Left to Right: Lou Clancy, Toronto Star managing editor; Kevin Donovan, Moira Walsh, Star reporters; Dave Ellis, Star special projects editor; His Excellency, Governor General Roméo LeBlanc; Star reporters, Jane Armstrong, Caroline Mallin and Rita Daly.
The Toronto Star was honoured for two projects - one that dealt with the issues of spousal abuse and the other with flaws in Ontario's child protection system. In both instances, the reports sparked public debate and prompted formal government review.
This was the 27th presentation of the the Michener Award since its inception in 1970.
The Michener Award, founded in 1970 by the late Right Honourable Roland Michener, then Governor General, goes to a news organization. The judges’ decisions are heavily influenced by the degree of public benefit generated by the print and broadcast projects submitted for consideration.