Become a Member

Membership in AJAC is open to journalists (Associate Journalist category), car manufacturers (Corporate category), and their agencies (Associate Corporate) as well as after-market suppliers (Associate Corporate).

There is also a non-member category (Affiliate) for those individuals that do not qualify as members.

If you are interested in becoming an Associate Journalist member, you need to apply using the on-line membership application. Mail-in applications are no longer accepted.

The Membership Application Committee meets just twice per year, i.e. once every 6 months; typically March and September.

There are actually two categories of journalist membership in AJAC: Associate Journalist and Journalist.

All AJAC journalist members start as Associate Journalists (see application and conditions below).  

After two years as a working Associate Journalist, members are eligible to apply for Journalist status if automotive journalism is, or has become, their full-time occupation. AJAC has a standard process in place to review such applications.

AJAC journalist membership is open to all automotive journalists – not just those who do road-tests of new vehicles. In fact, our constitution clearly states that membership is open to:

“… journalists who specialize in reporting on the automobile. In this context, “journalist” is intended to include, but not necessarily be restricted to, writers, photographers, editors, broadcasters, artists, film-makers and publishers.”

Membership Application Criteria

·                      Applicants must have a minimum of one full year’s proven experience in the field of automotive journalism before applying for AJAC membership

·                      Applicants must submit verifiable proof of such experience, supported by but not limited to submission of at least 12 published articles/broadcasts/photos/ videos, of a non-advertorial nature, in legitimate media, for compensation covering a minimum period of one year.

·                      Canadian publications must comprise at least 75 percent of an applicant's outlets.

·                      Applicants whose only outlets are on-line media (e.g. - websites) must additionally provide verifiable confirmation that they contribute directly to said website(s), for compensation, and that said website(s) satisfy the following criteria:

The site(s) must be:

-          Editorial, not advertorial in nature;

-          Updated on a regular basis, at least bi-weekly;

-          Commercially supported by paid advertising or subscriptions;

-          Representing a registered business enterprise with a physical business address, functional telephone contact number, etc. (personal, non-commercial, or enthusiast websites do not qualify).

·                      All applicants must satisfy the same criteria for membership, whether they be writers, editors, publishers, photographers, or whatever.

·                      Applicants must be sponsored by at least two members of AJAC in good standing and by at least one of his/her editors/publishers/ producers, all of whom must be familiar with his/her work and confirm its credibility.

·                      Applicant’s work must express original thought, be factually accurate, and demonstrate that the applicant has a fundamental understanding of what he/she is writing/talking about to warrant approval.

·                      Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the profession and a level of professional conduct commensurate with AJAC’s established standards.

·                      As a final step before approval, applicants’ names shall be submitted to the membership at large and corporate members, with a request for feedback and comment to the Membership Approval Committee, approval not to be withheld based on such feedback except on reasonable and verifiable grounds.

·                      All applications shall be processed by the Membership Review Committee and accepted or rejected within six months plus one day of formal receipt.

Journalist Membership Dues: $320.00 plus GST

ASSOCIATE CORPORATE CATEGORY

This category of membership is open to businesses whose functions do not meet conditions for corporate member status, such as advertising agencies and public relations firms working either on their own or in the employ of manufacturers. Associate corporate members have no voting rights, but will have access to the usual corporate information and be listed in the association directory.

To apply for membership, just send an email to the association manager, Beth Rhind, beth@ajac.ca stating why you wish to join.

Associate Corporate Membership Dues: $935.00 plus GST

CORPORATE CATEGORY

Corporate members are companies engaged in the manufacture and sale of vehicles. Corporate members do not have voting rights but have the right to ongoing input and consultation regarding matters which affect their relationship with journalists.

To apply for membership, just send an email to the association manager, Beth Rhind, beth@ajac.ca stating why you wish to join.

Corporate Membership Dues: $3,051.80 plus GST

AFFILIATE CATEGORY

Affiliation is open to individuals whose function or current status do not meet conditions for journalist membership status, but who are still involved in the automotive industry. Affiliates may attend affairs of the association but do not have voting rights in the affairs of the association. Affiliates will be listed in the association directory but will not be covered under the Association's benefit package.

Affiliate Membership Dues: $175.00 plus GST ( basic service of name in directory, plus newsletter by separate email )

Additional (Optional): $50.00 plus GST (access to members only area of web site including on-line directory).

To apply for membership, just send an email to the association manager, Beth Rhind, beth@ajac.ca stating why you wish to join.