Her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson presents the 2002 Michener Citation of Merit to Shelley Page representing The Ottawa Citizen.
The newspaper won the award for examining rising drug costs in Canada. After the series, the government decided against allowing direct-to-consumer advertising.
The award was presented during a ceremony held at Rideau Hall, Ottawa, April 10, 2003.
Launched in 1970 under the auspices of Canada’s third Canadian governor general, the late Roland Michener, the award focuses on the degree of public benefit generated by media projects, both large and small, in print and broadcast. The annual award is open to daily and weekly newspapers, news agencies, radio and television stations and networks, as well as periodicals. The winners are chosen on the basis of hard-hitting impact, journalistic professionalism, and the resources available for the project.