Charles Rusnell, CBC Edmonton

Original nomination:

Charles Rusnell has forced accountability, transparency and democratic change. His work demonstrates to the public the importance of vigorous, fearless journalism. 

Charles Rusnell, CBC Edmonton

Original nomination:

Charles Rusnell has forced accountability, transparency and democratic change. His work demonstrates to the public the importance of vigorous, fearless journalism. 

In 2012, Charles broke Alberta’s biggest investigative stories. His story about a senior health executive's lavish expenses forced a policy change: Posting Health executives' expenses online. The subject of his stories was fired. 

Rusnell's story about Premier Alison Redford’s conflict of interest in awarding a lucrative contract to sue big tobacco caused a political firestorm. Alberta’s ethics commissioner investigated. 

The following tweets show how much the Alberta public appreciates Rusnell's investigative journalism:

Resedico Aug 02, 12:17am via TweetDeck #CBC investigative reporter @charlesrusnell broke most of the scandals plaguing PCs. We need'em. CBC not afraid of #ableg.

@hiltonjohn: @charlesrusnell making best argument for the continued funding of our public broadcaster, single-handed. Well done.

avnishnanda 5:47pm via Mobile Web Alberta needs more investigative journalists like @charlesrusnell #ableg #yegnews #yyc #yeg #cdnpoli

Other comments: For years, Charles Rusnell has been breaking investigative stories. I nominate him because in 2012 his work to further democracy in Alberta has been unprecented. Thank you for considering the nomination.

Links:

Senior AHS official spent thousands on high-end restaurants http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2012/08/01/edmonton-alberta-health-services-merali.html

Alberta premier accused of conflict in tobacco case http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2012/11/26/edmonton-redford-tobacco-conflict.html

Alberta premier told to step aside in conflict of interest case http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2012/11/29/edmonton-wildrose-accuses-premier-untruths.html