The association takes energy and direction from its members. Its strength lies in the diversity of its membership and the cohesiveness of members in support of its goals.

The association operates on the basis that each member is important. Its activities are determined by member needs. Its success is judged by its members.

The association is committed to taking a leadership role in identifying and acting upon public policy issues and trends as they affect members. It is the institutional memory for the industry.

The association takes pride in the credibility it has achieved and the relationships it has established with industry stakeholders including other related national and regional membership associations, industry suppliers and government departments and agencies.

Magazines Canada constantly works to maintain its position as a focal point within the industry and the lead advocate for Canada’s magazine media.

The focus of its Board of Directors is based on the association’s strategic direction, which places a particular emphasis on building robust market intelligence resources in the context of delivering pan-Canadian collaborative approaches to industry challenges and opportunities. 

The association strives to be open and ethical in all it does. It treats members and staff with dignity and respect. It strives for quality in all its undertakings.

Magazines Canada is a not-for-profit corporation operating within a set of by-laws. Magazines Canada is incorporated federally. An elected volunteer board of directors and elected chair has the fiduciary responsibility for the corporation. The association employs a consulting firm with a dedicated person to take the role of Executive Director who is responsible for the executive direction of approved activities. In addition to its by-laws, and the requirements of the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, the association operates with policy governance operational guidelines as follows:

Objectives of the Guidelines

• To be an effective tool to help Magazines Canada address short- to long-term issues as they arise in both a responsible and responsive manner;
• To allow the Executive Director, consultants, and staff to develop and facilitate the implementation of Board policy in the service of the industry.

Responsibilities of the Board

• Establish policies necessary to govern the programs, services, and performance of the organization in the context of the business plan approved annually by the Board.
• Approach Board decision-making with an open mind and participate in making the best possible decisions for everyone involved.
• Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in Board meetings.
• Prepare for, attend, and participate in assigned committee meetings.
• Be well informed on issues and agenda items that require the attention of the Board.
• Work cooperatively with other Board members.
• Respect and support the decisions of the Board.
• Keep confidential information confidential.
• Assist the Chair in a formal process that will recruit, employ, support, monitor, evaluate and, if necessary, terminate the Executive Director.
• Give guidance to long-range planning and development.
• Monitor the finances of the organization and assist in the budget process.
• Represent the interests of all members served by the organization.
• Represent the members and the organization to the broader community.
• Board members must avoid situations where their personal interests will conflict with their duties to the association. Where conflicts of interest arise, board members will comply with the requirements of the by-laws and applicable legislation.

Roles in Policy Development

• Policy Formation (creating) is the responsibility of the Board, consultants, committees, and administrative staff. Policy is based upon timely, clear information provided by members, committees and staff working through the Executive Director. The volunteer leadership brings knowledge of industry to policy development. Staff can apply the knowledge of day-to-day operations and practices of the organization. This information is cooperatively shaped into policy proposals reflected in the business plan approved annually by the Board.
• Policy Determination (deciding) is the sole responsibility of the Board of Directors, not staff, individual volunteers, and/or committees. Boards alone have the legal responsibility, authority, and accountability for policy decisions. Policies become guidelines for staff work, programs, and committee activities. Policies are the vehicles for achieving organizational purposes and objectives. A reporting process should be determined at the time a policy is made.
• Policy Implementation (doing) is the responsibility of the Executive Director, consultants, and staff. Staff has the task of carrying out policy so that these decisions influence day-to-day operations. The Executive Director may ask volunteers to help implement a policy. Committees take action with a clear mandate from the Board through the office of the Executive Director. In effect, all staff and volunteers taking Board-sanctioned action report through the Executive Director to the Board. When staff and committees seek to implement and interpret Board-approved policies, they can expect the support of the Board.
• Policy Administration (enabling) is the sole responsibility of the Executive Director and the Executive Director’s staff. They are responsible for organizing the systems to make a policy operable (e.g., office procedures, staff assignments). Individual Board members neither supervise nor direct the staff.
• Policy Evaluation (reviewing) is the responsibility of both Board and staff. It is important to regularly monitor the effectiveness and impact of policy decisions, and to make recommendations for continuation and change. This way, both the Board and staff can monitor the short- and long-range effects of a policy.

Committees of the Board

Magazines Canada’s Board of Directors may create committees, advisory groups, and other assemblies to pursue ongoing policy development or to address specific policy issues as per the specific process outlined in Magazines Canada’s governance policy operational guidelines herein. Committees operate within the legal structure of Magazines Canada reflected in the corporation’s by-laws. The committees and advisory groups are composed of industry professionals of all disciplines who volunteer their time and talent to the development and delivery of varied initiatives that serve the entire magazine media.

All committees, advisory groups, and the members therein are subject to the periodic review and approval of the Board of Directors. The board chair, Executive Director, and/or their designated representatives are members of all committees and advisory groups. Committees and advisory groups work within the context of the association’s Policy Governance Operational Guidelines herein.

The mandate, terms of reference and membership criteria of each committee (meaning any and all Board approved assemblies) create the framework within which a committee pursues its work. All committees with the exception of the Executive Committee are consultative and responsible to the Board of Directors.

This policy applies to all individuals involved with Magazines Canada including members, employees, volunteers, board members, contractors, and visitors. It covers all activities and events conducted under the auspices of the association, both online and offline.

• Violence: Any physical force or threat of physical force against an individual that causes or could cause injury or harm.
• Harassment: Any unwelcome comment, conduct, or gesture that is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading, or offensive. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
• Harm Reduction: Strategies and measures aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with various behaviours without necessarily eliminating the behaviours themselves. This includes measures to reduce the risk of injury, illness, or harm in the context of substance use, mental health, and other areas.

• Magazines Canada has a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and harassment.
• All individuals have the right to participate in a safe and respectful environment free from violence, harassment, and discrimination.
• Harm reduction principles will be integrated into all relevant activities and programs to ensure the well-being of individuals, particularly those who are marginalized or at higher risk.

• Board of Directors: Ensure the development, implementation, and periodic review of this policy. Promote a culture of safety and respect.
• Management: Implement and enforce the policy. Provide training and support to staff and volunteers. Address any incidents promptly and appropriately.
• Employees and Volunteers: Adhere to the policy. Report any incidents of violence, harassment, or harm. Participate in training and awareness programs.
• Members and Participants: Follow the guidelines and expectations set out in this policy. Respect the rights and dignity of others.

• Reporting: Any individual who experiences or witnesses violence, harassment, or harmful behavior is encouraged to report the incident to info@magazinescanada.ca as soon as possible.
• Investigation: All reported incidents will be taken seriously and investigated promptly, impartially, and confidentially. The association will take appropriate action based on the findings.
• Confidentiality: All reports and investigations will be handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the privacy of all parties involved.
• Non-Retaliation: Retaliation against individuals who report incidents or participate in investigations is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

• The effectiveness of this policy will be regularly reviewed and evaluated by the Board of Directors and Executive Director.
• Feedback from members, staff, and volunteers will be sought to improve the policy and its implementation.

• Violations of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action, which may include termination of membership, employment, or volunteer status.
• Legal action may be taken in cases where criminal conduct is involved.

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure it remains relevant and effective in promoting a safe and respectful environment.

Training

Magazines Canada provides training to employees, volunteers and other staff members on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. Training is provided in a way that best suits the duties of employees, volunteers and other staff members.

Information and communications

Magazines Canada is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. When asked, we will provide information and communications materials in accessible formats or with communication support. This includes publicly available information about our goods and services, as well as publicly available emergency information.

Magazines Canada will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.

Any of our policies that do not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

We may use your IP address to help diagnose problems with our server and to administer our website. Our site does not use cookies.

This site has reasonable security measures in place to protect against the loss, misuse and interception by third parties. Magazines Canada assumes no liability for interception, alteration or misuse of information transmitted over the Internet.

Subscribers to our e-newsletters can withdraw their consent to receive electronic communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email, or by notifying the sender by replying to the email.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site or your dealings with the website, contact Magazines Canada:

info@magazinescanada.ca

LEGAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The following are some important things you should know before browsing the site.

A – Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

Magazines Canada is providing this website on an “AS IS, AS AVAILABLE” basis to users. Magazines Canada and its members make no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, about the accuracy, quality or completeness of the services, merchandise, content, information or links. This site may contain typographical errors and/or inaccuracies. Information is subject to change without notice. Magazines Canada and its members are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages that result from the use of or inability to use the site. This includes, but is not limited to, viruses, defects and delays. Users do so at their own risk.

B – Copyright

© Magazines Canada 2010–2024 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Except where otherwise noted, all of the design, text, graphics, arrangement and software contained in magazinescanada.ca is copyright-protected material of Magazines Canada and/or of its members.