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We're able to focus our attention on publishing impactful journalism in the public interest, and publish it for free for all to read, because we have the support of Tyee Builders. Tyee Builders are readers who contribute a bit of money — at a level and frequency of their choice — to support our editorial budget.

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You made it all the way through the article – I hope that means you liked it (or if not ‘liked’ it, gleaned some useful information from it). Tyee articles are known for being quite lengthy, so we appreciate when people spend some quality time with our work.

Listen, I’ll get to the point – the article you just read was made possible because our non-profit newsroom was able to pay a talented journalist to research and write it. And we can only afford to do that because of our business model, which relies on a certain percentage of our readers signing up for our paid membership program called Tyee Builders.

The traditional business model for journalism in Canada has been completely disrupted, and we’re witnessing a slow collapse as corporate newsrooms buy up distressed publications, lay people off, and suck the value out of them before declaring bankruptcy. And it doesn’t help that tech giant Meta has blocked Canadian news on their Facebook and Instagram platforms.

There is another way and we are carving the path.

Between 1 to 2 per cent of people who visit The Tyee contribute financially, but amazingly, that small percentage is enough to fund half of our overall budget. And it means we can operate without a paywall, too. 1 per cent of people giving means 99 per cent of people get access to quality, fact-based journalism from a talented team of journalists who live and work in B.C., Alberta, and across Canada. We think that’s pretty remarkable.

If you’re concerned about the way journalism is heading in Canada and you’d like to do something about it, consider joining Tyee Builders and contributing an amount that works for you.

— Jeanette Ageson, Publisher

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Tyee News

Mel Hurtig Is a Tyee Builder

He published Canada's encyclopedia and helped found its Council. What hooks Hurtig? Read on.

Tyee Staff 1 May 2012TheTyee.ca

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Mel Hurtig, Tyee Builder.

"Why do I support The Tyee? Because it consistently features first-class, informative journalism of the kind you’re not likely to find elsewhere." -- Mel Hurtig

Hurtig's support means a lot to the Tyee. After all, he's a guy who knows informative writing when he sees it; Hurtig published the Canadian Encyclopedia, the definitive national encyclopedia for our country. Besides being a publishing mogul, Hurtig has also owned a chain of book stores, tried his hand at politics, and helped establish the Council of Canadians. He's also an author. His most recent book, The Truth About Canada, takes on "how Canada has changed, very much for the worse, in the last 20 years."

If you, like Mel Hurtig and the rest of the Builders who support The Tyee, believe that Canadian media needs independent voices contributing to the news, join us! Besides knowing that you're supporting award-winning journalism, you'll also get a few treats out of the deal like, oh, a signed book by one of our famous Builders! That includes copies of Hurtig's latest: The Truth About Canada, reviewed by The Tyee here. Just click on the yellow button below to sign up -- and do so quick for your best chance of getting your top choice of book.

    Click to Become a Tyee Builder

About this Tyee Builder: Mel Hurtig was born in Edmonton, Alberta. He is an author, publisher, and former politician, and has been awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions. In addition, Hurtig has been awarded the Lester B. Pearson Man of the Year Award, the Royal Society of Canada's Centenary Medal, and the Speaker of the Year Award. He has chaired various foundations, including the Council of Canadians and the Committee for an Independent Canada. Finally, he has written, on occasion, for The Tyee. You can find out more about Hurtig on his website.

About the Tyee Builder Program: Want to give independent Canadian journalism a boost? You've come to the right place. The Tyee is trying to become fully sustainable. In order to do so, we've launched the Tyee Builders program to allow readers who love The Tyee's work to help fund more of it. Every penny you support us with will go directly to pay Tyee writers and editors. And besides the warm, fuzzy feelings you'll get knowing you're helping dial up the volume on an independent voice in Canadian media, we've come up with a few other ways to thank you. Click on "Hammertime" above to learn more and start Building! [Tyee]

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