According to its bylaws, CANE exists for the following reasons:

1. to promote acquaintance among its members and to develop a stronger professional esprit de corps;
2. to maintain the dignity and rights of the profession;
3. to consider and perhaps establish ethical standards of professional conduct;
4. to exchange ideas for the advancement of professional ideals;
5. to work collectively to solve common problems;
6. to promote and protect freedom of expression, including freedom of the press throughout Canada;
7. to advance the quality of editorial management and content of Canadian newspapers or Canadian news agencies, by bringing together editors and/or executives on the editorial staff of Canadian newspapers or news agencies to allow them to share information; and
8. to develop training and educational courses and products for the professional development of its members.