National Observer and Sandy Garossino make COPA shortlist

There's so much bad news about the media business these days that I'm happy to be able to share some good news with you.

National Observer is a finalist for "Best Publication" at the upcoming Canadian Online Publishing Awards and columnist Sandy Garossino is up for "Best Column" for her deep dive into the Omar Khadr case. Sandy's brave, thorough analysis of the Omar Khadr situation rocked Canada and changed the way people saw this important issue.

As Sandy says, she is "still waiting for ONE person to explain how Khadr could possibly have killed Sgt Speer." She also wrote an important follow-up column, which I encourage you to read as well.

Yes, thanks to people like you who have donated and subscribed a lot of great journalism has happened in the last year. That's why we're up for Best Publication in Canada.

Over the last year we've produced investigations that shone a light on dysfunctions in the Trans Mountain pipeline approval process, and near-daily coverage of Canada's struggles over pipelines and energy; features on Canadians grappling with the challenge of climate change, innovations in Canada's economy, successes in First Nations communities, and excellent reporting on spying, environmental policy, racism, and immigration. From Atlantic Canada to British Columbia, National Observer has brought Canada to you.

Congratulations to all of our colleagues and publications nominated for COPA awards. At such a challenging time for journalism, it is heartwarming to know that there are so many working diligently to keep Canadian journalism vibrant.