Following a year of strong growth — including a 2025 Journal Impact Factor of 3.8, up from 2.7 in 2024 — the Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (JCAG) is entering an exciting new chapter.

Beginning January 1, 2027, JCAG will have a new publisher, SAGE Publishing.

JCAG will remain open access and continue to serve as Canada’s leading GI journal, while placing a greater focus on expanding its international reach and readership. This next phase will help increase the global visibility of the important research published by Canadian gastroenterologists and researchers.

What to Expect

A New Journal Website

In January 2027, JCAG will launch a new journal website managed by SAGE Publishing. The current website will automatically redirect to the new platform, helping ensure a seamless transition for readers.

Your Access to JCAG’s Archive Will Continue

The journal will be fully transferred to the new platform, including previously published articles and their existing DOI links. This will ensure continued access to the JCAG archive and the research it contains.

No Changes to Manuscript Submission

The manuscript submission process will remain unchanged. Authors will continue to submit manuscripts through the JCAG Submission Site.

If you already have an account or have previously submitted a manuscript, no action is required. You will not need to create a new account.

JCAG is Going Fully Digital

Beginning January 1, 2027, JCAG will no longer produce a print edition. Moving to a digital-only journal will reduce paper use, printing and shipping, helping to create a more sustainable publishing model.

JCAG will also adopt a continuous publication model. Rather than waiting for articles to be grouped into a scheduled issue, articles will be published online as soon as they are ready. They will then be collected into a virtual issue on a monthly basis, allowing new research and clinical content to reach readers sooner.

Publishing Fees Will Be Updated

As JCAG transitions to a digital-only publication and a new publishing model, publishing fees will be updated in line with the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN) agreement. CAG’s Board of Directors is also in discussions to maintain the current trainee discount.

We recognize that changes to publishing fees are important to our authors and members and are providing advance notice as we prepare for this transition. Further details about the updated fee structure will be shared once they are finalized.

Manuscripts submitted before October 1, 2026
Publication fees will remain at the rate in effect at the time of submission.

Manuscripts submitted on or after October 1, 2026
The new publishing fee structure will apply.

Continuing JCAG’s Growth

JCAG’s 2025 Impact Factor of 3.8 reflects the journal’s growing influence and the quality and relevance of the research published by its authors.

The transition to SAGE Publishing, a digital-only format and continuous publication model will help support JCAG’s continued growth and create a more modern, accessible and sustainable publishing experience—while maintaining the journal’s purpose, content and strong connection to Canada’s GI community.

More information about the new website and the transition will be shared as we approach January 2027.

Questions?
Please contact Karin Dearness, JCAG Managing Editor, at karin@cag-acg.org.

Thank you for your continued support of JCAG.