Reporter Constance Sampson accepts 1991 Citation of Merit award from Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn on behalf of the Prince Albert Herald.
The newspaper was honoured for its coverage of Neo-Nazi Carney Nerland and the four-year sentence he received after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the rifle slaying of sometimes-trapper Leo LaChance. The Herald, like LaChance's fellow natives, was among those questioning the apparent leniency and other bizarre factors in the slaying. As a result of the articles, a public review of the case was announced by the Saskatchewan government.
The award was presented during a ceremony held at Rideau Hall, May 5, 1992.
Launched in 1970 under the auspices of Canada’s third Canadian governor general, the late Roland Michener, the award focuses on the degree of public benefit generated by media projects, both large and small, in print and broadcast. The annual award is open to daily and weekly newspapers, news agencies, radio and television stations and networks, as well as periodicals. The winners are chosen on the basis of hard-hitting impact, journalistic professionalism, and the resources available for the project.