Celebrating the journalism that overturns injustice

Like most teens of my generation raised on a steady screen diet of cop and crime shows, the concept of the wrongfully convicted was never really on my radar.

But then I read about the case of Donald Marshall Jr., a Mi’kmaq from Nova Scotia who spent 11 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. As I was graduating from high school in 1983, his conviction was finally overturned and he was acquitted.

More than 40 years later, I’d like to think Canadians have learned that the courts are far from infallible and systemic racism and other legal blind spots have led to far too many wrongful convictions.

And if that is the case, then the miscarriages of justice the Free Press have uncovered are part of the body of evidence that has led to this public reckoning.

On Tuesday night in Toronto, Innocence Canada recognized that contribution by awarding our Dan Lett the Tracey Tyler Award. In its citation, Innocence Canada noted Dan’s work over his 39 years at the paper helped free three men convicted of crimes they did not commit: David Milgaard, James Driskell and Richard McArthur.

Innocence Canada’s math also revealed the Free Press has undertaken more wrongful-conviction investigations than any other major newspaper in Canada.

We live in an age where justice seems to be in short supply and fact-based journalism is increasingly under threat.

We live in age where we need more newspapers fighting for justice, more journalists like Dan willing to uncover truths to right wrongs.

As an editor living in this age, I am blessed to have readers funding a journalistic mission that is leading the way by undertaking investigations lauded by the likes of Innocence Canada.

So, congratulations to Dan – and thank you to subscribers like you who made that award possible!

Paul Samyn, Editor

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COMING UP

In Thursday’s Arts and Life section, Ben Waldman speaks with the creators of the colourful puppet menagerie taking the stage in The Life of Pi at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.

With two games left in the CFL regular season, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers hope to prevent being swept in the season series against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday at Princess Auto Stadium. Joshua Frey-Sam brings all the hard-hitting storylines from the gridiron as the Blue and Gold look to secure a post-season berth.

The Winnipeg Jets look to improve their 2-1 record against the Philadelphia Flyers on the road Thursday night. Ken Wiebe brings all the actin from the rink.

In this week’s 49.8, it’s time to raise a glass and say ‘skál’ in honour of the small group of Íslendingars who arrived 150 years ago at what is now Gimli to establish New Iceland. Writer Conrad Sweatman explores the ways this migration set the stage for the significant impact their descendants would have on their adopted homeland — culturally, economically and politically.

And in Intersection, David Sanderson features longtime journaler Judy Goodman who recounts the numerous ways a dedication to filling her ever-present notebooks has positively impacted the octogenarian’s life.

IN PICTURES

The glass wall in the atrium area of Portage Place has been removed as major renovations are underway. The 1.2-million-square-foot mixed-use project will create 216 housing units, a health-care services tower, grocery store, community spaces, and offices for social agencies and other services. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press)

Why this ad?

BREAKING NEWS

Dean Pritchard:

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Tyler Searle:

Point Douglas detox centre could open within weeks if legislation passes

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Ben Sigurdson:

An exploration of motivations

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WELL-READ STORIES THIS WEEK

Joyanne Pursaga:

Mayor, security guard rush to save man overdosing outside city hall

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Dean Pritchard:

Judge stays Manitoba sex-crime charges against Nygard

Evidence from 1993 destroyed, fair trial impossible, court rules Read More

Gabrielle Piché:

Transit shuffle has Graham Avenue ‘circling the drain,’ area businesses say

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Maggie Macintosh:

Under the I, for inappropriate

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Taylor Allen:

The best of teams, the worst…

Bombers serve up a Dickens of a disaster in failing to clinch a playoff berth Read More

DEEP DIVES

Julia-Simone Rutgers:

Thinking outside the tinderbox

Experts say Manitoba must rethink forestry strategy to face intensifying wildfire threats Read More

Melissa Martin:

Bolivian fish tale, Manitoba hook

Winnipeg-based organization injects federal funds into innovative, economically transformative, women-powered business in South America Read More

Gabrielle Piché:

‘There’s no playbook to do this job’

Manitoba trade office has yet to open doors in Washington but relationships being built: Madan Read More

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Erik Pindera:

Man shot, robbed at online sale meetup on Maryland Street

Public advised to stay safe by conducting transactions outside city police stations Read More

Kevin Rollason:

Province brings back popular rebate for household security

The provincial government announced Wednesday it is bringing back the rebate program for another year; $2 million has been budgeted, for a maximum rebate of $300 per homeowner. Read More

Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press:

How you can get your hands on a piece of Hudson’s Bay history

When Hudson's Bay filed for creditor protection and closed its stores, it left thousands of pieces of art and artifacts the retailer owned in need of a new home. Here's how the auction process will unfold. Read More

Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press:

Start small, stay patient when carrying out DIY home renovations, experts say

DIY home projects are an increasingly attractive option for those wanting to revamp their living quarters without breaking the bank. But experts caution it's important to balance factors around safety, quality and affordability. Read More

Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press:

Canadian Tire says recent breach of e-commerce database involved customer info

Shoppers who made online purchases through Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. may have had their personal information compromised. Read More

OPINIONS: COLUMNS AND ANALYSIS

Melissa Martin:

As AI simulacra get ‘better,’ life sure to get worse

Canada has explored legislation to regulate AI, but we need to move faster, and more decisively. The capacity for irreparable damage to our lives, institutions and social fabric is far too vast. Read More

Dan Lett:

Clock is ticking on Poilievre to reevaluate his approach

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre faces a key leadership review from his party in three months time. Is it too early for him to start worrying? Read More

Jen Zoratti:

You can age with grace and keep your own face

You know what I miss? Faces. You know, regular faces. Different faces. Faces that can emote. Faces that look like they’ve laughed before. Imperfect faces. Visibly old faces. Asymmetrical faces. Read More

Tom Brodbeck:

Big promises but little transformation after two years of Kinew government

Next Saturday marks the halfway point of Premier Wab Kinew’s first term in office. Two years in and the record is a mixed bag — part progress, part missed opportunity and plenty of unfinished business. Read More

Martin Wayngarten:

Radical moderation: The revolution nobody asked for, but we all need

What we need is not more radicalism, but radical moderation. Not passivity, not mushy centrism, but a deliberate, almost defiant embrace of reasonableness. In an age of piercing certainty, moderation itself becomes a radical act. Read More