behalf of the Union’s mandate and which would be invest-  ACCESS COPYRIGHT AGM DELEGATE. That Harry ed conservatively in market products (bonds, treasury Thurston by the Union’s delegate to the Access Copyright bills) using a social justice screen that are monitored and Annual General Meeting. DONE. reviewed on a regular basis. To be reflected in 2014-15 bookkeeping and auditor’s statement. BOOK PRICING. Whereas the independent bookseller has been a major support for Canadian authors and Canadian MOTION ON RESTRICTED RESERVES. Whereas, The literary culture, and Whereas, deep discounting of books Writers Union of Canada currently has four restricted funds by major retailers is harmful to the continued existence of held in reserve (Education, Building, AGM Travel, and independent booksellers, the diversity of Canadian-authored Bequests) in various amounts, whose mandates have accu-

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 25 Directives

mulated over a long period; Whereas, the Education and  E-LENDING TASK FORCE DISSOLUTION. That the Building funds have not been utilized for an extensive period E-lending Task Force be dissolved. DONE. of time; and Whereas, the Finance and Investment Commit- tee believes that these funds could be put to more effective  FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION LIAISON FOR PEN use or structured in a different manner; Be it resolved that: CANADA NATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. That the Union establish a Freedom of Expression Liaison for PEN 1. National Council review the Education and Building Canada National Affairs Committee. DONE. Funds so as to ascertain their relevance in the current situation; their practically in terms of their financial  ANNA PORTER FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION. That suitability for their stated purposes; and alternative uses Anna Porter be appointed the Union’s Freedom of Expres- for these funds. sion Liaison for PEN Canada National Affairs Committee. DONE. 2. National Council, after its review, propose to the general membership at its next annual general meeting CURRICULUM TASK FORCE. That the Union establish a in May 2014 on the Education Fund and in May 2015 Curriculum Task Force with a mandate to increase Canadi- on the Building Fund on any alternative uses for these an content in curricula at all levels of the education system, previously approved funds it may wish. which our members have identified as one of their top three priority issues. In order to meet this goal, the task force will:  ACCOMMODATION FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. Whereas payment for 1. Poll the membership regarding the use of Canadian accommodation by individual councillors at the Annual Gen- books in schools, colleges, and universities. eral Meeting and conference, which includes two National 2. Research the policies regarding Canadian content in Council meetings, may be a barrier to councillor attendance, each of the provinces and territories. and; Whereas councillors not attending for financial reasons 3. Define policies that would encourage increased use of diminishes the democratic will of the membership, and; Canadian content in curricula at all levels of the educa- Whereas TWUC currently pays for councillor accommodation tion system. costs at two other National Council meetings in Toronto and 4. Develop overarching national strategies to increase currently pays for transportation costs of councillors to the awareness of Canadian books among educators and the Annual General Meeting and conference; Be it resolved that: need for more Canadian content in schools, college, and TWUC create a level-playing field for all National Council universities. meetings by paying accommodation expenses for up to three 5. Research the purchasing policies of education depart- nights for all incumbent councillors attending the AGM/ ments and propose strategies that would enable them to conference beginning with the 2014 event in St. John’s New- procure school books through Canadian distributors and foundland. Included in 2014-15 budget. publishers.  RECIPROCAL DISCOUNTS. That subject to the agree- The Task Force should ideally include a representative from ment of the League of the Canadian Poets, the National each province and territory. Recognizing that colleges and Council recommends the reciprocal discount with the League universities set their curricula independently of provincial of Canadian Poets be continued and increased to 10%. In government policies, the task force should include members addition, that National Council investigates the possibility to deal with the post-secondary level of education separate- of extending the reciprocal discount to members of other ly. The task force should report to Council annually at the organizations. Effective April 1, 2014. Information included winter meeting, and seek to complete its work in two years. in 2014-15 dues notice. In progress.

 DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS 80 AND OVER. That The  RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT TASK Writers’ Union of Canada offer a 25% discount for members FORCE. That National Council dissolve the Reciprocal 80 and over, if they so choose. Effective April 1, 2014. Infor- Membership Discount Task Force as it has now completed its mation included in 2014-15 dues notice. mandate. DONE.

26 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting ELECTRONIC VOTING. That the National Council ap- mense and important work they did restructuring the Union’s proves electronic voting, in principle, to increase participation Committees, creating the Union’s Task Forces and Liaisons, and that measures are being taken to facilitate this as soon and drafting policies and procedures for these Committees, as possible. Task Forces and Liaisons. DONE.

 AGM REGISTRATION FEES That the On Words Con-  DISSOLVE ACCESS COPYRIGHT TASK FORCE. That ference registration fee be set at $245 for members and $250 as per the Access Copyright Task Force’s recommendation the for non-members. The banquet fee is $90. There is a $10 Access Copyright Task Force be dissolved given that the Task discount for those who attend both the conference and the Force’s mandate, established at the at the 2011 AGM has banquet. been fulfilled. DONE.

 AGM TRAVEL PAID BY MEMBERS. That the initial  COMMITTEE TRANSITION TASK FORCE. That as per portion of AGM travel that each member must pay be set the Transition Committee Task Force’s recommendation that at $150. Further travel reimbursement will be dependent on the Task Force be dissolved as it has fulfilled its mandate. the number of people who apply to the pool and the amount DONE. available in the pool.  DIGITAL COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT TASK FORCE.  2014-15 PROPOSED BUDGET. To accept the 2014-15 As per the Digital Copyright Infringement Task Force’s re- proposed budget as amended. port’s recommendation at the 2013 AGM the Task Force be dissolved. DONE. OCTOBER 4-6, 2013  REPRESSION OF PUBLIC EXPRESSION TASK FORCE.  RATIFY LISTSERV MOTION – INTERNATIONAL OP- Whereas the Repression of Public Expression Task Force PORTUNITIES AND INFORMATION TASK FORCE. That members no longer wish to serve and that the Repression the International Opportunities and Information Task Force of Public Expression Forum is inactive, but given freedom of mandate be accepted with Gilbert Reid as Chair, and Sandra expression issues remain important to The Writers’ Union of Martin, Greg Gatenby and others to be selected by the Chair, Canada membership, I move that the Repression of Public and approve by National Council, as members. DONE. Expression Task Force be terminated and it its place National Council appoint a liaison to track and report on these issues.  RATIFY LISTSERV MOTION – RESPONSE TO UBC. DONE. That The Writers’ Union of Canada send a prompt response to The University of British Columbia to reiterate TWUC’s  MEMBERSHIP SUSPENSION. That members who have point of view and to endeavour to close this exchange of not paid their 2013/14 dues and have not formally resigned in correspondence for the time being. DONE. writing by December 31, 2013 be suspended. DONE.

 RATIFY LISTSERV MOTION – DHAHAN INTERNA- SHORT PROSE COMPETITION. Given that the Short TIONAL PUNJABI FICTION PRIZE. That The Writers’ Prose Competition is a low priority for members, there is pres- Union of Canada congratulates the Canada-India Society sure on staff resources, the competition generates low returns, and The University of British Columbia for establishing the and because it is not a Writers’ Union strategic priority, that Dhahan International Punjabi fiction prize. This prize is a the Union dissolve the Short Prose Competition following the great boon to Punjabi fiction and to the recognition of excel- 2014 contest. See Winter NC Budget discussion. lence in Indian regional languages. No action required.  EXTEND STRATEGIC PLAN. That the Strategic Plan be  THANKS TO DOUGLAS ARTHUR BROWN AND extended to the end of 2014. No action required. MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE TRANSITION TASK FORCE. Moved that National Council offer its heartfelt  FINANCE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE. thanks and appreciation to Douglas Arthur Brown and the That a Finance and Investment Committee be struck with a members of the Committee Transition Task Force for the im- mandate:

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 27 Directives

• to provide on-going budgeting oversight;  That a survey of members be undertaken in November • to liaise with the staff about expenditures, revenues, and 2013 regarding the reciprocal discount offered to those writers the financial implication of operations, including staff- who are members of both the Writers’ Union and the League ing; of Canadian Poets. DONE. • to investigate investment options to enhance returns; to explore new sources of revenue;  To approve the protocols for all Committees and Task • to make recommendations to NC on financial policy Forces. DONE. and procedures; and • to undertake any other tasks assigned by National  To approve the Write Editorial Board mandate, protocols, Council. and guidelines. DONE.

That the composition of the Finance and Investment Com-  To approve the Nominating Committee Mandate and mittee shall be: Protocols. DONE. • the Treasurer who shall act as Chair; • the executive director or designate who shall act as a  To approve the protocols for Regional Representatives. resource and non-voting member; DONE. • a current or past member of National Council; • a general member in good standing; and  APPROPRIATIONS. To approve the appropriations identi- • a non-member with expertise in investment. fied in in the 2012/13 Auditor’s Report. DONE.

Qualifications for voting membership in the Finance and  AUDITOR’S STATEMENT. That National Council recom- Investment Committee: mends to the AGM the acceptance of the 2012/13 Auditor’s • that the members of the committee shall be financially Statement. DONE. literate; • the members of the Committee shall declare any con-  AUDITOR. That National Council recommends to the flict-of-interest relationship to any tasks undertaken by AGM the appointment of Sam Marinucci as auditor for 2013- the committee and then act in a manner requested by 14. DONE. the Chair; and • the members of the Committee will keep confidential  PROPOSED BUDGET. That National Council recom- any private information discussed by the Committee. mends the 2013-14 proposed budget to the AGM. DONE. DONE.  COMMITTEES. That the Union dissolve the following MAY 30, 2013 Committees, the work of which will now be done through National Council, Task Forces, Liaisons, Forums, and/or  MANITOBA/SASKATCHEWAN REPRESENTATIVE. Communities of Interest: Contracts, Copyright-Electronic That Bob Armstrong be appointed as Manitoba/Saskatche- Rights, Curriculum and Libraries, Grievance, International wan Representative to complete the term vacated by Anita Affairs, Race Issues, Rights and Freedoms, and Status of Daher. DONE. Women. DONE.  RATIFY LISTSERV MOTIONS. To ratify the following  BPC APPOINTMENT. That Teri Degler be appointed The National Council listserv motions: Writers’ Union of Canada’s representative on the Book and Periodical Council. DONE.  That Patsy Aldana be awarded the 2013 Freedom to Read Award. To create a task force on Government Repression of  CANADIAN COPYRIGHT INSTITUTE. That Marian Public Expression (ROPE) to monitor government suppres- Hebb, with John Degen as alternate, be appointed The Writ- sion of freedom of public expression and make recommenda- ers’ Union of Canada’s delegate to the Canadian Copyright tions for action to National Council. DONE. Institute. DONE.

28 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting  CREATORS COPYRIGHT COALITION. That the Union  FUNDING APPLICATIONS. To assist the Union to no longer have a representative to the Creators Copyright achieve its mandate, the National Council approves all nec- Coalition but John Degen as executive director continue to essary funding applications. As needed. participate on behalf of the Union. DONE. January 25-27, 2013  GRIEVANCE LIAISON: That Roy McSkimming be appointed The Writers’ Union of Canada’s Grievance Liaison. INTERVIEWING FOUNDING MEMBERS. That TWUC DONE. spend up to $1,200 (some of which may be recoverable from fundraising) in the 2013-14 budget for the project of  RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS LIAISON. That Ron Brown interviewing TWUC members who were crucially involved be appointed The Writers’ Union of Canada’s Rights and in the founding of TWUC during preparatory meetings held Freedoms Liaison. DONE. in Toronto in June 1973 and the official founding meeting in Ottawa in November 1973. Access Copyright Foundation  WRITE EDITORIAL BOARD. That in interest of regional grant has been awarded to offset all costs and provide for diversity and the need to have representation from the Na- an improved final project. tional Council on the Write Editorial Board that Harry Thur- ston and Billeh Nickerson be appointed to the Write Editorial September 14-16, 2012 Board to serve with continuing board members Wayne Grady and Kelly-Ann Riess. DONE. PUBLIC CONVERSATION ABOUT COPYRIGHT. That the Union initiate a public conversation about what copyright  PUBLIC LENDING RIGHT COMMISSION. That Genni means to us as creators, based on a statement to be devel- Gunn be appointed The Writers’ Union of Canada’s appoin- oped by the task force; that the Union target high profile tee to the Public Lending Right Commission. DONE. advocates such as Robert Levine to add their voices to the conversation and/or endorse the statement; and that other  THANKS TO RON BROWN. To thank Ron Brown for his creator organizations be invited to endorse the completed tireless work with Access Copyright. DONE. statement. In progress.

 THANKS TO KEN MCGOOGAN. To thank Ken McGoo- February 3-5, 2012 gan for his tireless work for five years as the Union’s representative and the Chair of the Public Lending Right Commis- RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS – CSWA. That The Writers’ sion. DONE. Union of Canada write to Prime Minister Stephen Harper endorsing Kathryn O’Hara’s plea to let federal scientists write  THANKS TO MERILYN SIMONDS. To thank Merilyn and speak freely about their research. Done – through Peter Simonds for her outstanding year as Chair and the tireless Kent. work she undertook on behalf of the Union and its members. DONE. ADVOCACY FOR CREATORS’ INTERESTS. That Nation- al Council propose to the AGM that advocacy for creators’ June 2, 2013 interests within a robust system of collective licensing in Canada be a priority in the Union’s strategic plan.  SIGNING OFFICERS. That Farzana Doctor in addition to Dorris Heffron, George Melnyk, and the executive director, January 28-30, 2011 John Degen, be appointed signing officers. DONE. NEGOTIATIONS WITH FEDERAL PRODUCERS. That the  BANKING REQUIREMENTS. To assist the Union to Union continue to pursue negotiations with federal producers carry out its administrative and banking requirements, the as per its certification by the Canadian Artists and Producers National Council approves the required banking resolutions. Professional Relations Tribunal. DONE.

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 29 Marinucci & Company 171 John Street Suite 101 Chartered Accountants Toronto Ontario M5T 1X3 AUDITOR’STel 416REPORT 214 1555 Fax 416 596 1520 E-mail [email protected]

Independent Auditors’ Report

To the Members of The Writers’ Union of Canada

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of The Writers’ Union of Canada, which comprise the statement of financial position as at March 31, 2014 and the statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the year then ended and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audit is sufficient and appropriate to provide for a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Writers’ Union of Canada as at March 31, 2014 and the results of its operations, changes in net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.

Marinucci & Company Toronto, Ontario Chartered Accountants May 5, 2014 Licensed Public Accountants

1 30 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA

Statement of Financial Position as at March 31, 2014

2014 2013

ASSETS

Current: Cash $ 222,828 $ 243,198 Investments (Note 3) 386,210 384,716 Grants receivable 12,900 6,400 GST/HST rebate receivable 33,924 41,419 Prepaid expenses 12,168 6,857

668,030 682,590

Investments –Danuta Gleed Endowment (Notes 3 and 7) 326,244 343,268

$ 994,274 $ 1,025,858

LIABILITIES

Current: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 35,401 $ 40,622 Prepaid membership dues and fees 92,440 73,211 Deferred government grants revenues (Note 4) 160,594 204,498

288,435 318,331

Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)

NET ASSETS

Unrestricted - 235,816 Internally restricted (Note 6) 396,799 148,400 Externally restricted – Danuta Gleed Endowment (Note 7) 309,040 323,311

705,839 707,527

$ 944,274 $ 1,025,858

Approved on behalf of National Council:

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 2

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 31 Auditor’s Report

THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA UNION WRITERS’ THE

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Assets Net in Changes Statement of

For the year ended March 31, year 2014 ended March the For

Balance,beginning year of ss 1,8 - - 12,583 Excess (deficiency) revenuesexpe over ofnses

(14,271) - - (decrease) Increase in (Note endowment 7)

poet Nt ) projects6) (NoteTransfers internally to (from) restricted

Balance,end year of

See to Notes Financial accompanying Statements

netitd rsrce nomn 2014 restricted Endowment Unrestricted

$ $235,816

2839 2839 - 248,399 (248,399)

- 3679 $ 396,799 $ - $

Dnt Tota Danuta

Internally Gleed

148,400

323,311

309,040 309,040

$ 707,527 $ 707,527

$ 705,839

(10,673) (14,271)

12,583 12,583

l Total Total l

2013

$ 707,527

725,927 725,927

(7,727) (7,727)

32 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA

Statement of Operations for the year ended March 31, 2014

2014 2013 REVENUES Operations: Membership dues $ 349,010 $ 332,264 Government grants (Note 4) 197,412 229,628 Individual donations 23,018 17,212 Private donations 15,500 - Fundraising 37,354 38,316 Fees and charges 21,262 35,718 Investment income (loss) and royalties 1,494 (3,035) 645,050 650,103 Tours: Canada Council grant (Note 4) 65,000 64,000 Ontario Arts Council grant (Note 4) 58,493 57,305 Fees and charges 12,209 10,532 135,702 131,837 Annual General Meeting: Registration and accommodation 39,846 29,584 Sponsorship 15,650 32,700 55,496 62,284

Total revenues 836,248 844,224 EXPENSES Administration: Salaries and benefits 252,095 218,297 Office supplies and services 74,201 116,741 National Council 38,075 35,893 Rent (Note 5) 28,655 27,804 Chair and committees 17,125 20,623 Insurance 4,653 4,300 Office equipment and rental 13,303 1,004 Memberships 1,417 1,388 429,524 426,050 Tours: Readings 73,219 69,425 Travel 44,037 45,281 Administration 20,522 17,131 137,778 131,837 Other programs and activities: Professional development, writers 53,312 63,094 Annual general meeting 85,432 87,820 Professional fees 65,100 74,493 Newsletter 32,444 45,306 Fundraising 12,931 12,312 Regional 3,929 3,482 Advocacy 997 7,344 Other projects 2,218 213 256,363 294,064

Total expenses 823,665 851,681

EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES OVER EXPENSES $ 12,583 $ (7,727)

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World4 33 Auditor’s Report

THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA

Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended March 31, 2014

2014 2013

Cash derived from (used for)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses $ 12,583 $ (7,727)

Net change in non-cash operational working capital: Grants receivable (6,500) (400) GST/HST rebate receivable 7,495 (6,231) Prepaid expenses (5,311) (3,010) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (5,221) 15,050 Prepaid membership dues and fees 19,229 (48,515) Deferred government grants revenues (43,904) 120,701

(21,629) 69,868 ENDOWMENT ACTIVITIES:

Increase (decrease) in endowment assets (14,271) (10,673)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

(Purchase) redemption of investments, net: Current (1,494) 5,119 Danuta Gleed Endowment 17,024 8,284

15,530 13,403

INCREASE IN CASH (20,370) 72,598

CASH, beginning of year 243,198 170,600

CASH, end of year $ 222,828 $ 243,198

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

5 34 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA

Notes to Financial Statements

March 31, 2014

1. NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION

The Writers’ Union of Canada (“Union”) was incorporated without share capital under the laws of the Province of Ontario on April 30, 1980 as a not-for-profit organization. The Union is dedicated to fostering writing in Canada, and promoting the rights, freedoms and economic well being of all writers.

The Union was registered as a National Arts Service Organization under the Income Tax Act, effective April 1, 1995, and, as such, is exempt from income taxes.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting

The financial statements were prepared in accordance with the Canadian accounting standards for not-for- profit organizations in Part III of the CICA Handbook and include the following significant accounting policies.

Revenue recognition

The Union follows the deferral method of accounting for contributions, which include donations, sponsorships and government grants. Unrestricted contributions are recognized as revenue in the year received or receivable if the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured. Externally restricted contributions are recognized as revenue in the year in which the related activity takes place and expenses are incurred.

Membership dues and registration and accommodation fees for the annual general meeting are recognized as revenue in the year to which the dues and fees relate.

Fees and charges are recognized when received or receivable upon substantial completion of the service, provided that the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured.

Fundraising and donations are recognized as revenue when received.

Revenues and expenses of the Danuta Gleed Endowment are reflected directly in endowment net assets and are not recognized in the statement of operations.

Financial instruments

The Union initially measures its financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. It subsequently measures all its financial assets, except for investments held for the Danuta Gleed Endowment, and financial liabilities at amortized cost.

The financial assets subsequently measured at amortized cost include cash and amounts receivable. The financial liabilities measured at amortized cost include accounts payable.

Investments held for the Danuta Gleed Endowment are subsequently measured at fair value.

Vacation accrual

The Union accrues for vacation days earned but unpaid or unused at the year end. Accrued vacation is classified in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

6 May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 35 Auditor’s Report

THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA

Notes to Financial Statements

March 31, 2014

3. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Cash consists of cash on hand and bank deposits residing in operating business accounts. The Union manages its cash based on cash flow needs and with a view to optimizing its interest income.

Investments held for operations consist of highly liquid guaranteed investment certificates issued by Canadian banks, having terms to maturity on acquisition of one year or less.

Investments held for the Danuta Gleed Endowment consist of investment grade money market instruments and Canadian corporate fixed income securities, with maturity dates from December 2014 to October 2015. These investments are managed by an independent investment manager.

The carrying value of the Union’s accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates their fair value due to the relatively short term to maturity of those instruments.

4. GOVERNMENT GRANTS REVENUES AND DEFERRED REVENUES

Government grants with restrictions on funding to support specific projects or operating periods are accounted for by matching the recognition of revenues from each grant with the related expenses for the project or period. Government grants revenues are as follows:

2014 2013

Canadian Heritage $ 42,614 $ 42,647 Canada Council, Operating 85,000 85,000 Canada Council, Readings 65,000 64,000 Canada Council, Projects - 1,420 Canada Council, Professional Development - 2,500 Ontario Arts Council: Operating 59,298 59,298 Reading 58,493 57,305 Projects - 35,838 Saskatchewan Arts Board 10,500 2,925

$ 320,905 $ 350,933

The balance of deferred government grants revenues at March 31 represents the unspent portion of the grants at that date as follows:

2014 2013

Canadian Heritage $ 20,897 $ 3,480 Canada Council, Operating - 76,500 Canada Council, Readings 58,500 58,500 Ontario Arts Council: Tours 57,500 57,500 Readings 525 1,518 Projects 6,000 - Saskatchewan Arts Board 16,900 7,000

$ 160,322 $ 204,498

7 36 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA

Notes to Financial Statements

March 31, 2014

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Credit card facility

Short-term investments includes $18,275 held to secure the Union’s credit card facility of $15,000.

Premises lease

The Union and The Writers’ Trust of Canada are joint tenants in a lease agreement for premises, requiring minimum annual payments, including additional rent for the proportionate share of common costs such as realty taxes, utilities and operating cost, of approximately $72,000 to the lease expiry date of March 31, 2019. The Union’s share of these payments is approximately $36,000 annually. The Union and The Writers’ Trust of Canada are third parties to each other.

6. INTERNALLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS

Management of the Union has internally restricted net assets of the organization for programs and activities, as follows:

• Revenue from the sale of the Union’s special limited edition is allocated to specific educational projects • Revenue from the sale of archives is designated for a building fund • A portion of members’ dues is allocated to provide for travel to annual general meetings outside Ontario • Bequests are allocated for projects to be determined by the Union • Legal costs associated with advocacy in the courts on behalf of the Union’s mandate • Advocacy activities or special projects • A minimum of $100,000 to cover budgetary deficits or special projects

Changes to these internally restricted net assets during the year were as follows:

Balance Allocations Balance 2013 in year 2014

Education $ 12,425 $ - $ 12,425 Building 66,005 - 66,005 AGM travel 34,280 (10,286) 23,993 Bequests 35,690 4,450 40,140 Legal - 54,236 54,236 Advocacy and special projects - 100,000 100,000 Emergency - 100,000 100,000

$ 148,400 $248,399 $ 396,799

8 May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 37 Auditor’s Report

THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA

Notes to Financial Statements

March 31, 2014

7. DANUTA GLEED ENDOWMENT

In 1997 and 1998, the Union received restricted gifts totaling $270,800 for the purpose of establishing an annual English language award, known as the “Danuta Gleed Literary Award” to recognize the best first collection of short stories by a Canadian author published in Canada. The Union is to administer the endowment in a manner appropriate to preserve the capital of the gift and to generate sufficient annual income to fund the award. Revenues and expenses of the fund are reflected directly in net assets and are not recognized in the statement of operations. Details of revenues and expense during the year are as follows:

2014 2013

Investment income: Interest $ 6,614 $ 8,272 Loss/Gain on redemption of securities 2,287 - Increase (decrease) in market value of investments (see Note 3) (5,887) 1,093

3,014 9,365

Awards and expenses: Prizes 11,500 11,500 Honoraria 3,700 3,700 Audit 800 800 Administration and supplies 1,285 4,038

17,285 20,038

Increase (decrease) in endowment net assets $ (14,271) $ (10,673)

8. ONTARIO ARTS FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FUND

The Union is a participant in the Arts Endowment Fund program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Culture administered by the Ontario Arts Foundation (“OAF”). Under the program, money raised by the Union to certain limits was matched and placed in an endowment, which is controlled and administered by OAF in accordance with its investment policies.

Investment income distributed by the endowment is for the benefit of general operations of the Union. Accordingly, the assets of the endowment fund are not reflected in these financial statements.

Income of $1,242 from the endowment was received in 2014 (2013 - $ 1,004). As at March 31, 2014, the market value of the Union’s Arts Endowment Fund was approximately $ 25,000.

38 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting 9 The world’s best writers and thinkers

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May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 39 FORWARD, together A blueprint for serving and advocating on behalf of Canadian writers THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA STRATEGIC PLAN 2010-14

PRIORITY ONE: EROSION OF INCOME PRIORITY THREE: STRATEGIC PLANNING

Advocate for Favourable Revisions to Copyright Legislation Complete Current Strategic Plan

Advocate for the Passage of Favourable Income Tax Conduct membership Survey Legislation and Reform Introduce new Strategic Plan exercise Increase the number of and heightening the profile of Canadian Books in School and Libraries A Note from the Fall 2011 Membership Survey: The Fall 2011 Membership Survey, to which the Union Protecting Authors’ Interests and Earning Power Regard- received more than 900 responses, confirmed these as ing Electronic Rights continuing areas of priority for members. The top four advocacy issues identified by members are: Work Towards Preventing Further Rights Grabs 1. Copyright 2. Canadian books in schools and libraries PRIORITY TWO: COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES 3. Fair Contracts including erights 4. Favourable tax legislation Drive more traffic to the website to improve member and public awareness of Writers’ Union activities

Improved communication with members to encourage better understanding and reduce confusion

40 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting REPORTS

BC/Yukon Regional Report CARELLIN BROOKS REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Halfway into my two-year term I feel there’s so much I’m happy to spread the word about events through my more to do in our BC/Yukon region. This past year Twitter account, @carellinb, so follow me if you’d like. we’ve held four regional meetings: in Vancouver on the This year, Pacific Coordinator Raquel Alvaro dug up the occasion of Word Vancouver (formerly The Word On The info that BC Book Prizes finalists Becky Citra, Théodora Street) festival, and in conjunction with the inaugural Armstrong, and 9 others are also TWUC members – National Indigenous Writers’ Conference. At the latter congratulations to all. occasion, members and perspective members happily were also able to meet our Chair, Dorris Heffron. BC members have participated with lively interest in our referendum regarding expanding membership We’ve been able to get together with members on criteria, and will also be sitting on the upcoming Gabriola Island, at the home of National Council Canadian Curriculum Task Force, among other national advocate Katherine Gordon, and in Victoria to celebrate initiatives. Thanks to all who volunteer for this important our Union’s 40th anniversary, where we were treated to work. Kudos at this time also are due to the extremely a behind-the-scenes tour of Munro’s Books along with knowledgeable and dedicated staff in our Toronto office, podcast, bubbly, and cake. who pulled off their recent office move with barely a pause in their normal efficiency. Readers of my regular reports will note that none of those meetings have taken place in the two regions I want to Finally, let me leave you with a word from a recent BC get to during my term: Prince George and Whitehorse. panel I attended on the state of the book industry today. By the time my term ends in 2015, I hope to report that I Among those invited to speak: an agent, hybrid publisher, have been successful in attending regional meetings for writers’ festival director, and the wonderful indie members in both those regions. bookseller Chris Brayshaw. Presenters acknowledged the usual shifting landscape of ebooks, contracts, shrinking Regional members have been extremely busy with book margins all around, and so on, but then came to tentative launches and other events. I continue to attend where I consensus on our industry’s future: cautious optimism. It can, and to spread the word about the benefits of Union was a good thing to hear. membership. Many local publishers, like Mona Fertig of (M)other Tongue Books, also advise their new authors on how and why to become members of the Writers’ Union. Although TWUC’s regional forum remains underused,

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 41 Reports

Alberta/NWT/Nunavut Regional Report GLENN DIXON REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

In the Alberta writing community, there is a sense of others) about copyright, ebook lending at libraries, and real possibility. A wide range of writers are producing many other critical issues. what I believe to be some of the strongest writing in the country. The infrastructure is here too. The Writers For me, personally, I would like to see TWUC working even Guild of Alberta is the largest provincial organization in more closely with other writing organizations (especially Canada and frequently holds panels and workshops and the provincial guilds). We currently have a reciprocal readings. The month of May saw the Creative Non-Fiction membership fee agreement with the League of Canadian Collective host their tenth annual conference in Calgary. Poets and I have pushed for similar reforms with our Early August will see the return (also in Calgary) of the provincial organizations. We are all in this together — When Words Collide conference — maybe the only one of and I believe it is the numbers which will give us power (I its kind in Canada — a conference specifically for writers might say for example that the Writers Guild of Alberta has of genre fiction – mystery, science fiction, romance, and something close to a 1000 members while the number of horror — and in fact, it draws thousands of people. Alberta writers belonging to TWUC is only something just over 100). We are also blessed here with a number of brilliant literary festivals (such as Calgary Wordfest and Edmonton I’d like to thank everyone I worked with on council over Litfest) and residency opportunities like the Banff Writers the past two years. I am absolutely humbled by the Residency (apply if you have not — there’s nothing quite commitment and professionalism and expertise of my like the beauty and tranquility out at the Banff Centre) and fellow council and executive members. May TWUC there is also the Distinguished Writer’s program at the continue to thrive and remain a bulwark in the increasingly University of Calgary (the only institution in Canada with a complex world of publishing and writing in this dizzying Ph.D. program in creative writing). and sometimes wearying twenty-first century.

Yup, it’s a good time to be a writer in Alberta. Something to be proud of.

This report will be my last for The Writer’s Union of Canada. I’m coming to the end of my two-year tenure as National Council Rep for Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. It’s been a fantastic experience and of course it’s been a hell of a year at TWUC — with the referendum on self-published authors, constitutional changes, ongoing negotiations with universities (and

42 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting Manitoba/Saskatchewan Regional Report BOB ARMSTRONG REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

This year’s TWUC Conference and AGM is a reminder to task over their policy of dodging payment for copying that, for all our legitimate concerns about the business of literature, writers, readers, and universities ought to be side of writing, writers from the Manitoba-Saskatchewan natural allies. region have a lot to celebrate. Something else we can celebrate is the growing When Guy Vanderhaeghe gives the Margaret Laurence movement to ensure that more voices are heard in Lecture on Friday evening, he’ll be the second Canadian writing, especially those of aboriginal writers. Saskatchewan writer in the row (following Lorna Crozier An exciting new program funded by the Canada Council at last year’s conference in Ottawa) to offer wise words and the Saskatchewan Arts Board called the Aboriginal from this travelling bully pulpit. That illustrates the depth Editors’ Circle is a professional development program in of writing talent on the prairies, as well as the powerful which eight aboriginal editors and publishers from across connection between our writers and our readers. Canada will be selected to take part in mentorship and Earlier this month, that connection was celebrated when discussions to help them advance in their careers and Moose Jaw became the first-ever Reading Town Canada raise the prominence of aboriginal literature. The circle as part of a partnership between the National Reading will meet in Saskatoon in June for an intensive session. Campaign and the annual Saskatchewan Festival of Words. The Reading Town Canada promotion focuses And finally, as I write this I’m looking forward to the April attention on reading in one community in Canada. At the 26 Manitoba Book Awards ceremony. Last year I brought time of writing plans included book giveaways, a variety to TWUC’s attention the Manitoba government’s decision of readings and discussions and my favourite event: to cut funding to three of these awards. Over the winter, the delivery of a poem with every pizza delivered in the after John Degen and Dorris Heffron responded with prairie city for the week of May 3 to 10. What a delicious eloquently argued letters, the government changed its way of reminding people that literature, like food, is for course and restored support. So there’s another reason everybody. to pop a cork this week.

Of course, the connection between our readers and our writers is strengthened all year in our bookstores. Several bookstores from Manitoba and Saskatchewan were longlisted this spring for the Libris book-industry awards. They include McNally Robinson and Whodunit? as well as the campus bookstores at the Universities of Manitoba and Regina. These latter two are a reminder that, while TWUC is — quite deservedly — taking many universities

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 43 Reports Quebec Atlantic Regional Report Regional Report MERRILY WEISBORD LEE D. THOMPSON REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

We have, as Mao cursed, lived through interesting times My two-year term as Atlantic Rep passed much too here in Quebec. And now we may have the PKP “lockout quickly. I was happy to be able to contribute to National king” of Quebec and owner of 40% of Quebec media Council meetings and to raise concerns and offer as front-runner head of the PQ, once the hope of social suggestions from Atlantic members and give my home democrats. It’s rich territory for English-language writers province of New Brunswick a voice. I tried, as much as many of whom thrive in Montreal’s multi-coloured, possible, to get out and meet with TWUC members, variously ethnixed minority (soon to be the majority). including hosting Merilyn Simonds on her nation-wide Hidden in developing, livable neighborhoods in still Chair’s Tour and a visit with PEI TWUC members (and affordable housing, in cafes, and at their desks are a host interested writers) in 2012. I wasn’t able to make it to of internationally established and vibrant young authors Nova Scotia, but I do have a long and happy history with celebrating new books — Mark Abley, Saleena Nawaz, Ann writers in that province, which was well-served by Silver Charney, Elise Moser, Adam Leith Gollner. Monique Polak, Donald Cameron and Douglas Arthur Brown during my Mary Soderstrom, Chris DiRaddo, Dany Laferriere, Elaine stint as rep. Kalman Nayes, Ravi Hage, Heather O’Neill, etc., etc., etc. National Council reps are given a small travel budget each It’s not difficult to join a writing community in la belle year. With the help of the Quebec rep (who transferred province. The Quebec Writers Federation is a happening unused travel funds) I was able to make it to St. John’s last organization with shows, workshops, readings, mentors, June in preparation for the 2014 AGM. Those meetings short story clinics, and schmoozers. ELAN is an umbrella helped clarify both what was expected and what was arts organization with great listings and schmoozers. wanted from an organizing committee. Communication TWUC advocates nationally for English-writing Quebecers is important when the principal parties are separated by and has, naturally, its own schmoozers. UNEQ, our French- land and sea. speaking sister organization led the charge against the heavy discounting of new books by big chains because it As previous Atlantic Reps have realized, it’s a difficult harmed independent booksellers and TWUC supported region in which to ‘find a centre.’ I have proposed the idea them. of regional liaisons to National Council (to be discussed at the AGM) but as I write this bigger things may be afoot. Quebec members have voiced support for electronic voting and look forward to clear criteria for aspiring self- It was a pleasure to encounter so many of you in Ottawa published members. We anticipate getting together with last year or at this year’s National Forum on the Literary UNEQ for an intimate literary event and getting together Arts in Montreal. I look forward to meeting many more in ourselves for yummy post AGM pot luck. St. John’s.

44 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting Atlantic Ontario Regional Report Regional Report LEE D. THOMPSON STEVE PITT REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

This is my final report as your representative on National help you try to start one. All it takes is a few TWUCers Council. I hope I have served you effectively over the willing to meet at a mutually convenient place and time. past two years. Never being one to exit gracefully, I will My group started with two writers and now we are up to be lingering on in one small unofficial capacity. For the twelve. Subgroups are a great way to meet your fellow following year, I will still be the coordinator of the Ontario local TWUCers face to face in an informal setting. TWUC subgroups. I am happy to report that we now have vibrant TWUC communities in London, Ottawa, Toronto, As of June 1st, I will be passing the Ontario Representative North-Western Ontario (Thunder Bay), and the Near torch to my worthy successor, Andrew Borkowski. Andrew North (North Bay) areas. is a Toronto-based writer/editor/musician and all around Renaissance TWUCer. It has been an honour to have been If you wish to know if there is an active subgroup in your your representative for the past two years. Thank you and area, please contact me at [email protected]. If there happy writing. isn’t an active subgroup in your area, I’d be happy to

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 45 Reports

ACCESS COPYRIGHT report BY MICHAEL ELCOCK, LIAISON

Over the last year or so Access Copyright has been of the small committee of constituent member going through the process of completely re-designing organisations that did the research, studied similar itself — purpose, focus, and operation. The changes to structures, came up with ‘best practices’, and presented Governance are part of what is becoming a more hard- recommendations for a new Governance structure to the nosed, professional organisation. Things are changing. Access Copyright Board. So TWUC has been very involved in the whole process. I believe that trust has been one of the missing elements in TWUC’s relationship with Access Copyright in recent Access Copyright’s Board then examined the proposals years. However you want to look at it, trust is an essential in a series of meetings and forums, some of them by on- if we’re going to have a coalition with any stature and line hook-ups, and made suggestions of their own. These clout. We’d all better be on the same page or else we’re suggestions (and concerns) were added into the mix. screwed. What then happened — what came out of that long In such a complex world as copyright — much of and fairly exhaustive process — was presented by which revolves around the ownership and monetising Access Copyright’s Executive Director to the Boards of intellectual property — we need to keep things as of AC’s member organisations (in TWUC’s case its simple, as logical and straightforward as possible. The National Council). These Boards were asked to give big multinational providers of copyright materials — feedback, and many of them have. Katherine Gordon’s companies like Reed Elsevier, JSTOR, and even iTunes recommendations, for example, are part of the package — have long recognised that the interface between that will go forward to Access Copyright’s AGM. product and consumer, between seller and buyer, has to be friendly, informative and uncomplicated. Access Each of Access Copyright’s Directors was then asked to Copyright’s management understands this, and it is the contact (by phone or in person) the Executive Directors most significant change I have seen in my short time on of two or three member organisations to (a) go over the the Board. new Governance proposals, (b) respond to questions, and (c) bring all comments and concerns about the Here’s a précis of things as I see them now at Access proposed new structure to the management and Board Copyright. at Access Copyright. This process — developing these recommendations for a more streamlined, efficient and ACCESS COPYRIGHT’S GOVERNANCE PROPOSAL effective Governance structure for Access Copyright — Access Copyright is under new management. The has taken almost a year. organisation that exists now has a very different outlook from organisation that existed up until 2012. Under I think that degree of openness and communication, that the new Governance proposals — if they are passed at effort to do the things the right way, is a huge change Access Copyright’s AGM — creators will be no less well from how things have been in the past at AC. represented than they are now. In fact the intention is that we will be better represented than we are now. THE NEED FOR A NEW ACCESS MODEL The purpose of the new proposals for Governance —or John Degen, TWUC’s Executive Director, was a member Board construct or whatever you want to call it — at

46 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting Access Copyright is to streamline the organisation, to That’s the background. Make your views known to me change its culture and emphasize a skills-based board through John Degen if you’ve got a beef or a question, or that will be smaller, more agile, more efficient and less if you just want information. I hope you do — and when costly. In other words the objective is to try to make sure you do please consider the possibility that the staff at AC that Access Copyright is run by people (representative are working hard to try and do the best they can for the of its constituent organisations — creators and people they represent. publishers) who have the competence and knowledge to deal with what is an extremely complex business and *** legal operation. Because of the changed culture around copyrighted materials and ‘the right’ to free access to Now, some personal comments. We know that the theft creators’ materials, Access Copyright has simply got to of copyrighted work by so many people at our schools, be innovative if it is going to collect any payment at all for colleges and universities who have misrepresented the the use of creators’ work in the future. ‘fair dealing’ provisions in the Copyright Act, has had a profound effect on Canada’s writers. We also know that The universities and School Boards believe that they can many of the teachers who earn income in part through help themselves to Access Copyright’s repertoire — your this theft would have little to teach without those works. work — as they wish, by simply not taking out a licence And we know too that the students who are being taught with Access Copyright. To be blunt, the universities, that this theft is perfectly legal may well grow up with a colleges, school boards, and provincial governments are skewed idea of ethics and honesty. eating your lunch. But you’d better believe that they pay the multinational publication-offering banks like JSTOR As writers we are not often sympathetic to the publishing or Reed Elsevier for copyrighted work. Those companies houses or the music companies that have distributed so don’t give away 10%, or any percent, for free. much creative work. But the ‘fair dealing’ provisions are having an enormous impact on them as well. What were So we need to be playing under the same rules. That once major industries in Canada are taking an economic means Access Copyright has to change the way it beating. As a result a great amount of Canadian content functions; that it has to find new ways to present its is being lost, along with jobs in publishing and writing materials, market them well, and charge fees that the sectors. Our heritage is being stolen, and our culture is market will accept; and that it has to do all this as being inexorably altered. efficiently as the big business companies. If it cannot do this, if it cannot meet the challenges of a changed culture The Council of Ministers of Education in Canada (CMEC) towards creators’ work, then it won’t exist for much — people who we elect, and whose salaries we pay — has longer. If it disappears, then I hope you’ve got a better been very active in promoting the idea that ‘fair dealing’ alternative, because I don’t. means you don’t have to pay to duplicate copyrighted work if it is used for educational purposes. My Those are the reasons behind what Access Copyright is understanding is that the Ministers have been unanimous trying to do. It helps immensely if writers and publishers in this position. I understand too that most, if not all, of understand them and read the information that AC puts these Ministers have cut budget allocations to schools out. We all need to deal with the issues of today, not those and universities because they no longer see a need to of yesteryear. pay for licenses to copy content. It is hard to believe that these Ministers and their advisors have been unable to As TWUC’s representative on the Access Copyright foresee the economic and social impact of their actions Board I ask our Chair and Executive Director to inform on writers, musicians and publishers — and ultimately on me of anything they want me to raise at the AC Board. the tax revenues to their governments. After an AC Board meeting I send in a short report of the proceedings to the TWUC Chair and Executive Director. Things are so bad in Canada now that the Association of The rest of the time I try to represent the views of writers American Publishers recently put out a recommendation (as I understand them) to the best of my ability. that Canada be placed on a US Department of Trade

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 47 Reports

watch list because our government has more or Review a few weeks ago, Tessa Ransford (founder of the less legalised copyright violations. Perhaps the least Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh) quoted from James complimentary aspect of their recommendation lies with Elroy Flecker’s play Hassan, which was published shortly the list of countries we are coupled with. I’ll leave it to you after the First World War: to check out this list, which is noted on the website of the International Intellectual Property Alliance. ‘If there shall ever arise a nation whose people have forgotten poetry or whose poets have forgotten Far too much of the noise on this subject has come from the people, though they send their ships round academics like Michael Geist. It’s not doing writers any Taprobane and their armies across the hills of good, it has certainly got nothing to do with fairness, and Hindustan, though their city be greater than if it continues unchallenged the theft of your work will Babylon of old, though they mine a league into become the norm. So get mad, write to your MP, your earth or mount to the stars on wings – what of newspaper, your Provincial Minister of Education, the them… they will be a dark patch upon the world’. President of your old university. You don’t have to be a poet to see the truth of that. I’ll leave you with this. In a brilliant letter to the Scottish

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48 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting BOOK AND PERIODICAL COUNCIL report BY TERI DEGLER, TWUC REPRESENTATIVE ON THE BPC

The Book and Periodical Council is a coalition of Canada at the event. It went to Dale Askey, of McMaster organizations involved in the entire spectrum of University, who was chosen for his commitment to publishing, ranging from associations that represent intellectual freedom in the face of an unprecedented printers and publishers to those that, like TWUC, the defamation suit brought against him by the academic League of Canadian Poets, and the Professional Writers’ publisher Edwin Mellen Press. Association of Canada, represent writers. Although the BPC is an extremely low-profile organization, it has BPC has been active once again in creating the Book been instrumental in organizing many high-profile and Summit — an all-day seminar organized in association extremely worthy projects, including The Word On The with Humber College and IFOA. Scheduled for June 19th Street book festivals and Freedom to Read Week. The this year at Harbourfront, it will feature speakers such as Council has also been active in the creation of programs Kevin Hanson from Simon & Schuster who will speak on such as Public Lending Rights and Access Copyright. current challenges in book distribution and Evan Jones from Stitch who will be sharing “The Naked Truth” on One of the BPC’s most notable contributions over the social media. years has been its Freedom of Expression Committee. The Committee keeps a watchful eye on threats to freedom The BPC also continues to sponsor the “Ideas Exchange” of expression in Canada and sponsors Freedom to Read — an open forum on the issues, trends and portents Week and the Freedom to Read Kit for schools. Over the affecting both creators and developers in the field of years the number of Freedom to Read Week activities and publishing. the popularity of the kit have continued to grow steadily. Freedom to Read Week events now take place in every Over the past year BPC has undergone a series of province, and hundreds of kits are sold to schools and changes, including the restructuring of the Board, libraries across the country. in order to help member groups better meet the unprecedented challenges facing the industry. The This year Freedom to Read week marked its 30th format of meetings has also been restructured so that anniversary. The BPC celebration marking the anniversary networking and information exchange — long held by featured the presentation of the TWUC Freedom to members to be an exceptionally valuable aspect of these Read Award. Given jointly to widely respected biologist gatherings — is front and centre. Eric Marshall and journalist Chris Turner, the award highlighted TWUC’s on-going concern on over funding cuts to federal libraries. Turner has written extensively on the subject and brought to national attention such travesties as the closing of the Eric Marshall Aquatic Research Library at the University of Manitoba.

The Canadian Library Association also presented it 2014 Award for the Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 49 Reports

PEN CANADA GRIEVANCE NATIONAL AFFAIRS report BY SIOBHAN O`CONNOR, report TWUC ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR BY ANNA PORTER, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION LIAISON

Thanks to the release of information by Edward Snowden, Beginning last June the Union updated its Grievance we now know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the procedures. Grievances are now managed by Roy American government has been spying on its own MacSkimming (Grievance Liaison), Warren Sheffer (Legal citizens and those of many other countries, including Counsel), and myself (Associate Director). Together we those whom it considered allies, said William Kowalski, work to resolve member’s grievances with publishers chairman of PEN Canada National Affairs Committee. and/or agents. This new procedure provides a more agile This includes Canadian citizens. And we also know that and efficient manner to address member grievances; the information obtained by the NSA has been shared although positive resolutions are not always possible. with the Canadian authorities, and vice-versa. Since June 2013 we have addressed several grievances on PEN has asked whether we would join them in a new behalf of Union members: venture where people report incidents of censorship within Canada. This information would be gathered into Resolved Grievances: a report. It would be a big project, hence they need to • Reversion of rights and the return of unsold books partner with a number of organizations, including TWUC to the author. if we are willing. • Reversion of rights to the author.

They are also approaching the Center for Law and Unresolved Grievances: Democracy in Halifax to see what they are already doing • Publisher’s failure to provide responses regarding along these lines. TWUC did a survey on spying and royalty statement and to ensure book is removed harassment released in January. We sent the results to from third-party websites. Funding bodies and PEN. PEN’s concern with censorship is a little different members were informed. and broader than what we did. This request has been put • Questions regarding royalty holdback clause. to the Executive and National Council. Members who finds themselves in a contractual dispute PEN will let us know when this project gets off the with their publisher or agent are advised to contact the ground. PEN’s National Affairs Committee in changing Union for assistance. Information on procedures for its name to the Canadian Issues Committee. Perhaps it’s filing a grievance is available on the Union’s website. PEN’s involvement with national issues that has the CRA doing an audit. Perhaps I am paranoid. On behalf of the Union I would like to thank Roy for agreeing to step into the role of Grievance Liaison. His wisdom, thoughtfulness, quick responses, and attention to detail have been greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank Warren whose wise counsel continues to be the foundation of our proceedings.

50 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting PUBLIC LENDING RIGHT COMMISSION report BY GENNI GUNN, LIAISON

On December 7, 2013, I attended the PLR commission What did appear clear is that Mr. Sirman wants to defend meeting in Ottawa. Although I had had a baptism by fire the integrity of both the program and the commission – in September at the International PLR Dublin conference, albeit the commission in an advisory role. He explained this was a chance for me to meet the member of the that in order for PLR to not be vulnerable, it needs to commission. redefine itself in language that adheres to language in the other CC programs. The words he kept using were: I was also invited to attend (as an observer) the Friday reliability, transparency, and accountability. What he afternoon meeting of the Executive, which the Canada wants is a narrative that can be used to safeguard and Council Director and CEO, Robert Sirman attended. This defend the program. was a great opportunity for me to meet Mr. Sirman and check the water temperature, so-to-speak. The Executive has studied the language, and has consulted with Mr. Sirman. In fact, our Chair, Aline Several things arose out of both meetings, the most Apostolska, has been meeting with Mr. Sirman every 90 important of which is a re-definition of the PLR days, so that we may have better communication between Commission from a decisional commission to an CC and PLR. To that end, the commission agreed to advisory one. As abrupt as this seemed to me, it has been establish a working group that would work with CC to a project in the works since 2011. A little background: examine the workings and implementation of changes to bring PLR into a more modern program. This is a In 2011, the Canada Council commissioned an internal large discussion that encompasses many areas, from review and audit of PLR to see how the program administrative issues such as electronic registration of was working. This resulted in three reports by Roy authors, to writer concerns such as the extending of PLR McSkimming each of which address a particular issue. to e-books. Our funding has not increased in years, yet The first one covers policy origins and PLR in Canada; the we have an explosion of authors and now e-books to deal second one explores international programs to see how with in some way. We have yet to set out the parameters they are dealing with changing technology; and the third of this working group, but project that the group would one addresses options for renewal. All three McSkimming meet every three or four weeks, and would employ a reports are available on the PLR website. rotation of expertise. I look forward to serving on this group as required. What the audit set out clearly is that PLR is not a sovereign program, but a Canada Council program, PROGRAM CHANGES (to be implemented in 2015) which uses 5% of CC funding. Mr. Sirman explained that All in all, the PLR program is stable, no major changes he believed PLR was an independent program, but that in the budget. We’ve had a $4000 change in a budget of after the reports, he realized that he was responsible for almost 10 million. the program, and as such, PLR would have the meet the same criteria as other CC programs, and be subject to the This year, the commission voted to rotate the sampling same checks and balances of the other programs. libraries, to stop the doubling of Montreal and Toronto

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 51 Reports

libraries, and to add the Ottawa library — the largest In conclusion, the most important aspect of this bilingual library in Canada — which can be searched meeting was the understanding that PLR is a branch of both for French and English titles. The Calgary library was Canada Council, and needs to build better relationships replaced by the Edmonton library. with the Canada Council, especially in view of how the language has changed in how we ask for money from In the anticipated changes beginning next year, the the government. We will need to redefine ourselves and maximum author payment will increase slightly, while modernize some of our practices. the average and median payment will decrease a small percentage. We expect additional changes due to the By the time you read this, it will be June, and only a sampling of different libraries. This is healthy in that week away from our next PLR meeting June 14th. As you different authors and different books will show up, which know, on June 26th, Simon Brault will take over as the will cause a different distribution pattern but overall, it new Director and CEO of Canada Council for a 5-year will remain the same, with some authors receiving more term. I will be sure to keep you updated on any further and some less. developments that impact our PLR program.

52 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS report BY RON BROWN, LIAISON

As many TWUC members would know by now, our Rights researchers of the 200,000 titles that Dr. Marshall had and Freedoms Committee no longer exists. At last year’s assembled. Chris Turner authored an eye-opening book AGM members voted to abolish several of the national entitled The War on Science which exposes the fed’s library committees and replace them with forums or liaisons. closings and restriction on government scientists.

My main role as Rights and Freedoms liaison is to share The Canadian Library Association also presented its and disseminate issues with the BPC’s Freedom of Intellectual Freedom Award to Dale Askey of McMaster Expression Committee and the Union. I have been lucky University for “his commitment to intellectual freedom in enough to sit on that committee for nearly 20 years now, the face of a defamation suit brought against him by his four of them as committee chair. The FoE committee’s publisher.” primary mandate is to organize Canada’s annual Freedom to Read Week and publish an annual Freedom to Read The highlight of the evening was a short play put on by review. the Birdtown and Swanville theatre group entitled “Dear Censor” Actors read out letters and lectures by such For more than a dozen years, TWUC has participated in prominent authors as Margaret Atwood, Rohinton Mistry, FTR week by presenting its Freedom to Read Award to Lawrence Hill, Margaret Lawrence, and Anne Patchett individuals who have worked career to protect the rights and publisher Patsy Aldana which addressed censorship of Canadians to read or write without fear of censorship. issues each has confronted. The Award is presented at the annual Freedom to Read “gala”. Last year’s award went to Patsy Aldana publisher Work at the FoE committee now shifts to next year’s of Groundwood books for publishing and defending freedom to read week and I would encourage Union children’s books which have been challenged by interest members to think about whom we might consider groups such as Three Wishes challenged by the Canadian nominating for our award next year. Jewish Congress which succeeded in lobbying the Toronto District School Board to severely limit the book’s access to school children.

This year the Award went to two individuals who have been involved in the Canadian government’s efforts to restrict the ability of government scientists to speak or write on issues crucial to the environment, scientist Eric Marshall and journalist Chris Turner. Federal government cuts resulted in the closing of the Eric Marshall library at the University of Manitoba, resulting in the loss to

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 53 Reports

WRITE EDITORIAL BOARD Report PREPARED BY WAYNE GRADY, CHAIR

Write Editorial Board Members: Wayne Grady (Chair), Kelly- The year has been interesting on other fronts, as well. Hal Anne Reiss, Harry Thurston, Hal Niedzviecki. cites the success of our “on-going partnership with PEN Ex-officio members: John Degen. Kristen Gentleman. Canada, through which we include columns by writers-in- Editorial liaisons: Cory Redekop, Leslie Shimotakahara. exile in the magazine.” TWUC has long been interested in finding ways to welcome writers-in-exile brought to Canada It has been another satisfyingly successful year for Write by PEN, and offering them a voice in Write not only serves magazine, and therefore for the Write Editorial Board, the that purpose, but also provides the magazine with a wealth mandate of which has been to work with Write editor Hal of material that has been of real interest to our readers. Hal Niedzviecki to create a magazine about writing and issues reports that “Ava Homa’s piece has already received two that affect writers, that reaches out to TWUC members reprint requests, and Kelly Rose Pflug-Back’s column on in particular as well as to other members of the Canadian remaining a writer in prison also received a good response.” writing community in general. Write magazine appears four times a year, and contains articles by and about TWUC Sections within the magazine that are receiving positive members and the wide variety of issues that affect the feedback from readers include the Q&A section, in which Union and which the Union is currently debating. industry figures outside the Union, such as publishers, agents, and freelance editors, discuss issues that affect An example of how Write and the Union work in tandem is all writers. Each issue examines ways in which writers can the recent article about the Union’s decision, taken at the better respond to shifts in the current publishing scene, 2013 AGM, to allow some self-published authors to become and these articles help to increase Write’s relevance within Union members. Whether or not to allow self-published as well as outside the TWUC community. authors to join the Union has been a hotly-debated issue within TWUC since its inception, and the decision last year One area in which we all feel that the magazine can to allow such membership was controversial and thrilling to improve in the future is to better coordinate the publication watch unfold. Although the motion to approve membership of Write with what Hal calls “Union cycles.” In other words, was passed with a huge majority at the AGM, the move making sure that the magazine comes out in sync with required a Constitution change that had to be put to the the AGM and with National Council’s quarterly meetings, membership at large for a final vote. so that Regional Reports, for example, can be published in the magazine in time to be read by those attending The article in Write, which appeared before the general the meetings, and also by the membership at large. Write voting deadline, outlined the issues debated at the AGM, should be able to become an extension of the Union’s stated the conditions under which self-published authors governing bodies, and help to shape responses to Task would be allowed to join the Union, examined the pros Force activities, rather than simply reporting on those and cons of the decision, and generally informed members activities after the fact. as to the wider implications of the motion as passed. The result was a well-informed voting public, with TWUC But all in all, Write magazine has become an important members enabled to make an informed decision when it organ of the Union. More and more members want to came time to vote. This, the Board feels, is the real purpose write for us, more and more members are reading and of journalism, and we are very pleased with the role that responding positively to the articles we publish, and we feel Write played in giving Union members the background and the magazine is really taking its intended place among the information they needed when it came time to cast their many services and benefits that TWUC has to offer to its ballots. members.

54 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting MEMBERSHIP WRITERS’ TRUST COMMITTEE report report BY DEIRDRE KESSLER, LIAISON BY JILLIAN DAGG, CHAIR

Total membership at the end of March 2014 was 1958. In September 2013, TWUC chair Dorris Heffron asked me Total membership as of January 2014 was 1902. This is a to serve as TWUC liaison to the Writers’ Trust’s Margaret gain of 56 members. Laurence Lecture selection committee, chaired by James Davies of the Writers’ Trust. The current total includes 9 Honorary Members, 16 Lifetime Members, 160 first time members, 28 rejoined Christopher Moore and Zsuzsi Gartner were other members, 55 resignations, 126 suspensions, and sadly 16 members of the committee to select the writer to deliver deaths. the Margaret Laurence Lecture in 2015.

The referendum on admission of self-published authors Many of us have attended these annual lectures and/or was held in February 2014 with results coming in at an have read the remarkable anthology of the lectures. 80% approval rate. This vote gives National Council a directive to proceed with updating the Membership During a number of telephone conferences in January Guidelines. A new task force headed by Eric Enno Tamm and February 2014, the committee reached a unanimous has been formed to work on updating the Membership decision on a shortlist of writers to be invited to deliver Guidelines. The task force includes the Membership the 2015 Margaret Laurence Lecture at the TWUC 2015 Chair, Jillian Dagg and Membership Committee member, AGM. Katharine Fletcher. Extended discussion will be held at the AGM.

My sincere thanks go to the committee members, Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer, Fred Stenson, Paul Bowdring, and Katharine Fletcher for their extremely knowledgeable help with the membership applications.

THIS EVENT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION PUT IN BY THE AGM PLANNING TASK FORCE. CHEERS thank AND APPLAUSE FOR THIS WONDERFUL GROUP! Paul Bowdring Don Downer Joan Clark Stan Dragland Charis Cotter Johanna Ryan Guy YOU Libby Creelman Hilda Chaulk Murray

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 55 Reports

MEMBERSHIP DEMOGRAPHIC TASK FORCE REPORT report PREPARED BY FARZANA DOCTOR, CHAIR

Members: Carrianne Leung, Suzanne Sutherland, Farzana they can make announcements and disseminate Doctor (Chair) literature about the Union.

The Task Force’s role has been to come up with strategies • Directive to Regional Representatives: That TWUC to recruit more young and people of colour (POC) and members be encouraged to bring guests to regional Aboriginal members. meet-ups, with an emphasis on bringing younger and POC and Aboriginal potential recruits. The following recommendations have been approved by National Council: • Directive: That TWUC use PD workshops as strategic outreach opportunities by doing the • To draft survey questions to be included in TWUC’s following: 2014 membership survey. These new questions will assist TWUC in collecting, on a voluntary »» ensuring that non-members receive basis, detailed demographic information from its information about TWUC membership, membership so the Union can measure the impact history and activities beyond just printed of recruitment efforts over time. material in packages, for example a brief dynamic verbal presentation in which non- • As part of the Union’s Strategic Plan, TWUC will members and resource people to whom non- facilitate focus groups with younger and POC and members can speak to can be identified Aboriginal authors to better understand perceptions of the Union in order to effectively reach out to »» creating social opportunities for new these communities. members and non-members during lunch and breaks so that they feel better oriented • To include in Strategic Planning Discussions: ensuring that every public event have attention »» developing workshops for emerging writers paid to diversity -- equitable racial, age, ability and who are close to publication: query letters, gender representation in leadership, representation contract negotiation, how to get published, among moderators, facilitators, discussants, and your first year after publication, networking, speakers in general. social media. Specifically package this for newly and soon to be published people. • To develop a comprehensive social media campaign that is dynamic, youthful, and participatory, perhaps • That TWUC should create a 90 second video with the assistance of experts (these could be outlining TWUC membership, history and activities. TWUC member volunteers) in this area.

• That the Union create an Outreach Squad to attend readings and emerging author events where

56 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting The Writers’ Trust of Canada is a charitable For the past twenty-six years, the Writers’ Trust of Theorganization Writers’ Trust that seeks of Canada to advance, is a charitable nurture, and eachCanada for invited a three-month Canada’s mostperiod; prominent and the authorsWriters’ to organizationcelebrate Canadian that seeks writers to andadvance, writing. nurture, Founded and in Trust/Humberdiscuss the theme School of “A forWriter’s Writers Life” Scholarship at an annual celebrate1976 by Margaret Canadian Atwood, writers Pierre and writing.Berton, GraemeFounded Program,lecture series, which entitled provides the Margaret financial Laurence assistance Lecture. to inGibson, 1976 by Margaret Margaret Laurence, Atwood, and Pierre David Berton, Young, the developingThis year, Dionne writers Brand studying will deliver the craft the 26th of creative annual Writers’ Trust has built a reputation as an organization lecture. Graeme Gibson, Margaret Laurence, and David writing. This year the Writers’ Trust hosted the first committed to improving the status of writers in Canada Young,and increasing the Writers’ the connection Trust has builtbetween a reputation writers and NationalFinancial supportSummit for of activitiesWriters’ ofAssociations the Writers’ Trustat the is asreaders. an organization that champions excellence in Banffgenerated Centre, almost inviting exclusively delegates from fromthe private 14 national, sector. Canadian writing, improves the status of writers, provincial,Through sponsorships and territorial and associationsdonations from to generous begin a andThe creates Writers’ connections Trust administers between ten annual writers literary and dialoguecorporations, about foundations, best practices and individuals, and how better as well to readers.awards, collectively worth $311,400. These prizes serveas funds writers raised all at across special the events, country. the Writers’ Trust honour and reward writers of fiction, nonfiction, is able to direct philanthropic support to the writing children’s literature, and emerging writers of poetry and community. The Writers’ Trust administers ten prestigious An annual cornerstone of Writers’ Trust short fiction. national literary awards that honour writers in programmingNow completing is its the 35th Margaret year of operation,Laurence theLecture, Writers’ multipleOther initiatives genres atadministered all career stages, by the Writers’ collectively Trust deliveredTrust continues at the to AGM promote, of the encourage, Writers’ Unionand support of worthinclude more the Woodcockthan $300,000. Fund, aThe project-based latest addition grant Canadathe Canadian by a prominentwriting community Canadian through author its whoprograms. tothat the since Writers’ its inception Trust literary has awarded prize portfolio $887,273 is to speaksThis year on alone, the theme the Writers’ of “A Trust Writer’s placed Life.” in excess This of the180 Latner professional Writers’ writers Trust who Poetry encountered Prize, an financial annual year,$400,000 acclaimed directly novelist into the Guy hands Vanderhaeghe of writers. has $25,000emergencies; prize thein recognition Berton House of Writers’ a Canadian Retreat, poet’s a been selected to present the 28th annual Margaret exceptionalunique sanctuary body ofin workDawson to City,be awarded Yukon, that for annuallythe first Laurence Lecture. hosts four writers, each for a three-month period; time in 2014. and the Writers’ Trust/Humber School for Writers Scholarship Program, providing financial assistance to The Writers’ Trust is grateful to the corporations, Otherdeveloping Writers’ writers Trust studying initiatives the craftinclude of creative the writing. foundations, and individual donors and volunteers Woodcock Fund, through which the Writers’ Trust that allow it to direct crucial and meaningful has awarded $1 million dollars in emergency grants philanthropic support to the writing community. to 200 professional writers who have encountered Thanks to their generosity, this year alone the financial emergencies in mid-project; Berton Writers’ Trust of Canada has placed more than OnWords 29 House Writers’ Retreat, a unique sanctuary in $400,000 directly into the hands of writers. Dawson City, Yukon, that hosts four writers a year,

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 57 Reports

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND INFORMATION TASK FORCE report PREPARED BY GILBERT REID, CHAIR

The International Opportunities and Information Task speaking countries, Hong Kong, Macau, India, Pakistan, Force (or IOI) consists of Charles Foran, Sandra Martin, Bangladesh, Lithuania, and a number of countries in Merrily Weisbord, and Gilbert Reid, with Greg Gatenby Africa and Asia. These colleagues have generously — serving as consultant. The IOI has an ongoing program and enthusiastically — provided other contacts, as well to increase contacts between TWUC and writers’ as a wealth of information about the various writers’ organizations and opportunities for TWUC members organizations in their respective countries. abroad. The IOI is now contacting these additional levels of First we have established contacts with the International contacts — here in Canada and abroad. The results will Council of Canadian Studies (ICCS) or Le Conseil be: international d’études canadiennes (CIEC), and provided access, through the TWUC website Forum, to their First, a standing — and hopefully expanding — network of searchable data base of over 2000 Canadian Studies contacts for various countries and literatures, available to experts — covering all types of academic studies — TWUC members through the TWUC website; throughout the world. The database can be useful for TWUC members — writers of fiction and non-fiction - who Second, a map of writers’ organizations, with their are traveling and wish to meet colleagues, give readings, contacts and a description of the mandate, objectives, or see what is happening in the field of “Canadian membership, structure and policies of these Studies” abroad. You can search by subject or, say, by organizations; this will facilitate TWUC’s National Council country, for example, “Australia”, and find out who is in organizing joint actions, in making TWUC known interested in Canadian Studies — geography history, law, abroad, in exchanging experiences, and in coordinating literature, etc. — in that country. and looking for ‘best practices’ in various fields; in particular, contacts are being developed with the Chinese The IOI Task Force is looking into setting up a system Writers Association, and contacts are being developed where member can offer their houses or flats in exchanges with various Hispanic writers’ organizations here and with foreign writers. abroad, in Latin America, and also in Europe.

The IOI Task Force has also posted links in the Forums Third, an updated list of book and literary festivals section of the TWUC website to literary and book festivals which will be — and is already to a considerable including a site linking to all book fairs in the UK in extent — available in the International Information and 2014, also now available on the TWUC website Forum. Opportunities Forum on the TWUC website; In addition, there is a list of all the major international book fairs in 2014, plus direct links to some of the more Fourth, an outline of the state of Canadian studies in important book fairs, Frankfurt, Leipzig, Paris, etc. various countries, and this will need continual update as changes in Canadian government policy — the elimination In addition, a letter was recently sent out by the IOI Task of funding — has had a severe impact on Canadian Force asking for help from TWUC members with contacts Studies throughout the world, and on the possibility of abroad, knowledge about writers’ institutions abroad. giving readings, and making academic and other contacts About 30 members replied. They have contacts in Poland, abroad. Russia, Germany, China, Mexico and a number of Spanish-

58 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW TASK FORCE report PREPARED BY KATHERINE GORDON, CHAIR

Members: Katherine Gordon (Chair), Marian Hebb, Genni after we file our application for Continuance. There’ll be Gunn, Eric Enno Tamm QUIZZES on it. Maybe even PRIZES for the right answers.

As you all know by now, CHANGE IS A’COMING! We know ACKNOWLEDGEMENT you have all heard this before several times and it is the TWUC is very fortunate that Blake, Cassels & Graydon, sort of thing that makes eyes glaze over, but at this year’s a large national law firm with extensive corporate legal AGM, we are presenting motions to the Membership experience, are kindly assisting us and our legal counsel, seeking approval to file Articles of Continuance under new Marian Hebb, in undertaking this vital work, all pro bono federal legislation that requires all federally incorporated (they could be writers, eh — we seem to be working mostly Canadian non-profit corporations (including TWUC) to for free these days, too!) Seriously, their collaboration and file such Articles by no later than October 17, 2014, or risk good counsel is greatly appreciated. being dissolved.

This is basically a technical process and when you see the application for Articles of Continuance in your AGM packages, you will see it comprises, most importantly, a statement of our purposes, and information about our registered office, directors, and other suchFASCINATING stuff.

We also — again, as we have told you ad nauseum —have to update our Constitution (called, just to confuse you further, a By-law in the legislation). We have had to make quite a few procedural changes to comply with the new Act, but nothing is changing the fundamental way we do business. We are also taking the opportunity to update and modernize the Constitution (By-law), but again, without changing who we are or what we are about as a Union.

An updated draft Constitution (in other words, the new By-law) will be coming to you along with the draft motion for membership approval of Continuance under the new legislation. Now, we know the By-law is going to look long and technical and boring (and admittedly, it is).

However, PLEASE take the time to look through it to satisfy yourselves that it still does what it is supposed to do, and bring your comments and thoughts to the AGM. We’re going to be looking for pre-approval of the new By-law at the AGM, with a view to its coming into effect shortly

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NOMINATING COMMITTEE MANDATE AND PROTOCOL TASK FORCE report PREPARED BY ERNA PARIS, CHAIR

The Nominating Committee Mandate and Protocol 2. That the Nominating Committee be mandated to Task Force was created at the 2013 AGM to review the advise outgoing Regional Representatives in the procedures of one of the Writers’ Union’s most important nomination of candidates for Rep of their region. bodies. To serve on the Nominating Committee signals a large commitment to our organization, so our first 3. That in its efforts to secure candidates for election to thanks go to everyone who has volunteered their time to National Council, the Nominating Committee monitor, this work. As chair of the Task Force, I wish to thank Larry as a priority, the balance of representation over time Scanlan and Maggie Siggins for their focused efforts in with respect to region, gender, age, and diversity in working through complicated issues, and for consulting accordance with TWUC policies, while ensuring that with past and present members of the Nominating merit remains paramount. committee, including former members of National Council. Finally, we thank all those who shared ideas with 4. That the Nominating Committee report to the us for their important contribution to our deliberations. membership of the Union and make recommendations to National Council on matters of procedure. In its report to last year’s AGM, the Nominating Reports to the Membership to be made twice a year. Committee reviewed its Mandate and Protocols and put Recommendations to Council to be made as the forward proposals for improved nomination procedures. Committeee sees fit. Similarly, last year’s National Council put forward its own Protocols for the Nominating Committee. The job of our 5. That following an announcement of the nominations, the task force was to consider these documents, in particular Nominating Committee provide the office with photos where they differed in language or substance, and to and bios of candidates and the names of nominators. make recommendations. The Nominating Committee will inform the office about any position that requires a mail-in ballot. PART ONE The following are our recommendations in those areas 6. In accordance with the need for arm’s-length where both parties agreed on change; where a difference distance between National Council and the in language or substance occurred; or where the Task Nominating Committee, Nominating Committee Force wished to add emphasis, or suggest alternates. We recommendations regarding procedure be presented have italicized words or phrases that represent a change to National Council for discussion, then taken to the from the status quo. AGM for approval by the membership.

We propose: 7. That the Nominating Committee consult widely and informally with the membership, including National 1. That the Nominating Committee become a Council and National Office, about the skills and Constitutional Committee of the Writers’ Union of expertise the current work of the Union might benefit Canada. (agreement by both parties and the TWUC from and to receive the names of possible candidates. Constitutional Review Task Force.)

60 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting 8. That the Nominating Committee consist of a Chair option for securing candidates for National Council. or two co-chairs and a minimum of four/five additional However, the Task Force has determined a middle way members. that could preserve much of the traditional role of the Nominating Committee while simultaneously opening 9. That the chair, or co-chairs, of the Nominating the nominations process. Committee be nominated by the membership and elected at the Annual General Meeting. By means of the recommendations below, we hope to achieve the following: 10. That the Chair, or co-chairs, of the Nominating Committee be elected for two consecutive one-year • a more open and democratic system of terms only; that its other members will be recruited nominations; and appointed by the Chair, or co-chairs, as well as • the enfranchisement of members who are unable to replacement members during the year should the attend the AGM. need for new members arise because of a resignation or any other reason. A PROPOSAL FOR A MORE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM OF NOMINATIONS 11. That any recommendations for procedural change be approved by a majority of the Committee members 1. Nominations from the membership to open before being presented to National Council and the immediately following the AGM and remain open membership. until mid-March of the following year, allowing national office sufficient time to organize the ballot. PART TWO 2. The Nominating Committee will simultaneously NOMINATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE: search for meritorious candidates in the usual way. However, individuals approached by the Nominating Preamble: Committee, who agree to stand for office, willnot be In accordance with recent practice, the Nominating endorsed, as such, by the Committee; instead, they Committee draws up a slate of potential candidates will be formally nominated through the open channel for various positions on National Council, following an by another Union member. All potential candidates established timetable. This slate has ordinarily been will be informed that should there be more than one elected or acclaimed at the Annual General Meeting. In nominee for their position, they will be expected to its 2013 “Mandate and Proposal for New Nomination stand for election in the normal way. Procedures,” the Nominating Committee suggested possible ways of improving elements of these procedures, 3. All TWUC members, including sitting members of while maintaining the system of a pre-determined slate National Council, will be entitled to make individual of candidates. Alternatively, they proposed that the nominations to the Nominating Committee through membership might wish to take over the nominating the open channel. In order to maintain a visible function, per se, and that the Nominating Committee arm’s-length distance between National Council might become an administrative clearing house for and the Nominating Committee, and to remove any receiving nominations from the membership. inadvertent pressure that those currently holding office might unwittingly bring to bear upon the The existing slate system is undoubtedly less open and process, Council members should be encouraged democratic than many TWUC members might wish, to seek a third party to nominate their preferred but in practical terms it has seemed to be the best candidate. The task force believes that a “one size

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fits all” approach to making nominations will make unopened to the AGM by the office staff to be counted procedures more transparent. Similarly, we hope along with the results of the second-step vote which there will be an increase in direct nominations from will be taken on the AGM floor. ** the membership once there is no longer a slate. The exception to open year-long nominations would be the 5. We recommend that the office research ways of position of Chair, which would remain an acclamation carrying out secret balloting electronically - perhaps proceeding from the previous year’s First Vice Chair in junction with a committee of interested TWUC position. members.

A PROPOSAL TO ENFRANCHISE MEMBERS WHO 6. We recommend that TWUC continue to hold the CANNOT ATTEND THE AGM vote for Advocates and positions such as committee chairs at the AGM, itself. The AGM is where members The task force considered the fact that not all TWUC interact with one another and new ideas emerge. members are able to attend the AGM and that important votes happen at these meetings without the input of Thank you. these members. We therefore propose the following Erna Paris, Larry Scanlan, Maggie Siggins system of enhanced enfranchisement with regard to elections for National Council. *The office believes we can minimize the (unlikely) possibility of double voting (and verify, if called for, that 1. A provisional two-step vote for the positions of First there has been none) by cross-referencing numbers on Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, and Treasurer to be the return envelopes. Another practical suggestion might introduced for three consecutive years, starting in be to send mail-in ballots only to those members who 2015 after which an evaluation of the new procedure have not registered for the AGM. can take place. Other elected positions, such as advocates, committee chairs (and the like), and the *Counting ballots at the AGM might also take place in membership committee, will continue to be open to two stages, starting with the executive positions of First floor nominations at the AGM. Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, and Treasurer. This would enable defeated candidates for these positions to be 2. In March of each year, all nominations will be nominated for Advocate positions from the floor of the announced without prejudice by the Nominating AGM. Committee. If there are two or more nominations for the positions of First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, or Treasurer, candidates will be required to make a presentation to the membership. These presentations will be communicated to the membership in a stand- alone “election information” email.

3. Each region will vote for its nominee for Regional Rep in advance of the AGM. That person will attend the AGM, if possible, or arrangements made for another member in attendance to speak on that person’s behalf at the AGM, where a vote by the members present will take place for each Regional Rep. 4. Until such time as the office is equipped to conduct a confidential ballot electronically, paper ballots will be mailed to the membership along with numbered return envelopes. Returned ballots will be brought

62 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting

by writers from across Canada, since 1996 since Canada, across from writers by WORKS LITERARY GORGEOUS

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May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 63 Reports

Nominating Committee Report MYRNA KOTASH, CHAIRS

On behalf of TWUC’S nominating committee 2013-14, I NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT submit a report to the members of The Writers’ Union of Canada (see below). CHAIR HARRY THURSTON: Poet and journalist Harry Thur- The committee was charged with assuring that there is at ston is the author of twenty-five books of poetry, natural least one nominee to each position on the National Coun- history, and creative non-fiction. His “eco-autobiography,” cil for 2014-15, with the exception of the Chair: the first A Place Between The Tides, A Naturalist’s Reflections on the Vice-Chair from the 2013-14 National Executive and Coun- Salt Marsh, was a finalist for the British Columbia Award cil, Harry Thurston, automatically advances to the posi- for Canadian Non-Fiction and winner of the Sigurd Olsen tion of National Chair as per the Union’s Constitution. Nature Writing Award in the U.S. His most recent books In this way, the elected First Vice serves a two-year term, are The Deer Yard, A Winter Cycle, co-authored with Allan but all other members of the Council shall be elected by Cooper and based on a 1200-year-old correspondence TWUC members in attendance at the Annual General between Chinese poets, and The Atlantic Coast, A Natu- Meeting in St John’s May 31, 2014, for one-year terms, ex- ral History, winner of the 2011 Lane Anderson Award for cept for the three Regional Reps elected to represent the best science book in Canada. He lives on the banks of the Atlantic region, Ontario, and Alberta/NWT/Nunavut. All Tidnish River in his native Nova Scotia. three have been elected by acclamation by their regions for a two-year term. (Reps from BC/Yukon, Manitoba/ FIRST VICE CHAIR Saskatchewan and Quebec will be serving the second year HEATHER MENZIES: Heather Menzies is an award-win- of their terms on the next Council.) Also according to the ning Ottawa-based writer, an adjunct professor at Car- Constitution, there are five nominees to the Membership leton University and the author of nine books. Her last Committee who shall be elected at the AGM. two No Time: Stress and the Crisis of Modern Life — which was winner of the Ottawa Book Award — and Enter The members of the Nominating Committee have done Mourning: Death, Dementia and Coming Home were on outstanding work on assembling this list of nominees for the Globe and Mail’s “Best 100 Books” list. Her most your consideration and I want to thank them for hang- recent book, Reclaiming the Commons for the Common ing in there and always, always coming through when I Good, will be published in May. Heather served on as Chair called out for suggestions about approaches to National Council as Quebec-Ottawa Rep in 1983/5, and members whose names may otherwise not have been 1991/2, and as Ontario Rep in 1998/9. She served on sev- put forward. We have kept track of the approaches we’ve eral committees including Foreign Affairs Committee and made and especially of those several members who the Racial Minority Writers Committee. She was recently expressed an interest in accepting a nomination “but ask awarded the Order of Canada for her ‘contributions to me again next year.” Believe me, we will! public discourse.’ She’s also a mother, a grandmother, a gardener, and a peace and social-justice activist. Respectfully submitted, SECOND VICE CHAIR Myrna Kostash, Chair, for LARISSA LAI: Larissa Lai is the author of two novels, Susan Crean, Douglas Arthur Brown, Joanne Arnott, Dan When Fox Is a Thousand and Salt Fish Girl; and two books Gawthrop, Alan Cumyn, Paul Seesequasis. of poetry, sybil unrest (with Rita Wong) and Automaton

64 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting Biographies. A recipient of the Astraea Foundation Emerg- Publishing, including The City Speaks In Drums (shortlist- ing Writers’ Award she has been shortlisted for the Books ed for the Children’s Book, 2011 Atlantic Book Awards; in Canada First Novel Award, the Tiptree Award, the she has also contributed original poetry and short fic- Sunburst Award, the City of Calgary W.O. Mitchell Award, tion to various educational publications for children the bpNichol Chapbook Award, and the Dorothy Livesay and youth, including Rubicon Publishing’s forthcoming Prize. She is an Assistant Professor in English at the Uni- “African Canadian Firsts – Sankofa Series”. Shauntay is versity of British Columbia. Halifax’s third Poet Laureate (2009–2011).

TREASURER FARZANA DOCTOR: Farzana Doctor is a Toronto-based GEORGE MELNYK: George Melnyk has been Treasurer author and psychotherapist. Her first novel,Stealing since 2013. He writes: “I found the financial operations of Nasreen, received critical acclaim and earned a devoted the Union to be well administered by the staff, who work readership upon its release in 2007. Her second book, Six diligently to adhere to our annual budget. Because of this Metres of Pavement, was named one of Now Magazine’s diligence our earlier projected deficit for 2013-14 was basi- Top Ten Books of 2011. It also won for fiction at the 2012 cally eliminated. Our current budget projections for 2014- Lambda Literary Award and was shortlisted for the Toron- 15 indicate a small deficit, but just like in 2013-14 in which to Book Award. Farzana was the recipient of the Writers’ we projected a deficit and ended up with a surplus, we Trust of Canada’s Dayne Ogilvie Grant (2011). She has hope that we can do the same this year. During my tenure been on the TWUC National Council as Advocate during I initiated several improvements to our financial reporting 2013/14. Her focus this year has been on helping TWUC and oversight. First, I modified the annual financial report to expand its social media presence. She also chairs the so that it would show a multi-year baseline by which Membership Demographics Task Force, which focuses on members could judge how the budget is evolving over a attracting younger and people of colour and Aboriginal longer historical period. This allows members to judge writers to TWUC. whether there are any anomalies or departures from our normal mode of operation. Second, I initiated the estab- HEATHER WOOD: Heather J Wood was born and raised lishment of a Finance and Investment Committee made in Montreal and has also spent time in Vancouver, BC and up of knowledgeable TWUC members to guide financial Sydney, Australia. She now makes her home in Toronto and investment policies. Because of my confidence in the with her poet/psychotherapist husband and two cats. She staff and the oversight provided by your elected represen- is the author of the coming of age novel, Fortune Cookie, tatives on National Council, I am pleased to stand again and the young adult novel, Roll With It. A freelance writer, for the position of Treasurer.” editor, and copywriter, she has organized and/or hosted literary events in several cities. Heather wears many hats ADVOCATES including that of Toronto’s Moosemeat Writing Group leader, Artistic Director of Toronto’s Rowers Reading Se- SHAUNTAY GRANT: Since the publication of her first ries, and the Managing Editor of the annual Best Canadi- book Up Home (winner of the 2009 Best Atlantic Pub- an Poetry series. lished Book Prize), Shauntay Grant’s writing for children has been presented internationally by the author and REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES (acclaimed, for two-year critically acclaimed by numerous publications including term) The Globe and Mail, Quill & Quire, and Canadian Children’s Book News. Called “an absolute treasure… a masterpiece” ATLANTIC by CM Magazine’s Todd Kyle, Up Home was also short- VICKI GRANT: Vicki Grant has been called “a superb listed for the 2009 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book storyteller” (The Canadian Children’s Book Centre) and Awards. Shauntay has published three titles with Nimbus “one of the funniest writers working today” (The Vancou-

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 65 Reports

ver Sun). She began her career creating ads for Chiat/Day and has lived extensively in Halifax, Bermuda, Vancouver, and McCann-Erickson, moved on to writing scripts for and Nelson, BC. She is currently working as a Writer in Theodore Tugboat, Big Comfy Couch, and her own Gemini Residence for the Metro Libraries Federation in Edmon- Award-winning series Scoop & Doozie before graduating ton, where she lives with her husband, three kids, and a to young adult fiction. Her thirteen novels have appeared very black cat. on shortlists for almost every major Canadian award and numerous American ones as well. Her comic legal thriller, MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Quid pro Quo, won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Novel in Canada and was nominated for the Edgar JILLIAN DAGG, CHAIR: Jillian Dagg joined TWUC in the Allan Poe Award in the United States. Her young adult early eighties after Simon & Schuster published her first mystery Not Suitable for Family Viewing won the Ontario two romance novels. Since then she has gone on to sell Library Association’s Red Maple Award. Vicki recently more than twenty books. She’s served on various com- wrote, directed, and produced “Dancing Was My Duty”, a mittees over the decades, including National Council one-hour CBC-TV documentary about love and dating in as Ontario Rep, the Grievance Committee, and her long Halifax during World War Two. Vicki lives in Halifax with term as current chair of the Membership Committee. her family. PAUL BOWDRING: Paul is a writer, editor, and former ONTARIO English teacher. His most recent novel, The Strangers’ Gallery, was published in 2013. He is the author of two ANDREW J. BORKOWSKI: Andrew J. Borkowski’s critically previous novels, The Roncesvalles Pass and The Night acclaimed debut short story collection, Copernicus Avenue, Season, the latter published to wide critical acclaim and published by Cormorant Books, won the 2012 Toronto broadcast nationally on CBC’s Between the Covers. As an Book Award and was shortlisted for the 2012 Danuta editor, he has worked with TickleAce magazine, Newfound- Gleed Literary Award for short fiction. His work has been land & Labrador Studies, and The Fiddlehead. He lives in published in Grain, The New Quarterly, Dragnet, and in St. John’s. Storyteller magazine. His short story “Twelve Versions of Lech” was a finalist for the 2007 Writer’s Trust/McClel- CHRISTINE COWLEY: Christine writes non-fiction, poetry, land and Stewart Journey Prize. Andrew’s arts, travel, and plays, and has written and/or collaborated on over a dozen human interest journalism has appeared in publications published books, both traditionally and self-published. She including The Globe and Mail, Canadian Forum, Quill & currently has several works in progress, including her first Quire, TV Guide, and the Los Angeles Times. work of historical fiction. In 2010, Christine received the Fred Landon Award Certificate of Merit from the Ontario ALBERTA/NWT/NUNAVUT Historical Society for her oral/pictorial history of Colling- wood, Ontario, which was also awarded an IPPY Gold MARGARET MACPHERSON: Margaret Macpherson has Medal for self-publishing. She has been an actively par- worked as a full-time professional writer, teacher and ticipating member of The Writers’ Union of Canada since editorial/educational mentor for the last decade. She has 2002; served as judge for the Saskatchewan Book Awards published widely in newspapers and magazines both (2012); second reader for the TWUC short story awards; nationally and internationally before moving to Alberta in and co-chair of the AGM planning committee in 2013. 1994. She has subsequently published seven books, both Christine lives in Collingwood, Ontario, about 2 hours fiction and non-fiction, including a biography entitled north of Toronto, and is a member of the Collingwood Nellie McClung: Voice for the Voiceless which won the Cana- Public Library board of directors. She actively promotes the dian Authors Association (CAA) Exporting Alberta Award support and expansion of interest in literary arts in Colling- in 2003. Although Edmonton has been home for the last wood with the organization, promotion and participation 18 years, Margaret grew up in the Northwest Territories, in author readings, writing workshops, and literary events.

66 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting KATHARINE FLETCHER: Katharine Fletcher is an continue serving on the Membership Committee during award-winning author, freelance writer, and editor who 2014-2015. specializes in sustainable travel, nature, gardens, environment, and history. She self-published two books and FRED STENSON: Fred Stenson has lived in Calgary and has been published by McClelland & Stewart, Fitzhenry area since the 1970s. He is the author of seventeen books & Whiteside, DK Eyewitness Guides, Globe Pequot Press, and 150 films and videos. His book titles include the and others. Katharine is also a visual artist, with her first novels The Great Karoo, Lightning, and The Trade. Upcom- solo show being May-July in Ottawa. Katharine joined ing in 2014: the novel Who By Fire. He is a past winner TWUC in 2011 and has actively promoted welcoming of the WGA George Bugnet Novel Award and the City of professional self-published authors into our membership. Edmonton Book Prize, and a two-time winner of the Grant She served as co-chair of the 2013 AGM, where she also MacEwan Writer’s Prize. The Trade was shortlisted for the participated in a self-publishing panel, and guided two Giller Prize in 2000. The Great Karoo was a finalist for the historical walking tours of Ottawa. Throughout 2013-14 Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction in 2008. she has served on the Membership Committee. In April Stenson directs the Wired Writing Studio at The Banff 2014, National Council approved Katharine as member of Centre. He is a regular columnist for Alberta Views maga- the TWUC Task Force mandated to establish membership zine. He has been a member of TWUC since 1976. criteria for self-published authors. Katharine wants to

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May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 67 rtg ad_Layout 1 3/19/14 12:18 PM Page 1

R U N N I N G T H E G O A T P R E S S welcomes The Writers’ Union of Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador p u b l i s h i n g l e t t e r p r e s s - p r i n t e d a n d f i n e t r a d e b o o k s , c h a p b o o k s , a n d b r o a d s i d e s b y s o m e o f t h e p r o v i n c e ’ s m o s t d i s t i n c t i v e w r i t e r s

FEATURING: • Jack and Mary in the Land of Thieves by Andy Jones & Darka Erdelji *winner of the 2012 BMO Winterset Award • Say Nothing Saw Wood and God Help Thee: A Manifesto by Joel Thomas Hynes • The Speaker’s Chair: Field Notes on Betweenity by Don McKay • Newfoundland Ballads for Piano and Voice by Pamela Morgan (a co-publication with Amber Music) • original recitations by Dave Paddon and more! print sho our new p in Tors Visit Cove

w w w . r u n n i n g t h e g o a t . c o m C o v e R o a d , T o r s C o v e , N L A 0 A 4 A 0 P h o n e 7 0 9 - 3 3 4 - 3 2 3 9 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’s WELCOME

Welcome to the 2014 AGM and OnWords Conference! self-published books as professional qualifications toward membership. If past experience with a room I’d say welcome to St. John’s but this is my first time in full of invested writers is any guide, I’m predicting a Newfoundland. I seem to have landed everywhere else lot of great discussion and insight coming out of the in Atlantic Canada, but never managed to make my plenaries. way across the water. I arrive here with an outsider’s anticipation of colourfully painted homes, Doris Contrary to my own wishes, we will NOT be holding McCarthy icebergs, whales, excellent seafood and the plenaries in a pub on George Street, but don’t even better music. I have no real idea if any of those let my personal disappointment dissuade you from expectations are accurate, but I sure do intend to find taking full advantage of all this wonderful city has to out. offer. Thursday evening’s welcome session has been intentionally designed as a launching pad event. Once What I do know is that St. John’s is a city of writers. I’ve we’ve said our hellos and shared a drink or two, you read so much of and from this city, it’s been high on are encouraged to get out into the streets and explore. my to-go list for many years. I’m grateful The Writers’ Thanks to the good folks at Rocket Bakery for providing Union of Canada is giving us all a chance to explore that launching pad (see what I did there?) the writing culture here more deeply, to connect again with many longtime members, perhaps welcome some Thanks, in fact, to all of our partners and sponsors, new members, and to make as many new friends as both local and national (please see our sponsor page, possible. and go out of your way to say thanks by supporting these wonderful local businesses). And special By the time most of you are reading this welcome thanks to AGM coordinators Valerie Laws and Kristen note, TWUC staff will have already been in town for Gentleman, and to everyone on the local TWUC at least a day, finalizing details and having the first volunteer planning task force for a year’s worth of of our many meetings for the weekend. There is a lot incredible, creative work in putting this event together. of Union business to be accomplished in the plenary sessions – we have a major constitutional change See you on George Street. I mean, see you in a (or two) to get through, thanks to amendments to meeting! the laws governing not-for-profit organizations. We should also be finalizing (or getting pretty darn near John Degen, to finalizing) the process steps involved in accepting Executive Director

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 69 MEMBERS AND GUESTS ATTENDING ONWORDS

Ursula Achmann Farzana Doctor Christopher Nellie Strowbridge Riddle Fence Valerie Alia Marjorie Doyle Levenson Eric Enno Tamm Catherine Smalley, Paul Almond Stan Dragland R.P. MacIntyre Lee D. Thompson Facilitator Strategic Elle Andra-Warner Peter Dubé Robert W. Mackay Harry Thurston Planning Bob Armstrong Maggie Dwyer Margaret Guy Vanderhaeghe Jason Sauley, ACTRA Michael Barnes Joan Levy Earle Macpherson Paul Vasey Fraternal Benefit Ted Barris Victor Enns Anne McDonald Hal Wake Society Jean Rae Baxter Susan Evans Shaw Michael J. McDonald Ruth Walker Leslie Vryenhoek, David Beasley Sandra Foster Judy McFarlane Ann Walsh Piper’s Firth Donna Besel Bill Freeman Susan McMaster Mary W. Walters Claire Wilkshire, Carol Bishop-Gwyn Gale Zoe Garnett Janet McNaughton Merrily Weisbord Editors Association Jo Ellen Bogart Douglas Gibson Sylvia McNicoll Allan Weiss NL Twig Dennis E. Bolen Ada Gillard George McWhirter Evelyn C. White Andrew J. Borkowski Irene Gordon George Melnyk Susan White STAFF Paul Bowdring Katherine Palmer Heather Menzies Laurelyn Whitt John Degen, Di Brandt Gordon David More Heather J. Wood Executive Director Binnie Brennan Carolyn Gossage Bernice Morgan Betty Jane Wylie Siobhan O’Connor, Brian Brett Wayne Grady Jane Southwell D. Jean Young Associate Director Carellin Brooks Shauntay Grant Munro Valerie Laws, Office Douglas Arthur Vicki Grant Hilda Chaulk Murray OTHER ATTENDEES Administrator Brown Heidi Greco Mike Myers Garry Cranford, Kristen Gentleman, Ron Brown Robert Green Lorri Neilsen Glenn Flanker Press Ltd Communications Roberta Buchanan Minnie Grewal Elsie K. Neufeld Alison Dyer, Writers’ Coordinator Brian Burtch Bernadette Brenda Niskala Alliance of Nancy MacLeod, Silver Donald Griffin-Donovan Ben Nuttall-Smith Newfoundland and Membership Cameron Genni Gunn Cathy Ostlere Labrador Development & Wanda Campbell Sylvia Gunnery Erna Paris Janet Harron, Sparks Fund Researcher Norma Charles Johanna Ryan Guy Nadeem Parmar Literary Festival Marian Hebb, Legal Joan Clark Anne Hart Steve Pitt Amy House Counsel Jan Conn Dorris Heffron Yannick Portebois Kathy Hodder, Charis Cotter Ava Homa Helen Fogwill Porter Winterset in Myrl Coulter Margaret Anne Veronica Ross Summer Literary Christine E. Cowley Hume Paul Rowe Festival Susan Crean Peter Jailall Renée Sarojini Elisabeth de Mariaffi Libby Creelman Shane Joseph Saklikar Trudy Morgan-Cole L.D. Cross Parveen Kaur Patricia Sandberg Donna Morrissey Jillian Dagg Heather Balbir Sanghera Jennifer Murray, Marilyn Daryawish Kellerhals-Stewart Larry Scanlan Facilitator Strategic Teri Degler Penney Kome Andreas Schroeder Planning Anne DeGrace Myrna Kostash Mary C. Sheppard Sandy Newton, Jan DeGrass Allison Kydd Gisela Sherman Editors’ William H. Deverell Larissa Lai Vanessa Shields Association NL Mary Lou Dickinson Joyce Laird Scharf Marjorie Simmins Twig JoAnn Dionne Bianca Lakoseljac Merilyn Simonds Mary Osborne, The Hadani Ditmars Catherine Lang Madeline Sonik Writers’ Trust of Glenn Dixon Robin D. Laws Ken Stange Canada Sandra Djwa Bonnie Lendrum Heather Stemp Tamara Reynish,

70 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting BIOGRAPHIES

MARGARET LAURENCE LECTURER interest journalism has appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Canadian Forum, Quill & Quire, TV Guide, and the Los Guy Vanderhaeghe is a Canadian novelist, playwright, Angeles Times. www.andrewjborkowski.com. and short story writer who was born in 1951 in Esterhazy, a small Saskatchewan mining town. He is best known Paul Bowdring is a writer, editor, and former English for his three novels set in the American and Canadian teacher. His most recent novel, The Strangers’ Gallery, Wild West — The Englishman’s Boy, The Last Crossing, was published in 2013. He is the author of two previous and A Good Man. He won the 2004 edition of Canada novels, The Roncesvalles Pass and The Night Season, the Reads, the Writers’ Trust Timothy Findley Award, and latter published to wide critical acclaim and broadcast two Governor General’s Awards for his fiction; and has nationally on CBC’s Between the Covers. As an editor, been shortlisted for the Booker prize, the Giller Prize, he has worked with TickleAce magazine, Newfoundland the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and the International & Labrador Studies, and The Fiddlehead. He lives in St. IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. John’s. Vanderhaeghe is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and a Marjorie Doyle is an essayist and author of four works of Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He is currently non-fiction. She has read across Canada and in 2009 was a visiting professor of English at the University of Writer-in-Residence at Haig-Brown House on Vancouver Saskatchewan’s St. Thomas More College. Island. Marjorie is a former CBC Radio broadcaster and Globe and Mail columnist. Her awards include Silver in ST. JOHN’S POET LAUREATE the National Magazine Awards, two CBC Radio Awards for Programming Excellence, and a nomination for a George Murray is the author of five books of poetry, one Golden Sheaf Award. Her newest book is “A Doyle book of aphorisms, and one book for children. His poems Reader: Writings from Home and Away.” have been published and anthologized widely in Canada and the US, as well as in the UK, Europe, and Australia. COME TOGETHER From 2003 to 2011 he was the owner and operator of Canada’s most popular literary website, Bookninja.com. Douglas Arthur Brown is the author of six books. His His next book of poems, Gloryland, will appear in the most recent novel, Seeds, was released in December. His fall of 2015. He now lives in St. John’s with his partner, previous novel, Quintet, won the Thomas Head Raddall novelist Elisabeth de Mariaffi, and their four children. Atlantic Fiction Prize. Douglas served on National Council George is also the Poet Laureate of St. John’s. for three years and is past-president of the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia. PANELISTS Alison Dyer has an academic and professional WRITING FROM MY CENTRE background spanning both the natural sciences and cultural sector. Prior to accepting the position of Executive Andrew J. Borkowski’s short story collection Copernicus Director of the Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Avenue won the 2012 Toronto Book Award and was Labrador, Dyer worked as a freelance journalist and shortlisted for the 2012 Danuta Gleed Literary Award for technical writer for sixteen years. Previous to that, she short fiction. His short story “Twelve Versions of Lech” was the NFB marketing officer for NL and founded the was a finalist for the 2007 Writer’s Trust/McClelland St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival. Dyer and Stewart Journey Prize. Andrew’s arts and human has degrees from Concordia University and Memorial

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 71 University, and has published poems and short stories in nominated for best writing. This past year she released various literary journals. a children’s story, Cross Katie Kross, that was illustrated by her daughter, Bridgette. And she released her latest R.P. MacIntyre is the award-winning author of The Blue novel, The Deception of Livvy Higgs which has been Camaro, The Rink and Feeding At Nine among others. He shortlisted for the Ontario Evergreen Library Award and was a founding member of PUC (now the Playwrights The Dartmouth Book Award, and the prestigious Atlantic Guild of Canada) and the WGC (Writers Guild of Canada) Canada Award, The Raddal (Rad-dal). served on the boards of CanCopy (now AccessCopyright) and three separate terms with the SWG (Saskatchewan THE ART OF PRESENTING: READING & Writers’ Guild). Rod holds an Honours BA, English and PERFORMANCES Sociology, U of S, 1970. Charis Cotter is a writer, editor, actor and storyteller SMALL PRESS? LARGE PRESS? SELF-PUBLISHING? THE who has worked extensively in schools across Canada. CASE FOR EACH Charis uses costume, props, drama and games to bring her books alive in the classroom. In 2013 she published Bill Freeman has published 17 books with Canadian The Ghosts of Baccalieu, a collection of traditional ghost publishers and has self-published a novel and a work of stories and drawings created by the students of Tricon non-fiction. His non-fiction work focuses mainly on cities Elementary in Bay de Verde, Newfoundland. Her latest and politics. A number of his historical novels for young book, The Swallow: A Ghost Story, will be published by adults have won awards, including the Canada Council Tundra Books in September, 2014. Children’s Literature Prize. He also writes documentary and educational film scripts. Bill lives and works on Amy House’s theatre career spans forty years. I know - Toronto Island. He is a former chair of the Writers’ Union. she does not look that old! A comedienne, writer, actor, arts advocate, and Artistic Animateur of RCA Theatre Elisabeth de Mariaffiis the author of the short story Company in St. John’s, Amy has created several one- collection How To Get Along With Women (Invisible woman shows including: “The Seven Faces of Amy with Publishing, 2012), which was longlisted for the 2013 Maxim Mazumdar”, “’Tis Not Human”, “To Be What You Scotiabank Giller Prize. Her poetry and short fiction have Want To Be”, and “Scratch and Pull”. She has co-written been widely published in magazines across Canada, and collaborated on many plays. and she’s one of the wild minds behind the highly original Toronto Poetry Vendors, a small press that sells Vanessa Shields has been writing since she was a child. single poems by established Canadian poets through Filling pages into diaries with entries and poetry. Her first toonie vending machines. Elisabeth works as Marketing book, Laughing Through A Second Pregnancy — A Memoir, Coordinator for Breakwater Books, and lives in St. John’s was published in 2011 (Black Moss Press) to rave reviews with the poet George Murray and their combined brood including “This book is both a praise-song to the female of four children -- making them CanLit’s answer to the body, and a wise and deeply moving testament to living Brady Brunch. with an open heart.” (Marilyn Gear-Pillin) Her new book, a collection of poetry entitled I Am That Woman was Donna Morrissey has written five vivid novels cradled published in 2014 (Black Moss Press). Visit Vanessa at in the Newfoundland culture and yet universal in the www.vanessashields.com. emotional upheaval and transcending of its characters. She has received awards in Canada, the U.S. and TO TWEET OR NOT TO TWEET England and her novel, Sylvanus Now, was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Prize. Reviewers have compared Farzana Doctor is a novelist and psychotherapist. Her her depictions of Newfoundland’s terrain and people most recent novel Six Metres of Pavement was named one to the worlds summoned up by Hardy and Faulkner. of Now Magazine’s Top Ten Books of 2011. It also won Donna’s fiction has been translated into several different the Lambda Literary and was short-listed for the Toronto languages. She is also a scriptwriter: Clothesline Patch (a Book Award. Farzana was named as one of CBC Books’ short story) won a Gemini for best production and was “Ten Canadian Women Writers You Need to Read Now”.

72 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting She is currently working on her third novel and co-curates Editions), was shortlisted for the 2006 Amazon.ca First the Brockton Writers Series. www.farzanadoctor.com Novel Award. John writes a popular blog on writing and publishing with a particular focus on copyright. Shane Joseph is the author of three novels and two collections of short stories. His work After the Flood won Mary W. Walters (http://marywwalters.com) has the best fantasy novel award at the Canadian Christian published two novels, a collection of short stories, and Writing Awards in 2010. His short fiction has appeared in a book on grantwriting with traditional presses, and has international literary journals and anthologies. His latest published two novels and re-released her first novel,The story collection, Paradise Revisited, was released in the fall Woman Upstairs, independently. She has been executive of 2013. For details visit his website at www.shanejoseph. director of the Writers Guild of Alberta, editor-in-chief com at Lone Pine Publishing, and awards facilitator at the University of Saskatchewan. She is currently a freelance Janet McNaughton’s eleventh book for young readers, editor in Toronto, and she blogs at “The Militant Writer” a diary-form novel in the Scholastic Dear Canada series, (maryww.wordpress.com). will be released this fall. Her books have won national, regional and provincial awards and been translated and SPEED NETWORKERS published overseas as well as in Quebec and the United States. Janet has a Ph.D in folklore from Memorial Andrea Cooper has more than 10 years of experience in University and teaches all aspects of writing from grade the agency and not-for-profit sectors, providing counsel one to graduate school. She lives in St. John’s. to a broad variety of clients in the cultural, technology, corporate, municipal, and consumer worlds. Cooper Trudy Morgan-Cole has written 21 published books, specializes in advising businesses about communications including historical fiction as well as inspirational fiction and marketing. Her expertise is a mix of strategic and non-fiction for teens and adults. She is an adult- counsel and creative innovation. She is a results-focused education teacher in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she storyteller fixated on achieving measurable success for lives with her husband and two children. Trudy’s recent clients. novels include By the Rivers of Brooklyn, That Forgetful Having been at the forefront of social media since the Shore and the upcoming A Sudden Sun (fall 2014), all beginning, Cooper has embraced social networking, and historical fiction set in Newfoundland and published by provided bulletproof social media strategies to clients Breakwater Books. across Canada. She has led numerous successful social media initiatives that have shown tangible, measurable 50-40-10, SAY THAT AGAIN!? results. Cooper consults on the inevitable and necessary Jerry Cranford is co-owner, co-founder, and Production integration of social media within traditional marketing Manager of Flanker Press Limited, the largest trade book campaigns. Her past client portfolio includes work for publishing company in Newfoundland and Labrador, RW&CO., TORO Magazine, Pfizer, Dyson, Scotiabank, leading the way in print book and ebook production. As Town of Torbay, Orangestore, Newfoundland & Labrador a father of an autistic child and an advocate for autism Credit Union, and Shoppers Drug Mart. Cooper has awareness, Jerry spearheaded an awareness campaign garnered exceptional PR results for her clients having this year that saw Flanker Press donating its online sales them featured in The Globe and Mail, National Post, for April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, to the Autism Toronto Life, Toronto Star and CBC News, to name a few. Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Kathy Hodder is the past chair of the Winterset in John Degen is executive director of The Writers’ Union of Summer Literary Festival and a current board member. Canada (TWUC). He has previously worked as literature The Winterset in Summer Literary Festival is held annually officer for the Ontario Arts Council and executive in Eastport, NL and showcases the best in Newfoundland director of the Professional Writers Association of and Labrador writing, as well as other Canadian and Canada (PWAC). He is a published author with three international writing. www.wintersetinsummer.ca books. His debut novel, The Uninvited Guest (Nightwood

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 73 Biographies

Lori Knoll is a Program Officer in the Writing and FACILITATORS Publishing section of the Canada Council for the Arts. Since 2008, she has worked on numerous grant and prize Jennifer Murray is a senior professional with over 25 years programs at the Canada Council, including the Governor of experience in strategic marketing and communications General’s Literary Awards and the Grants for Professional in the cultural industries. In 2006 she founded Porch Writers: Creative Writing and Travel Grants for Professional Light Consulting, providing marketing, communications, Writers programs. Previously, Lori worked at the Alliance research, training, and programming services to the for Arts and Culture in Vancouver, British Columbia. cultural sector. Recent clients include the Canada Council for the Arts, WorkInCulture and the National Reading Based in Cupids, NL, Sandy Newton is a writer and editor Campaign. Jennifer teaches Marketing at Humber with a special interest in projects involving natural and College’s Book Publishing Program. Previously she was cultural heritage, the arts, and her adopted province. Director of Marketing at Penguin Books Canada and Vice Recent career highlights include editing Here’s the President of Marketing at Kids Can Press. Catch by Wade Kearley, for which she won the 2012 Tom Fairley Award for Editorial Excellence (from the Editors’ Catherine Smalley was the first Executive Director of the Association of Canada) and co-authoring the award- Toronto Theatre Alliance, and the ED of both Theatre winning Birds of Newfoundland with Ian Warkentin in Ontario and the Professional Association of Canadian 2010. Theatres. Since 1996 she has worked with many organizations, foundations, and government agencies With more than 20 years of experience as a writer, editor, as a consultant and facilitator, with a special interest and instructor, Tamara Reynish is a communications in arts associations and collaborative initiatives. Cathy instructor at the Gardiner Centre, Faculty of Business volunteered as an advisor and mentor for Humber and Administration at Memorial University, the principal of U of T arts programs, was a board member of ArtsBuild Reynish Communications, and the executive director Ontario, and is a founding member of Arts Consultants of Riddle Fence, A Journal of Arts & Culture. A member Canada. of the Editors’ Association of Canada, she is also the past-president of the Literary Arts Foundation of MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT Newfoundland and Labrador. She lives in St. John’s. Mahers Bahers is a traditional music group featuring Leslie Vryenhoek is a writer and editor based in St. Newfoundland’s most respected musician, accordionist John’s. In 2009 she helped found Piper’s Frith: Writing Frank Maher, Frank is renowned for his excellent playing, at Kilmory, an intensive five-day retreat that offers his repertoire which features traditional Newfoundland workshops, individual attention and enriching discussion dance tunes along with virtuoso Irish reels, and also for his to advance the work of creative writers. Leslie serves as finely honed and witty sense of humour. Frank is backed the director of Piper’s Frith, which will hold its 6th annual up by Jean Hewson on guitar, Christina Smith on fiddle and retreat this October. Leslie is also the author of Scrabble Rick West on bodhran. The group has played major folk Lessons (short fiction) andGulf (poetry), both published festivals across Canada, and one CD entitled Mahervelous! by Oolichan Books. Gayle Tapper is well-known as a harpist, having for many Dr. Claire Wilkshire is an editor based in St. John’s. years with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Claire taught at Memorial University for 15 years before but playing mostly traditional music of the celtic and becoming a freelancer. She has edited major projects Paraguayan harps. Gayle has been developing skills as a such as the reports of the Offshore Helicopter Safety dance caller mainly due to her involvement with Vinland Inquiry and the Commission of Inquiry into Hormone Music Camp each year. The all ages camp takes place Receptor Testing. Her clients have included various in Gros Morne National Park in August, indulging in government departments, the C-NLOPB, e-learning the traditional arts with instruction in guitar, singing, specialists, insurers, writers, musicians, and academics. fiddle, accordion, tin whistle and other instruments, and Her first novel,Maxine , was published in March 2013 by of course dancing, one of the most fun elements of the Breakwater Books. camp.

74 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting Need a second opinion? Consider the Humber School for Writers Correspondence Program in Creative Writing

SEPTEMBER 2014 JANUARY 2015

Contact: Hilary Higgins [email protected] 416.675.6622 ext. 3449

humber.ca/scapa/programs/school-writers

May 29th – June 1st . Centering the Margins: A Writer-centered World 75 THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA EXTENDS WARM THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING GENEROUS SPONSORS for their support of the Union’s 2014 OnWords Conference and Annual General Meeting.

LEAD SPONSORS

IN KIND SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE WRITERS’ TRUST OF CANADA for their annual sponsorship of the Margaret Laurence Lecture

THANK YOU TO OUR GOVERNMENT PARTNERS Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, The Canada Book Fund, and the Ontario Arts Council

an Ontario government agency un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario