Canadian journalists Nathan VanderKlippe, Sarah Cox, Kevin Donovan, Kim Bolan, Meghan Potkins and Madeline Smith were recognized in 2021 by the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom for their commitment to tenacious investigative reporting. The Canadian journalists were commended for excellence in their dig for truth by the Committee, an offshoot from Ottawa’s National Press Club. Nathan vanderKlippe and Sarah Cox both won the Press Freedom Award and received $2000.
VanderKlippe, as Globe and Mail reporter, has written extensively on political intrigue in China despite harassment and threats to his personal safety. VanderKlippe documented the increased surveillance and repression of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang and the massive expansion of indoctrination, or ‘re-education’, and work camps into which Uyghurs are imprisoned.
Sarah Cox, writing in the Narwhal, investigated the Government of B.C.’s handling of the Site C Dam amidst political silence and revealed massive cost overruns, Hydro concerns, shaky earth foundations and citizens fears. It is essential for Canadians to become aware of and honour journalists who are willing to examine issues so that we can make informed decisions.
Kim Bolan, writing for the Vancouver Sun, received the Spencer Moore Award for Lifetime Achievement. She reported on the Air India bombing, as well as crime. Her faithful columns on gang activities and shootings in the Lower Mainland have earned her death threats and the intimidation of sources.
Certificates of merit were given to Kevin Donovan of the Toronto Star and to Meghan Potkins and Madeline Smith. Kevin Donovan unearthed documents to discover an Ontario Provincial Police Ponzi scheme and became aware of crucial missteps in the examination of the murder of the Shermans, a prominent Toronto couple. Meghan Potkins and Madeline Smith found there was insufficient oversight of the expenses of Calgary councillors as their analysis uncovered padded expense accounts.
Many journalists, throughout the world, report on issues while facing obstacles, intimidation and danger. The United Nations chose May 3, Press Freedom Day, to acknowledge courageous journalists and remind us that freedom requires diligence and there is a cost. Canadians owe a debt of gratitude to our journalists. Even an increase to their monetary awards.
Reality in life and politics is important. Truth is worth guarding.