Here are the inaugural winners of the Canadian Student Journalism Awards
Earlier this month, J-Schools Canada/Écoles-J Canada announced the recipients of its inaugural 2025 Canadian Student Journalism Awards, recognizing excellence, innovation and leadership among emerging journalists across the country.
The awards were free to enter for any student of a Canadian college or university in any year of study, regardless of their institution. This year’s judging panel — composed of media professionals from across the country — evaluated numerous submissions for their originality, impact, technical execution and contribution to public understanding.
The honourees come from across Canada and across mediums, including a live election broadcast, a podcast episode, investigative reports and more. This work represents the best journalism produced by students nationwide and reflects the breadth and diversity of Canadian journalism education.
Student Journalist of the Year: Matthew Frank
School: RRC Polytech, Winnipeg, Manitoba
As a journalism student at RRC Polytech, Matthew Frank distinguished himself as one of the most dedicated and capable reporters among his peers. Even before beginning the program, he was already freelancing for the Winnipeg Free Press, producing thoughtful feature stories that contributed meaningfully to public discussion. Throughout his two years at RRC Polytech, Matthew treated every class assignment as a professional opportunity — investing months of extra effort into stories that gave voice to marginalized people and built trust within the communities he covered. His work on topics such as alternative justice measures and the impact of wildfire evacuations on First Nations communities demonstrated both tenacity and empathy. Matthew grew up in Winnipeg and is now a reporter with The Carillon in Steinbach, Manitoba.
About Frank’s award-winning work
The work submitted by Matthew Frank’s reporting demonstrates initiative, depth and public-service value. In stories published by the Winnipeg Free Press, he tackled complex systemic issues with clarity and compassion — from exposing police burnout and widespread “moonlighting” among officers, to investigating how jurisdictional gaps have stalled bus-safety reforms after deadly highway crashes. In another major feature, he examined Minnesota’s re-entry court system, contrasting its success with the lack of comparable supports for former inmates in Manitoba. Together, these pieces reflect Matthew’s determination to pursue stories that hold institutions accountable while exploring practical, human-centred solutions to pressing social challenges.
Better odds for better lives on the outside — Winnipeg Free Press
Highway bus safety at a dead end — Winnipeg Free Press
Reporting for ‘special duty’ — Winnipeg Free Press
After the smoke settles — Working Draft
Tracking race when officers use force ‘bare minimum’ Winnipeg police should do, expert says — CBC News
Honourable mention: Olivia Piercey — King’s
Dalhousie Legal Aid urges vigilance as stricter deadlines for tenants are put in place — Halifax Examiner
New study finds N.S. health care providers ill-equipped to respond to cases of sexualized and intimate partner violence — Halifax Examiner
Hi Sara! — The Signal
Studying on empty — The Signal
The same goal — (Co-directed and co-produced by Elena Neufeld)
Student Project of the Year: TMU Votes
School: Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario
The TMU Votes reporting team brought together more than 60 students from Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism and RTA School of Media to produce live, multiplatform coverage of Ontario’s 2025 provincial election. Led by head producer Haley Sengsavanh and virtual-studio director Connor Fortin, the team coordinated live hits from party headquarters, the school newsroom, and two production studios. They produced an ambitious, innovative election-night broadcast that demonstrated the power and impact of student journalism. Their work included pre-packaged stories on major election issues, a feature-length interview exploring how Indigenous concerns were being overlooked in the campaign and streeters capturing authentic student reactions in real time. Combining broadcast professionalism with cutting-edge virtual production, the team adapted to breaking developments across multiple live locations and studios. Their ability to merge storytelling, technology and collaboration resulted in a polished, high-impact show.
For more on TMU Votes:
Honourable mention: Power of Chantelle — TMU
Power of Chantelle — We Met U When
Community Driven Project of the Year: Climate Change Impact on Indigenous Communities
School: Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
Climate Change and Indigenous Communities is a multimedia reporting project produced by 21 students in the Reporting in Indigenous Communities course at Carleton University. The project showcases in-depth journalism rooted in trust, collaboration, and cultural respect, as students worked closely with local Indigenous communities—including Pikwàkanagàn, Kitigan Zibi, and Akwesasne—over four months. Their stories explore the intersection of climate change and traditional practices, from protecting black ash trees to sustaining access to country food. Presented through an engaging website featuring text, video, and photography, the project’s strengths lie in its compelling presentation, journalistic integrity, and significant public relevance, amplifying voices and environmental issues often overlooked in mainstream media. The students’ reporting amplified Indigenous voices and environmental perspectives through video, photography, and digital storytelling, demonstrating innovation, collaboration, and deep respect for community-driven journalism.
Honourable mention: Voices in Durham
Voices in Durham — The Chronicle
Emerging BIPOC Student Leader: Abyssinia Abebe
School: Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
Abyssinia Abebe is an emerging journalist and newsroom leader whose work is defined by empathy, curiosity, and integrity. Born in Ethiopia and based in Toronto, she brings a global perspective to Canadian journalism, focusing on underrepresented communities and systemic inequities. At Carleton University’s School of Journalism, she has excelled as both a reporter and senior producer for television and radio newscasts, recognized for her organizational skill and collaborative leadership. Aby’s storytelling—featured in outlets such as The Globe and Mail—centres listening as an act of respect and accountability. Her warmth, emotional intelligence, and dedication to inclusive journalism mark her as a rising leader in the field.
About Abebe’s work
Abebe’s portfolio reflects exceptional journalistic quality, thoughtful leadership, and a deep commitment to inclusive storytelling. Her work has been published in The Globe and Mail, The Charlatan, Capital Current, and on The Charlatan’s podcast. Through her reporting on issues such as Ontario’s bail reform and its impact on mothers in recovery, the experiences of Ukrainian newcomers, and the launch of Carleton’s Black Future Lawyers chapter, she amplifies underrepresented voices with empathy and precision. Whether writing or podcasting, Abebe’s work demonstrates maturity, purpose, and a strong ethical foundation—qualities that define her as a standout emerging journalist and a thoughtful leader in her field.
‘Black on the ballot’: Shifting gears in the Canadian political arena — The Charlatan
Three years into war, English classes key for Ukrainian newcomers to Ottawa — Capital Current
Hand in hand: Students launch Black Future Lawyers Carleton chapter — Capital Current
First cohort reflects on decolonial approach to uOttawa’s psychedelic master’s program — Capital Current
Carleton Ukrainian student group rallies support for frontline civilians as conflict surpasses 3 years— Capital Current
Advocates warn Ontario’s bail reform could harm mothers seeking recovery — Globe and Mail
Honourable mention: Zuhra Jabril — Carleton University
For Muslim women who are isolated, Ramadan can be lonely. An Ottawa group is working to fix that with ‘Sisterhood Iftar’ — Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa Black Film Festival showcases ‘artistic hub’ of Afro-descendants — Capital Current