CALGARY, AB, May 31, 2025 – The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) has announced that Kim Bolan, Daniel Renaud, and David Pugliese are the recipients of this year’s Charles Bury President’s Award. The announcement was made at the annual CAJ Awards ceremony held earlier this evening in downtown Calgary.
CAJ President Brent Jolly stated in his awards speech that Kim, Daniel, and David have demonstrated remarkable courage and determination in overcoming significant obstacles to deliver important stories.
He added that their work proves the enduring importance of journalism, even in today’s fragmented media landscape. He emphasized the critical role of truthful reporting and exposing wrongdoing in a well-functioning society.
Bolan has been a Vancouver Sun reporter since 1984. Her international reporting includes coverage of wars in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Afghanistan. Domestically, she has covered the Air India tragedy since it occurred on June 23, 1985, and has consistently focused on issues affecting minorities, women, education, and social services.
In 1999, Bolan was the first Canadian to receive the International Women’s Media Foundation’s award.
Jolly noted that Bolan’s dedication to her profession has remained steadfast despite numerous death threats from gangs and militant groups over the past 40 years.
Renaud, a La Presse reporter specializing in organized crime, was recognized after a report revealed that he was targeted for assassination by organized crime figures in 2021.
In Nov 2024, La Presse reported that Frédérick Silva, a former professional killer turned police informant, had placed a $100,000 bounty on Renaud’s life while Renaud was covering Silva’s trial for three murders.
Earlier this year, Renaud received the annual Press Freedom Award from .
Jolly stated that Renaud’s experience was a shocking revelation that should concern every journalist in Canada. He added that Renaud remained resolute and continued to report on the clandestine operations of organized crime, even when his life was in danger.
Pugliese has worked at the Ottawa Citizen for over 40 years, specializing in covering the Department of National Defence, one of Canada’s most secretive government departments.
In late October, Chris Alexander, a former federal cabinet minister, accused Pugliese of being a paid KGB agent in the 1980s. Alexander made these comments under privilege while testifying before a House of Commons committee meeting on Russian interference and disinformation campaigns. He has not repeated the claims in a setting where he could be sued for defamation.
Jolly described the allegations as a McCarthy-esque smear tactic.
He explained that the accusations represent a shift in disinformation tactics. Instead of challenging the accuracy of well-researched investigative reports, detractors now attack a journalist’s credibility to undermine critical inquiry. The strategy is that if the truth cannot be refuted, the next best option is to attack the messenger.
Last year, the Charles Bury Award was given to the for their ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of journalists working in dangerous environments.
Past recipients of the Bury Award include journalists Jerome Turner, Jessie Winter, and Amber Bracken; the late Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi; Journal de Montréal crime reporter Michel Auger; and Radio-Canada investigative reporter Marie-Maude Denis. Organizations that have received the Bury Award include The Aboriginal People’s Television Network, J-Source, Massey College, and the Canadian Media Lawyers Association.
The CAJ is Canada’s largest national professional organization for journalists from all media, representing members across the country. The CAJ’s primary roles are to provide high-quality professional development for its members and public-interest advocacy.
SOURCE Canadian Association of Journalists
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