Plain and Simple Vol. 1

Welcome!

PLAIN Canada promotes plain language in Canada in both official languages. It is a volunteer, unincorporated, member organization working to build a community of plain language professionals and advocates.

PLAIN Canada provides resources and networking opportunities for supporters of plain language in Canada.

We are launching this newsletter to:

• share ideas and promote best practices in plain language
• let our community know what we have been up to and what events or activities we have planned 
• raise the profile of plain language and our organization in Canada
• share news from other like-minded organizations and individuals

Each edition will feature:

• a profile of a member of the PLAIN Canada community
• training tips and information about upcoming training opportunities
• helpful online resources
• patron’s Corner, where we will highlight our patron’s upcoming activities

​This newsletter is available in both French and English.

In this issue

In this first issue, we will introduce our patron, Cheryl Stephens.

Some of our ideas for future articles include the following topics:

• history of plain language in Canada
• introduction of ISO 24495, Plain language
• reader-based readability tests
• how to promote plain language writing in your organization
• proven approaches for user testing on a tight (to nonexistent) budget
• building relationships with communications professionals

In the coming months, we will solicit your ideas for articles and ask for contributions to our newsletter. Watch our website and our groups on LinkedIn and Facebook for calls for submissions or invitations to collaborate on future editions.

We look forward to hearing your ideas and building our community! 

Jocelyn Pletz and Chantale Audet
Editors