Investigative journalism is often measured by the stories published. Less visible is the work that comes before publication.
Months, or even years, of research. Building trust with people whose lives have been profoundly affected. Carefully verifying every fact. Facing legal challenges, public criticism, and, at times, personal threats. The journalists behind these investigations carry a tremendous responsibility, not only to uncover the truth, but to do justice to the people who have entrusted them with their stories.
That commitment to the public good is what the Michener Awards have recognized for more than 50 years. Established by former Governor General Roland Michener, Canada’s highest honour in public service journalism celebrates reporting that strengthens accountability, informs Canadians, and leads to meaningful change. Since 2020, the Rideau Hall Foundation has proudly served as the managing partner of the Michener Awards, helping to ensure this important tradition continues.
This year’s Michener Award was presented to Radio-Canada for Dérives : le labyrinthe de Lyme, an investigation led by Olivier Bernard into private clinics promoting controversial treatments for so-called chronic Lyme disease. The reporting prompted government reviews, professional scrutiny, and renewed discussion about patient safety and medical oversight.
The winning investigation was selected from an exceptional group of finalists whose reporting exposed intimate partner violence, questioned the awarding of public contracts, uncovered dangerous gaps in trucking safety, revealed political interference in public funding, and identified failures in teacher oversight. Together, these investigations prompted criminal charges, government investigations, regulatory reforms, and changes that have made Canadians safer.
During the awards ceremony, the journalists reflected on what it takes to pursue stories like these. While the investigations differed, a common thread emerged: this work is ultimately about people.
Many spoke about the relationships they build with individuals and families who have experienced harm and who are seeking answers, accountability, or justice. Those stories stay with them long after publication. Although many investigations go on to influence policy or prompt systemic reform, that is rarely the goal at the outset. The motivation is much more personal – to uncover the truth, give voice to those who have been overlooked, and help prevent the same harms from happening again.
The impact of investigative journalism is often measured in new policies, public inquiries, or institutional reforms, but its greatest impact is on the lives of the people it serves. In some cases, these investigations have protected vulnerable communities, prevented further harm, and quite literally saved lives.
While only one newsroom receives the Michener Award each year, every finalist deserves to be celebrated. Their work reminds us that a healthy democracy depends on journalists willing to ask difficult questions, pursue the facts wherever they lead, and tell stories that might otherwise never be heard.
2025 Michener Award Winner and Finalists
Winner
Read the winner press release here.
Radio-Canada – Dérives : le labyrinthe de Lyme
An investigation into the world of so-called chronic Lyme disease that challenged misinformation and questionable medical practices, prompting government reviews, professional scrutiny, and renewed discussion about patient safety and medical oversight.
Finalists
Read the finalists press release here.
CTV News – Sleeping With The Enemy
Exposed an online network where women were allegedly drugged and secretly recorded by trusted partners, leading to more than 60 criminal charges, a Health Canada investigation, and proposed legislative changes.
The Globe and Mail – Alberta Health Procurement Controversy
Investigated ties between Alberta government officials and companies awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in health-care contracts, prompting government action and contributing to an ongoing RCMP investigation.
La Presse – Chauffeurs Inc.
Revealed dangerous gaps in Canada’s trucking industry, exposing how a tax loophole enabled companies to hire undertrained subcontractors, leading to tax changes and strengthened highway safety enforcement in Quebec.
The Trillium – Skills Development Fund Investigation
Uncovered political interference in Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, triggering investigations, legal action, and greater public scrutiny of how public funding was allocated.
Winnipeg Free Press – Classroom Confidential
Exposed failures in Manitoba’s teacher disciplinary system that allowed educators found guilty of misconduct to continue teaching, leading to resignations, regulatory reforms, and stronger oversight.
