Our Patron

We are proud to introduce Cheryl Stephens as the patron of PLAIN Canada. Cheryl is a leader, author, editor, educator, consultant, and trainer who specializes in plain language communication. 

Although Cheryl initially trained as a lawyer, for over thirty years she has worked tirelessly to promote and build the legal writing and plain language writing movement throughout Canada and the world. Cheryl co-founded the Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) in 1993 and was later named the organization’s first life member.

At the PLAIN conference in Oslo, Norway, in 2019, a group of Canadians decided to organize a plain language group that focused on the unique needs of Canadian plain language practitioners. For example, we not only have two official languages, we are also one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. Many Canadians do not speak English or French as a native language. Following the Oslo conference, Cheryl got to work and started organizing PLAIN Canada.

Cheryl is a prolific writer and her latest book, Plain Language in Plain English, is a comprehensive guide to clear communication. See all of Cheryl’s books at Plain Language Wizardry.

Also in this issue:

Patron’s Corner

The Plain Train, an online plain language training program created by Cheryl Stephens, is based on Plain Language, Clear and Simple, the training resource for plain language developed by the Government of Canada.

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