CARTEL Freelancers - Join The Network

Real stories. Real Canada. One lens at a time.

Publisher: Canada Cartel (NFP) • Magazine: ABSOLUTE
Standards: Canadian Press (CP) style • Photojournalism ethics
Principles: Truth Will Out • No Politics • No Religion • No Drama
Lens: People • Planet • Profit • Purpose (4P) • SDGs, localized to Canada

Why CARTEL Freelancers exists

Canada Cartel is building a credible, citizen‑first record of Canadian life—street corners to shop floors, coasts to classrooms. CARTEL Freelancers is our national contributor program for writers, photojournalists, videographers, designers, and social storytellers who want to make work that is accurate, respectful, and useful to Canadians.

Value to you

National publication credit in ABSOLUTE and Canada Cartel channels (with links).
Portfolio‑ready assignments with professional editing and fact‑checking.
Mentorship and feedback from editors and the photo desk.
Training resources (CP style basics, captioning, safety, ethics, SDG localization).
Early access to paid opportunities as revenue grows (contributors in good standing prioritized).

What we publish

Photo Essays: 10–18 images with CP‑style captions and a 150–300‑word narrative.
News/Dispatches: short, timely reports from communities (350–600 words).
Profiles/Features: 800–1,400 words with 3–5 original photos.
Explainers: clear breakdowns of social/economic/environmental topics (600–1,000 words).
Op‑Eds (clearly labeled): evidence‑led analysis (600–900 words), no rants/venting.

House beats (examples): Work & Industry • Water & Land • Energy & Housing • Health & Safety • Mobility & Transport • Food & Agriculture • Arts & Local Culture • Youth & Skills • North & Rural • Cities & Towns.

Editorial standards (short)

CP style required (spelling, attribution, titles, dates).
Verification: confirm names, titles, locations, dates; cite sources; keep notes.
Labeling: News • Photo Essay • Explainer • Profile • Op‑Ed (top of page).
Photo ethics: global adjustments only; no adding/removing content.
Captions: Who/What; Where (City, Prov.); When (Month Day, Year); Context/Why.
No politics, no religion, no drama. Evidence and clarity over heat.
Minors & vulnerable subjects: consent and added care, per standards.

Full standards: /editorial-standards
Corrections: corrections@CanadaCartel.ca

Rights, credit, and licence

You retain copyright to your work.
You grant Canada Cartel a non‑exclusive, worldwide, royalty‑free licence to publish and promote your submission on our owned channels and socials, with full credit.
Credit line: Photo: First Last / Canada Cartel • Words: First Last for Canada Cartel.
Exclusivity windows (7–30 days) may be arranged in writing for select stories.
Takedown: we honour reasonable removal requests on owned channels; prior shares/archives may persist.

Rights & permissions: rights@CanadaCartel.ca • Photo desk: photos@CanadaCartel.ca

How it works

Apply (form below) with your skills, region(s), and recent work.
Onboard: read the guidelines; set up your byline and bio.
Pitch or accept assignments matched to beats and location.
File to editors with copy, images/video, captions, releases.
Edit: we collaborate on clarity, accuracy, and sequencing.
Publish & credit in ABSOLUTE and Canada Cartel channels.
Amplify: cross‑share links; we track performance and feedback.

Typical timelines: pitches acknowledged in 1–3 business days; edits 2–5 days; features may take longer.

What we look for

Clarity and curiosity over hot takes.
Respectful access to people and places; accurate context.
Strong captions and clean audio/visuals (where applicable).
Reliability: meet scope and deadlines; communicate early if blocked.
Local insight: knowledge of your community, sector, or beat.

File & technical specs

Text: .docx or Google Doc; CP‑style; include headline, dek (1–2 lines), 2–3 potential pull‑quotes, and 50–90‑word social caption.
Photos: JPEG (sRGB), long edge ≥ 3000 px; include RAW if available; no heavy edits; sequence suggested.
Video: 1080p or 4K, h.264 (.mp4), 24/30 fps; separate clean audio if recorded.
Naming: YYYYMMDD_city-province_slug_by-LastnameFirstname_###.jpg
Alt text: 120–160 chars; describe subject/action/setting.
Releases: include model/guardian/property releases when needed.

Safety, inclusion, and conduct

We operate a respectful, inclusive environment. Harassment, hate, or unsafe conduct is incompatible with our mission. Protect sources and bystanders; avoid interfering with responders; obey local laws and event rules. If unsure, pause and contact editors.

Code of conduct: /editorialstandards • Safety concerns: newsroom@CanadaCartel.ca

Expenses & compensation

CARTEL Freelancers is currently volunteer. Do not incur costs expecting reimbursement without written pre‑approval (transport, entry fees, limited supplies). As revenue grows, paid assignments will prioritize contributors in good standing.

Expenses & grants: grants@CanadaCartel.ca

Training & resources

CP Style Quickstart (cheat sheet)
Captioning 101 (examples & pitfalls)
Explainer Template (structure & sourcing)
Photo Ethics (adjustments, staging, releases)
SDGs Localized (mapping guide)

Request resources: editors@CanadaCartel.ca

FAQ

Is this paid? Currently volunteer; paid roles and stipends will roll out as revenue allows.
Do I have to be “pro”? No—emerging and experienced contributors are welcome. We edit and mentor.
Can I republish my work? Yes. After first publication, you may share on your own platforms, crediting and linking back.
Do you accept exclusives? Yes—case by case, with written timelines.
How fast will you reply? Pitches: 1–3 business days; corrections/urgent items are prioritized.
What about sensitive scenes? We protect dignity and safety; obtain consent where appropriate; avoid graphic sensationalism.

Apply now, bring a story, or request an assignment.
Email: freelancers@CanadaCartel.ca • newsroom@CanadaCartel.ca
Read the magazine: Field Notes in ABSOLUTE → /field-notes