Philipe Cantin, representing La Presse, accepts the 2003 Michener Award from Her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. Mr. Cantin is vice-president and deputy editor of the Montreal-based French language newspaper.
The newspaper was honoured for two series of reports on social issues affecting the elderly in long term care centres and patients at a Montreal hospital that raised the public’s awareness about the fate of the elderly and people with decreasing independence.
La Presse received the award for meritorious public service journalism during a ceremony held at Government House in Ottawa, April 15th, 2004.
The distinction between this and other media awards is primarily the emphasis on the degree of arms-length public benefit that is generated. Journalistic excellence alone is not enough. Other criteria include the resources available to the news organizations, an effort to level the playing field for small, medium and large applicants. News organizations and their journalists whose reports have an impact on the public good are encouraged to participate in the annual Michener Award competition.