Palmer is one of two Postmedia journalists to be honoured with the award
Article content
Veteran Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer has been honoured the Michener-Baxter Award, which recognizes exceptional service in public-interest journalism.
Article content
Also honoured is Postmedia editorial cartoonist Bruce MacKinnon of The Chronicle Herald.
Article content
Article content
“Bruce MacKinnon and Vaughn Palmer have each shaped public understanding in profound ways through careers defined by integrity, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to accountability,” said Margo Goodhand, president of the Michener Awards Foundation in an announcement release Tuesday.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
“Their work demonstrates the many forms public service journalism can take — from incisive political reporting to editorial cartooning that goes straight to the heart of a story. Both have made extraordinary contributions to Canadian public discourse.”
Article content
Sunrise
Article content
Palmer, The Vancouver Sun’s political columnist, has covered the B.C. legislature for more than 40 years. Based in Victoria, Palmer’s hard-hitting columns and reporting has exposed billion-dollar cost overruns associated with the construction of the Coquihalla Highway, revealed wasteful spending related to the Site C dam, and failures surrounding B.C.’s fast ferries program.
Article content
“His reporting and political columns remain essential reading for anyone seeking to understand public life and governance in British Columbia,” said the foundation in a news release.
Article content
The Michener-Baxter Award has only been handed out 14 times to 13 individuals and one organization since it was established in 1983.
Article content
It is not awarded annually and is bestowed at the discretion of the foundation’s board of directors.
Article content
Previous winners include Robert Fife in 2025 and Chantal Hebert and Terry Mosher in 2024.
Article content
It was also awarded posthumously to Michelle Lang, the Calgary Herald reporter killed on assignment in Afghanistan in 2010.
Article content
The award will be presented during the Michener Awards ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on June 18.
Article content
