Creation of new Scotiabank/CJFE Journalism Fellowship at Massey College

Click here to view the Application Form

Announced at the CJFE's annual Freedom of Expression Dinner on Monday night, the Scotiabank/CJFE Journalism Fellowship at Massey College is a one-semester fellowship, hosted by Massey College in the University of Toronto, for a mid-career Latin American journalist.

"A free media is one of the hallmarks of a free and democratic society; however, journalists in many countries around the world do not enjoy this freedom. We are honoured to support their work and the work of the CJFE in promoting and defending freedom of the media, in Canada and around the world," said Rob Pitfield, Scotiabank's International Executive Vice President. "As Canada's most international Bank, we have the privilege of working with outstanding journalists across the globe. We see the impact that a strong and free media can have and we are honoured to have this opportunity to support the work of truly exceptional journalists."

"The Scotiabank/CJFE Journalism Fellowship at Massey College will offer a myriad of learning opportunities aimed at assisting established Latin American journalists in honing their skills and creating critical networks that will be of benefit to them in continuing their important work at home, work promoting a strong and free media. " said Annie Game, President of CJFE. "With a focus on free expression, the Scotiabank/CJFE Journalism Fellowship at Massey College will help to promote awareness among people in Latin America and in Canada, of the many difficult challenges facing journalists today in Latin America and around the world."

"Massey College's mission to define, perpetuate and celebrate the unity of knowledge, the international nature of learning and the bond between theory and practice makes Massey a perfect partner for the Scotiabank/CJFE Journalism Fellowship at Massey College," said John Fraser, Master. "The Fellowship will provide experienced Latin American journalists with an opportunity to reflect on their work, learn from counterparts in Canada, and fully explore an issue in a safe, nurturing and well-resourced environment."

The Scotiabank/CJFE Journalism Fellowship at Massey College will provide a qualified Latin American journalist with a mid-career sabbatical in which s/he will spend an academic semester at Massey College in Toronto. The journalist will audit courses of his or her choice at the University of Toronto, make connections with the Canadian media, expanding his or her work related to an issue of significance with a view to applying his/her learnings to ongoing work upon return to his/her country.

Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) is an association of more than 300 journalists, editors, publishers, producers, students and others who work to promote and defend free expression and press freedom in Canada and around the world. CJFE has a history of work on cases pertaining to media law and freedom of expression.

Massey College is the only independent residential college solely for graduate students in the University of Toronto. Its architect-designed facilities provide a community for distinguished senior scholars, for elected graduates who are called Junior Fellows and some eminent members of the non-academic world. Since its inception in 1963, the College has also hosted the Journalism Fellowship Program whereby several mid-career journalists are annually offered Fellowships allowing them to take a leave of absence from their work to audit courses of any subject at University of Toronto and to generally broaden their horizons.For more information please visit the Massey College website.

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 60,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.5 million customers in some 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With $462 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2008), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit the Scotiabank website.

For more information contact: Julie Payne, CJFE Manager 416 515-9622 x.226 or email
Krista Pawley, International Public Affairs, Scotiabank 416-866-3703 or email