Let me introduce myself

I’m Ramneet, I’ve recently joined Canada’s National Observer team as a fundraising and engagement specialist. I want to take a minute to share a bit about myself, and why I decided to join Canada’s National Observer.

As someone who grew up with the internet and second-generation Canadian, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of digital literacy in navigating the disinformation minefield.

In 2023, my parents endured a mass internet shutdown in Punjab, India, cutting them off from basic information and communication. They had no way to tell us about the mounting separatist protests and retaliation from the government while we were bombarded with biased reporting and conflicting narratives online. They were left in the dark, with no news or access to trusted journalism during a period of civil unrest in India. This experience highlighted for me the urgency of reliable, fact-based information, and inspired me to join and support Canada’s National Observer’s mission.

In today’s world of information overload, having access to reliable, trusted journalism to make sense of the big issues that shift our country is a fundamental necessity.

Before coming on board CNO, I worked as a campaigner at a non-profit, advocating for issues like freedom of the press and access to information. Through this experience, I listened to the struggles of the news industry over the past decade as outlets hustled for funding, competed with legacy media, and mourned the heartbreaking closure of over 400 news outlets in Canada. Most of those lost were independent and community-based outlets.

It’s disheartening to see the news media, an industry so foundational to our democracy, fight tooth and nail to survive. I knew that was a battle our country could not afford to lose.

That’s why I joined the fight. It’s a privilege to be part of an organization dedicated to shaping a brighter future for our planet for generations to come.

But the work to sustain trusted journalism takes many hands. Can we count on you to join us?

We rely on the support from people like you who care about the planet and want to see real change. Please support this essential work with a donation today to CNO’s spring fundraiser and help us raise $100,000 by June 3 to support trusted climate journalism in Canada.

I look forward to contributing to our shared positive change through trusted journalism. For a better, informed future.