A Free Press investigative series following two decades of inquests into fatal shootings by Manitoba police has been nominated for a prestigious journalism award.
The Inquest Files, a four-month investigation by reporter Marsha McLeod, was announced Tuesday as one of five finalists for the Canadian Journalism Foundation’s Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism.
“This is the latest example of how the Free Press continues to punch well above its weight,” Free Press editor Paul Samyn said.
“This award recognizes the best in Canadian journalism and is open to not only newspapers, but also broadcasters. The fact we are again in the mix for this prestigious award speaks to our commitment to deliver journalism that is among the best in the country for the city and province we serve.”
The Jackman Award honours work that has “a profound impact on the communities they serve.”
“At a time when journalism and news organizations are being besieged from all sides about what they cover and how they cover it, it is encouraging to see the quality and depth of reporting all these stories feature — ample evidence that despite the external pressures there remains a sound foundation for Canadian journalism to build on for the future,” said jury chair Christopher Waddell in a news release.
Other nominees for the Jackman Award include The Canadian Press, Global News, the Globe and Mail and the Narwhal/Toronto Star.
The winners will be announced at the CJF Awards ceremony on June 12.
The four-part series can be read at: wfp.to/inquestfiles.