The Michener Award celebrates outstanding and unbiased journalism that results in positive change for the public good. Established in 1971 by the late Right Honourable Roland Michener, Governor General of Canada from 1967 to 1974, it is Canada’s premier journalism award.
La Presse is the recipient of the 2024 Michener Award for meritorious public service journalism.
The award was presented during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, presided over by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. La Presse’s investigative team—Ariane Lacoursière, Caroline Touzin, Gabrielle Duchaine, and Katia Gagnon—published a series of in-depth reports exposing widespread dysfunction in Quebec’s youth protection system. Their reporting revealed cases of children being wrongfully removed from their families, subjected to physical restraints and seclusion, and exposed to sexual abuse in foster homes and detention facilities. The work led to sweeping changes, including the resignation of the provincial director of youth protection. The Quebec government subsequently appointed its first Commissioner for Children’s Well-Being and Rights.
During the ceremony each of the finalists shared reflections on their work. Hearing directly from the journalists was a deeply moving reminder that public service journalism is not just about uncovering facts. It’s about protecting the vulnerable, pushing institutions to do better, and in some cases, saving lives.
In addition to La Presse, five other newsrooms were recognized with a Michener Citation of Merit for investigative journalism that led to real-world impact:
Global News – Federal Procurement Investigations
Global News in collaboration with First Nations University, uncovered inflated COVID-19 rapid test contracts and exposed how companies falsely claiming Indigenous status benefited under a federal procurement strategy. Their reporting triggered ethics investigations, two audits, and the resignation of a cabinet minister.
The Globe and Mail – The Algorithm
After a deadly listeria outbreak, reporters Grant Robertson and Kathryn Blaze Baum revealed how a flawed inspection algorithm allowed food producers to avoid scrutiny. The facility at the centre of the outbreak had not been inspected for years. Their work led to a federal review and the plant’s permanent closure.
The Globe and Mail – Have Nurses, Will Travel
Reporters investigated private nursing contracts during the pandemic, uncovering hourly rates up to $300 and questionable expenses. The series prompted audits, legislative reforms, and new rules in Newfoundland and New Brunswick.
Toronto Star – Kids in Crisis and The Invisible Girl
Two investigations exposed grave failures in Ontario’s child welfare system, from children housed in motels to the preventable death of a four-year-old. The reports led to a provincial audit and public admissions of systemic failure.
Vancouver Sun – The Preventable Death of a University Student
Powerful reporting on a university student’s overdose sparked major changes in B.C., including nasal naloxone access, mandatory CPR training in schools, and updated emergency response protocols on campuses.
In 2019, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) partnered with the Michener Awards Foundation to strengthen the program and ensure its sustainability. This partnership helps ensure that the Michener Awards continue to recognize journalism that serves the public good across Canada.
“Core to the RHF’s mandate is the goal to increase public awareness about and commitment to Canada’s multi-faceted democracy. Public service journalism is a key component of a healthy democracy, and the Michener Awards recognize some of the best journalism in Canada.”
Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation
Since its inception, the Michener Award has honoured a rich diversity of newsrooms—large and small, print and broadcast, English and French, across the country. It was the first national journalism award open to both print and broadcast media, and it continues to celebrate journalism’s critical role in democracy.
To learn more about the Michener Awards and the 2024 honourees, visit MichenerAwards.ca.
