iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

This series celebrates the strength and resilience of voices from across the globe. Come hear their latest works in development and their perspectives on the complexities of life in exile. This event will feature writers from Afghanistan and Palestine -- readers will be announced next week.

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Save-the-date for Voices of Freedom, our reading series with the Writers in Exile, which returns in two weeks: 📅 Monday October 19 at 7 p.m. 📍 Emmanuel College Chapel, University of Toronto (75 Queen's Park Cres E) 🎟️ Entry is free for PEN members, $10 for the public

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PEN 100: A Centennial Celebration, featuring Louise Penny

We're thrilled to announce Louise Penny will headline our Centennial Celebration on November 25. One of Canada's most beloved authors, her books have sold more than 19 million copies worldwide, topped bestseller lists, and been translated into 35 languages. Get your ticket: buff.ly/Ig3gp0f

eventbrite.ca

An evening of belonging, community and literature, to celebrate 100 years of PEN in Canada.

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When a Poem Crosses Borders: Translation Between the Life of a Text and the Trial of Its Author

For International Translation Day, Palestinian poet Dareen Tatour reflects on translation as a literary and political act. Drawing on her own experience, she explores the responsibilities of carrying texts across languages, cultures and systems of power. More from PEN Sweden: buff.ly/EgM6XIP

penopp.org

Some words cross borders and open a window, others cross them and open the door to a prison cell.

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PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Paintings, prints and carvings — these are some of the original artworks you can bid on at our auction. All proceeds will go to the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund, a new PEN fund which at a future date will provide urgent assistance directly to exiled writers living in Canada. buff.ly/qoOFhud

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PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A literary treasure in our auction: one of just 300 signed limited editions of Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments, from the author’s private collection. Complete with artifacts and Aunt Lydia’s wax seal. This item is open for bids from now until Thursday October 1: buff.ly/qoOFhud

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No Safe Haven: Writers and the Rise of Transnational Repression

The panel will explore the realities of being targeted across borders, the wider patterns of transnational repression, and how governments, international organizations, and the literary community can better protect those living in exile. 🗓️ Wed Sep 30, 11 a.m. ET or 8 a.m. PT 🎟️ Free: buff.ly/fmIZeVC

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Held as part of PEN International’s 92nd Annual Congress, “Writers at Risk in the Age of AI and Global Disorder.”

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This is a free public event, held as part of the 92nd annual PEN International Congress. Join Samira Mohyeddin (journalist), Ross Holder (PEN International), Basma Mostafa (Egyptian journalist ), and Doan Bao Chau (Vietnamese journalist) for a public panel discussion on transnational repression.

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No Safe Haven: Writers and the Rise of Transnational Repression

This year, congress will be hosted online. During online sessions, PEN Canada is looking forward to seeing familiar — as well as new — faces online. For members of the public, you can register to attend this year's only public online free event, happening on Wednesday September 30: buff.ly/fmIZeVC

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Held as part of PEN International’s 92nd Annual Congress, “Writers at Risk in the Age of AI and Global Disorder.”

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What happens at this meeting? Writers from around the world travel to meet with each other and discuss contemporary issues, #literature, and freedom of expression. Here's a look at previous congresses:

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PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Today is the first day of Congress 🌍 and this year, we're online! Since 1923, the PEN International Congress is hosted each year by a different PEN Centre around the world. It's been held in Canada twice — first in 1989 and then again in 2015.

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From three nights in Tuscany, to a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or a Toronto birding walk and a session with a music producer — these unique experiences are all in our Power of Words auction. Bidding is open now, and will close at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday October 1: buff.ly/qoOFhud

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From book clubs, dinners and collector's items, our thanks to Margaret Atwood, Randy Boyagoda, Gill Deacon, Kim Echlin, Terry Fallis, Mellissa Fung, Don Gillmor, Kate Hilton, Vincent Lam, Marsha Lederman, Louise Penny, Lisa Rochon, Elizabeth Renzetti, John Ralston Saul, and Russell Smith.

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Our auction is live, and 15 Canadian authors are in on it. All proceeds from this auction will go to the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund, a new PEN fund which at a future date will provide urgent assistance directly to exiled writers living in Canada. Place your bids here: buff.ly/qoOFhud

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All proceeds from this auction will go to the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund, a new PEN fund which at a future date will provide urgent assistance and critical support directly to exiled writers living in Canada. buff.ly/OrofpNV

Joan Leishman Memorial Fund - PEN Canada

In memory of the journalist and humanitarian, the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund provides critical assistance and support to writers in exile.

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PEN thanks these artists for their contributions: Jeffrey Berman, Kelly Crowe, Sue Dando, Deborah Farquaharson, David Lee, Susan Marjetti, Saša Petricic, and Don Rooke.

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Our auction is live, and it includes 10 original works of art. From paintings to wood carvings, photography prints and even a miniature, the auction is open for bids from now until 8:30 p.m. on Thursday October 1. Get your event tickets, and place your online auction bids, here: buff.ly/qoOFhud

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PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

One week until our big event — an event and online auction to raise money for a new PEN initiative to support writers living in exile:

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Speaking in Bologna about imprisoned Eritrean journalists, Gianluca Costantini reflects on portraits he created with PEN International in 2019, their return to public attention seven years later, and the role of drawing in keeping names, faces and stories alive: www.channeldraw.org/2026/09/20/e...

channeldraw.org

Eritrea: Twenty-Five Years of Silence, and the Responsibility of Remembering - ChannelDraw

Speaking in Bologna about the imprisoned Eritrean journalists, Gianluca Costantini reflects on the portraits he created with PEN International in 2019, their return to public attention seven years lat...

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Reposted by PEN Canada

VassB @vassb.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I had fun writing for the @pencanada.bsky.social Substack, "A Good Think," about technology and writing today. Do YOU have a routine when you write, or programs that you find to be helpful? I'm a sucker for a new notebook, that's for sure. substack.com/home/post/p-...

substack.com

A future for writing

“Writing is thinking, and thinking is the ultimate solitary act. No matter the tech, at some point, you’re still just solo with a page trying to fill it.”

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PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

All proceeds from this auction will go to the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund, a new PEN fund which will at a future date provide urgent assistance and critical support directly to exiled writers living in Canada. Bidding is open now, and will close at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday October 1.

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PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Something very special for your next book club or private gathering 📚 👀 Our Power of Words auction is live with conversations, gatherings, and dinners with authors like Gill Deacon, Kim Echlin, Mellissa Fung, Don Gillmor, Marsha Lederman, Louise Penny, Lisa Rochon, Elizabeth Renzetti, and more.

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Simply put: the amendment gives the Minister of Municipal Affairs the right to appoint an inspector to go into any public library — not only the main library, but any branch and any “library service point”— to access anything regarding the administration, governance, or collection of the library.

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Members of the United Conservative Party say the bill is about protecting children from having access to graphically sexually-explicit material. But there’s not a word about any of that in the Bill 28.

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Power of Words: PEN Benefit for the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund | Powered by Givergy

Before our event next week, check out our online auction —which is now open for bids! Featured prizes include book clubs and dinners with authors like Louise Penny, John Ralston Saul, Gill Deacon, Kim Echlin, and Marsha Lederman, plus original artworks and a 3-night stay in Italy: buff.ly/km3ohSD

can.givergy.com

Bid on exclusive money can't buy items & experiences with PEN Canada. Enter into one of our charity auctions, prize draws or buy exclusive items now.

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Photo: The Toronto organizing committee of the 1989 PEN International Congress, from left to right: Eugene Benson, John Ralston Saul, Graeme Gibson (PEN Canada President), Greg Gatenby (Head of Toronto International Festival of Authors).

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Canadian writer and novelist Eugene Benson passed away in July, and will be remembered for his enormous contribution the founding of PEN Canada. On our Substack, John Ralston Saul pays tribute Benson and reflects on the epic 1989 PEN International Congress in Toronto and Montreal: buff.ly/eR3V7T0

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9 days until our fundraiser to help writers living in exile in Canada. Hosted by Elamin Abdelmahmoud and featuring a literary auction, we are expecting over 150 people in attendance. 🗓️ Thurs Oct 1 📍 Toronto Tickets are $115, and qualify for an $80 charitable tax receipt: buff.ly/125Cn6n

The Power of Words: Writers in Exile - PEN Canada

A PEN Benefit for the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund, in support of writers living in exile in Canada. Ticket required.

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PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

It’s an uncertain time for libraries across #Alberta with the soon-to-be implemented Bill 28. The bill includes amendments to the Libraries Act, restricting access to certain materials for youth and appointing provincial inspectors to oversee library collections and operations: buff.ly/4CAWmNj

townandcountrytoday.com

Bill 28 implementation looms, concerns of library control overreach remains

The Barrhead Public Library is looking to solidify itself as a pillar of the community with various services, programs, and events it provides throughout the year.

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PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The use of criminal defamation proceedings to challenge journalism on matters of public interest, particularly when combined with the possibility of imprisonment, fines and court-ordered corrections, have a profound chilling effect on the journalists investigating powerful institutions.

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Eritrea: An Open Letter to President Isaias Afwerki - PEN Canada

Among them are 13 Canadian writers, including Canisia Lubrin, Ira Wells, John Ralston Saul, Linwood Barclay, Madeleine Thien, Marian Botsford Fraser, Rohinton Mistry, and Yann Martel. Read the letter, and add your signature: buff.ly/MD91tAZ

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Acclaimed writers from around the world have signed an open letter to President Isaias Afwerki, in support of PEN’s global Proof of Life campaign.

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Their letter calls for verified proof of life for 12 Eritrean writers and journalists who have been held incommunicado since 2001 and calls for an end to 25 years of silence and enforced disappearance — including the imprisonment our Honorary Member, Dawit Isaak.

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25 years of silence and impunity: PEN demands Proof of Life of Eritrean writers detained since 2001. Today, 118 acclaimed writers from around the world have signed an open letter to President Isaias Afwerki, in support of PEN International's global Proof of Life campaign and petition:

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Today, 118 acclaimed writers from around the world have signed a letter to President Isaias Afwerki, in support of the @peninternational.bsky.social Proof of Life petition. Among them are 13 Canadians, like John Ralston Saul, Madeleine Thien, Rohinton Mistry, and Yann Martel: buff.ly/MD91tAZ

Eritrea: An Open Letter to President Isaias Afwerki - PEN Canada

Acclaimed writers from around the world have signed an open letter to President Isaias Afwerki, in support of PEN’s global Proof of Life campaign.

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PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

All proceeds from this auction and event will go to the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund, a new PEN initiative that will create opportunity and offer critical support to writers living in exile in Canada: pencanada.ca/advocacy-aid...