Health insurance for freelancers through the Writers’ Coalition Program

November 30, 2016 Editor News afbshealth insurancewriters coalition

Need personal health insurance? Membership in CMG Freelance comes with access to the Writers' Coalition Program -- an affordable health insurance program offered by the not-for-profit insurer AFBS. And accessing the program has become even easier this month with a few updates to the Writers' Coalition Program website.

The Writers' Coalition Program is designed to help writers manage their health care costs. CMG Freelance members are guaranteed acceptance into the program, with no medical questionnaires necessary and no refusals based on pre-existing conditions.

There are two program options: Standard and Comprehensive. Both options offer dental, prescription drug, extended health care, and travel emergency medical coverage. Both options also provide life and AD&D insurance and a Member and Family Assistance Program. There's a monthly payment option available and premiums may be tax deductible.

The Writers' Coalition's updated website will give you a price quote in just two steps and it enables you to enrol in the program and pay online by credit card. Once you're registered you'll have access to a new member portal where you can login and view your account details.

For more information about the costs and benefits of the Writers' Coalition group health program you can go to this page on the CMG Freelance site or directly to the Writers' Coalition Program's revamped website.

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Nov 22-28

November 28, 2016 Editor News newsoff the wire

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?From Canada: Inside the Chronicle Herald’s ongoing strike [This Magazine] Union demands five Postmedia execs return $2.3M in bonuses [Toronto Star] Viewing…

The Five Key Steps to Finishing a Freelance Project

November 25, 2016 Editor Advice freelance projectstime management

by Rebecca HassWorking as freelancers, we often feel that once we have a job the hard part is done. But in the roller coaster emotional ride of our work we often feel insecure about what we have created, overwhelmed by what we have to get done on a deadline and, eventually, burnt out. How to spell relief? Five ways to show up to get the project…

Webinar for members: How to pitch to The Doc Project

November 21, 2016 Editor Event cmg freelancethe doc projectwebinar

[caption id="attachment_12783" align="alignright" width="200"] CBC's Tanya Springer[/caption]Radio freelancers, CMG Freelance is running a webinar with CBC's Tanya Springer this week that will teach you how to pitch your documentary idea to The Doc Project.Click here to register for the event and mark your calendars for Wednesday November 23rd…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Nov 15-21

November 21, 2016 Editor News newsoff the wire

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?From Canada: Canadian news outlet aims to shake up local journalism by only sourcing stories from its members [Journalism.co.uk] Democracy and the decline of…

The 5-Minute Freelancer Q&A #33 — J.B. MacKinnon

November 17, 2016 Editor Advice 5-minute freelanceradvicefreelance lifej.b. mackinnon

In this regular feature, Story Board asks Canadian writers to share a few details about their work habits and their strategies for navigating the ups and downs of freelance life. J.B. MacKinnon is an independent journalist whose books include The 100-Mile Diet and The Once and Future World. He has written for such magazines as The New…

The Born Freelancer on Getting an Agent

November 16, 2016 Editor Advice adviceagentsborn freelancerthe born freelancer

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? We'd love to hear from you in the comments. One of the questions I hear most frequently is "Do I need an agent?" and if so, "How do I find a good one?" My experience with agents is…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Nov 8-14

November 14, 2016 Editor News newsoff the wire

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?From Canada: Winners of the Canadian Online Publishing Awards announced [J-Source] Publication ban charge against Halifax's Frank Magazine dismissed [J-Source]…

Digital Media Mixer in Toronto November 22

November 10, 2016 Editor Event canadian media guildcmg freelancecwa associate membersdigital media mixerevent

Freelancers, students and media workers are invited to a mixer in Toronto on Tuesday, November 22nd from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Watson's (388 Richmond St. W, Toronto). It's an opportunity to make connections with peers and mentors working in digital media, and to discuss the changing nature of media work.Mentors for the evening include Erika…

YWS brings young workers together in solidarity

November 08, 2016 Editor News cwa associate membersyoung workers summit

by Kayla Perry, CWA Canada Associate Membership Coordinator [caption id="attachment_12701" align="alignright" width="371"] CLC Young Workers Summit 2016. Photo by Andrew Meade[/caption]Between Oct. 23 and 25 over 400 young workers gathered in Ottawa with one purpose: to discuss the employment landscape for emerging young workers in Canada.The…