Join us for a free mixer and Q&A session exploring the differences between being hired as a freelancer/independent contractor and an employee: what rights do you have as a freelancer vs as an employee? Who gets to decide if you’re hired as a freelancer or an employee? How do pay rates and working conditions compare? What can you do if you think you’ve been misclassified?

Our speakers will share their experience and expert advice on how to navigate the media industry as both freelancers and employees.

Featuring:

Denise O'Connell, a Toronto-based journalist, writer and producer who creates content on all platforms. After graduating from Ryerson's broadcast journalism program in the 90's, she went on to work in news, current affairs, lifestyle, reality, documentary and children's programming, as well as writing for print and online publications. She has done work for CBC, CTV, NBC and Discovery Channel among many others. She is also an organizer with the Canadian Media Guild, working towards fair working conditions in Canada's factual television industry.

Tassia Poynter is a civil, employment and labour lawyer at Cavalluzzo Shilton McIntyre Cornish LLP. Through her civil and employment law practice, Tassia enforces the rights of employees who face termination of employment, wrongful dismissal, discrimination, lay off or other workplace issues. Through her labour practice, Tassia provides representation and practical advice to trade unions and unionized employees including media workers and lawyers. Prior to her legal studies, Tassia worked for a decade as a television news producer, among other roles, for a major broadcaster in Canada.

This mixer is open to Canadian Media Guild members, freelancers, Factual TV workers, digital media workers, students, and aspiring journalists! It will be a great opportunity to make connections with your peers and mentors working in the media.

Snacks and drinks will be provided!

This venue is wheelchair accessible and has gender-neutral washrooms

Media Mixer - Freelancer or Employee? Tips, Myths, Facts

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