J-Source

Apply for the E.U-Canada Young Journalist Award

The EU-Canada Young Journalist Award (YJA) was created to recognize outstanding journalistic potential among Canadian students. Since 2001, three students are selected every year to participate in a week-long study tour of various EU institutions and the Canadian Mission to the EU in Brussels. Winners will also have the chance to attend a Midday EU…

The EU-Canada Young Journalist Award (YJA) was created to recognize outstanding journalistic potential among Canadian students. Since 2001, three students are selected every year to participate in a week-long study tour of various EU institutions and the Canadian Mission to the EU in Brussels. Winners will also have the chance to attend a Midday EU press briefing. Prior to the trip, which is paid for by the European Union, winners will be invited to an awards ceremony in Ottawa on 9 May Europe Day, an event attended by ministers, the diplomatic corps and journalists.

The European Union Delegation to Canada is pleased to announce the 2014 edition of the European Union-Canada Young Journalist Award.

The EU-Canada Young Journalist Award (YJA) was created to recognize outstanding journalistic potential among Canadian students. Since 2001, three students are selected every year to participate in a week-long study tour of various EU institutions and the Canadian Mission to the EU in Brussels. Winners will also have the chance to attend a Midday EU press briefing. Prior to the trip, which is paid for by the European Union, winners will be invited to an awards ceremony in Ottawa on 9 May Europe Day, an event attended by ministers, the diplomatic corps and journalists.

The YJA is open to students in all Canadian universities and higher education establishments. Applicants are invited to make a submission focusing on current issues facing the European Union or EU-Canada relations.

The YJA aims to reinforce links between the people of the European Union and Canada and to raise awareness of the European Union among a new generation of Canadian students and journalists.

*Eligibility:*

In order to be eligible, students must be:**

  • Actively enrolled in a Canadian university or a post-secondary institution
  • Between the ages 18-30
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident

*How to apply:*

Applicants are invited to make a submission, in English or French, focusing on a current issue facing the European Union or European Union-Canada relations. In terms of format, the work may be either written (a news story or opinion piece of maximum 1,000 words) or audiovisual (a report of up to 90 seconds duration). Students are encouraged to prepare their entries as if they were intended to be published in Canada in a newspaper or magazine or broadcast on TV or radio.

Submissions should be prepared with a Canadian audience in mind. The jury will pay particular attention to journalistic qualities and potential, including rigorous research and factual accuracy.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 31 January 2014 (postmarked).

In addition to the above-mentioned submission, applications must comprise:

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1.      The student's résumé (curriculum vitae)

2.      A letter of motivation clearly outlining the reasons for applying and the anticipated benefits to be derived from participation in the study trip, with particular reference to the student's future career objectives

3.      Official administrative document issued by the university or institution verifying student status and enrolment

4.      Letter of reference

5.      Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status

Please note that incomplete applications, i.e. applications not containing the submission accompanied by ALL FIVE of the above documents submitted at the same time, will not be considered.

Applications are to be sent by e-mail to Melina.Chimal-Pilon@eeas.europa.eu or by mail to the following address: Delegation of the European Union to Canada, Ms. Mélina Chimal Pilon, Ref.: EU-Canada Young Journalist Award, 150 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1900, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1P1. 

For audio-visual entries (CD, DVD, USB), please submit six copies by mail with the application, so that they can be distributed to the members of the jury.

The Jury will meet in February 2014 to select the best pieces received by the closing date. The jury will consist of five members. Two jurors will be Canadian journalists, or other Canadians active in media circles. One juror will be a Canadian academic with expertise in the field of journalism or European Union studies. The other two jurors will be representatives of EU missions in Ottawa. The decisions of the Jury will be final. The three winners will be notified directly.

Winners are required to chronicle their Study Tour online (i.e.blogging, social media).

 

Tamara Baluja is an award-winning journalist with CBC Vancouver and the 2018 Michener-Deacon fellow for journalism education. She was the associate editor for J-Source from 2013-2014.