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2026LeadershipMichener Award
Michener Award Finalists Announced, Spotlighting Journalism That Drives Change Across Canada
For more than fifty years, the Michener Award has recognized journalism that does more than inform, it leads to real change. This year’s finalists continue that tradition, bringing forward powerful investigations that have exposed wrongdoing, strengthened accountability, and made a measurable difference in people’s lives.
The Michener Awards Foundation has announced the finalists for the 2025 Michener Award, Canada’s highest honour in public service journalism. From national broadcasters to small digital newsrooms, the selected teams reflect the breadth and strength of journalism across the country, and the essential role it plays in a healthy democracy.
At the Rideau Hall Foundation, we are proud to support the Michener Awards as managing partner, helping ensure this work continues to be recognized and sustained for the long term.
Stories that made an impact
This year’s finalists each tell a different story, with a common thread, journalism in service of the public good.
A deeply disturbing investigation into the online exploitation of women by intimate partners, uncovering a hidden network of abuse. The reporting led to more than 60 criminal charges, prompted a federal review of drug sales, and sparked legislative action.
A far-reaching investigation into government contracting practices that revealed troubling connections and inflated costs. The reporting prompted the cancellation of negotiations, and an ongoing RCMP investigation into procurement practices.
A collaborative investigation exposing dangerous gaps in trucking regulations, including untrained drivers and unsafe working conditions. The work led to federal tax changes and strengthened provincial safety enforcement.
An 18-month investigation into so-called chronic Lyme disease, unpacking misinformation, exposing questionable medical practices, and reshaping public understanding. The impact included changes to medical training, disciplinary actions, and improved patient outcomes.
Reporting that uncovered political interference in the allocation of public funds, raising serious concerns about fairness and accountability. The fallout included multiple investigations, legal action, and efforts to recover taxpayer dollars.
An investigation into failures in teacher oversight that revealed gaps in accountability and serious risks to student safety. The reporting led to resignations, regulatory changes, and improvements to oversight systems.
These stories show what is possible when journalists pursue difficult questions and follow them through. They protect the public, bring hidden issues to light, and push institutions to do better.
An independent and rigorous process
The Michener Award is guided by a rigorous and independent adjudication process, ensuring that selections are grounded in journalistic excellence and public impact.
This year’s jury is led by Chief Judge Katherine Sedgwick, alongside respected journalists and media leaders Guy Gendron, Rod Mickleburgh, Kristy Snell, and Marie Thompson.
Their work reflects the core principle established by the Right Honourable Roland Michener when he created the award in 1971, that journalism is a collective effort, and that its highest purpose is to serve the public.
The winner of the 2025 Michener Award will be announced on June 18, 2026, at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Learn more about this year’s finalists.
