Best Historical Story
Canada Post Trophy
Sponsored by Canada Post
Class 3101 - circ. up to 3999

Judge's Comments

I hate to say it folks, but many of this year's entries fell somewhat short of the mark, suffering from weak writing and lacklustre execution, resulting in confusing stories where the writer failed to make the impact their subjects deserved. This placed the veterans in a definite advantage.

So many missed opportunities -- Shipwrecks! Sixty-year reunions! War citations to heroic Canadian soldiers! A 92-year-old native trapper who's still plying his trade!

The best entries displayed a proficiency of their craft trade and curiosity about their subjects.

Mitch Wright of the Ladysmith/Chemainus (BC) Chronicle wrote with authority as he described the death of a colourful, possibly difficult, local character, the significance of his contribution to the community, and the impact it will have on the community. The story combined solid reporting, thorough research, and first-hand knowledge to deliver a story filled with telling details. The reader gets a sense of what's been lost.

Perennial CCNA award-winner Martha Perkins of the Minden (ON) Times used an otherwise routine plaque unveiling as the starting point for a true crime story that unravels the tragic series of events leading to the murder of two policemen from a neighbouring county. Contemporary eyewitness interviews and court records breathe life into this compelling, 35-year-old story and its devastating aftermath for the survivors.

In third place is Isabelle Southcott of the Powell River (BC) Peak’s, Remembrance Day story about a Powell River family's quest to fill in the frustrating blanks that remain about the life of a grandfather who died, too young, during the Allies' D-Day assault of Normandy. Of the bunch, this one has an emotional impact that lingers far after the story's details have been digested. It was the only story of 36 entries I read straight through. Good job. The only thing separating you from first place is experience.