Online Journalism Modules

A top priority of the MHCC is reducing the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with mental health problems or illnesses. Given the critical role that the media play in shaping public opinion and influencing the attitudes and behaviours of Canadians, Opening Minds — the MHCC’s anti-stigma initiative —began hosting symposia for journalism students at universities. These events gave students an opportunity to hear from a working journalist, researcher, forensic psychologist and people with lived experience of mental health problems and illnesses. The popularity of these events prompted the MHCC to create an online resource that all journalism students could easily access.

The course contains four modules:

  1. What is stigma
  2. Stigma in the news media
  3. Stigma, the media and justice
  4. The journalist’s responsibilities

Together, the modules will help journalism students better understand the important role the media plays in providing information and shaping public attitudes in Canada. In total, it will take students less than an hour to complete and the modules can be completed in multiple sessions.

To access the modules, please complete a short survey. Access links will be emailed to you.

For more information about these modules, please contact Liz Wigfull, Knowledge Exchange Specialist at 613.683.3744 or