The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is the national organization of professionally published writers. TWUC advocates on behalf of writers’ collective interests, and delivers value to members through advocacy, community, and information. TWUC believes in a thriving, diverse Canadian culture that values and supports writers.

The Writers’ Union of Canada is committed to creating a community that is reflective of the diversity of Canadian writers.

As a member of TWUC, you agree to:

  • Protect all members confidential information (see Privacy Policy).
  • Respect the confidentiality of any information disclosed to you as confidential by the Union.
  • Treat staff, volunteers, and other members in a fair and respectful manner.
  • Only use the TWUC logo and any TWUC property in a manner that is respectful of the organization and its work and is not harmful to the organization.
  • Not purport to represent the Union when making public comments (online or in person) about your own views.
  • Not to take a commission in the marketing and/or promotion of TWUC programs or services. TWUC-run rewards/incentive programs (e.g. Refer a Writer) are exempt.
  • Not to imply that any goods and services of your own are endorsed by the Union.
  • Respect the Union’s Constitution and policies including, but not limited to the Union’s Anti-Harassment Policy and Human Rights Policy.
  • Not engage in actions that are harmful to the reputation of the Union.
  • When engaged in any Union-approved, organized or sponsored activity, ensure a safe and secure environment including assessing risk and eliminating or controlling risk that could include bodily harm, personal injury, damage to The Writers’ Union of Canada’s reputation, financial loss, and/or property damage.
  • Support copyright and intellectual property rights in principle, even if you choose to release copyright of your own work.
  • Not violate the copyright of another individual. Obtain all necessary licenses and permissions when using copyright owned by someone else including all appropriate attributions.

To be clear, bullying or harassment of members, volunteers, or staff both online and at in person events, will not be tolerated and may result in serious consequences up to and including termination of your membership.


Social Media

TWUC respects the freedom of expression of all members and staff. We ask that as employees and volunteers working on behalf of the Union, you be aware that your activity on social media may reflect upon TWUC. Discretion and professional judgment should be used in all online activities.

  • Do not post internal information, or personal (private) details about any employee, volunteer, or member.
  • Personal blogs and other postings containing any reference to the organization should contain a disclaimer indicating that the views expressed are those of the author and do not represent those of TWUC.
  • Respect copyright laws. Cite sources for any quoted material, or professional visual content used. 
  • Do not use personal blogs or networking sites to harass, bully, or intimidate other employees, volunteers, or members. To see more information on harassment please refer to the TWUC’s “Human Rights Policy and Anti-Harassment Policy”.

Breaches of this Code of Conduct may be reviewed by the CEO in consultation with the National Executive and may result in disciplinary action including the termination of your membership.


Conflict of Interest

As per paragraphs 3.18 and 6.6 of the Union’s Constitution:

An officer of the Union shall disclose to the Union, in the manner and to the extent provided by the Act, any interest that such officer has in a material contract or transaction, whether made or proposed, with the Union, if such officer (a) is a party to the contract or transaction, (b) is a director or an officer or an individual acting in a similar capacity, of a party to the contract or transaction, or (c) has a material interest in a party to the contract or transaction. Such officer shall not vote on any resolution to approve the same, except as provided in the Act (including without limitation with respect to indemnification of or insurance for directors referred to in Section Seven of This By-law).

In addition as per paragraph 3.2 of the Union’s By-law:

No person who is on the board of a publishing house other than an author-owned press (including a co-op) or who has executive powers or responsibility with a commercial or academic press may be elected as a director.​​​​

Please inform the Chief Executive Officer or the Chair if you believe you have or may have a conflict of interest. 

A conflict of interest may also be defined as but not limited to:

  • a conflict between your personal interests and your professional responsibilities to the organization;
  • situations where your decisions or conduct may result in personal gain or the gain of those you have a close personal relationship to (e.g. relatives) activities which
    • have the potential to result in a conflict of interest, or
    • could be perceived (internally or externally) to result in a conflict of interest.