David Rodenhiser, representing the Halifax Daily News, accepts the 1997 Michener Award from Chief Justice Antonio Lamer. The newspaper won recognition for a three-month study of abuse at Nova Scotia’s reform schools.
Mr. Rodenhiser was one of nine reporters assigned to cover the story. Much of the information contained in the Daily News stories was unearthed by reporters who discovered a sealed archive of government documents which even some provincial senior civil servants had been unaware.
The award was presented at a ceremony held in Government House on April 28, 1998. Governor General Roméo LeBlanc – who was to host the presentation of awards – was unable to attend.
The Michener Award is unique because of its emphasis on the impact of the journalism for the public good, plus recognition of the resources available to the entrant in an effort to put smaller and larger organization on a more equal footing.