A Toronto Star investigation into mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows First Nation has been honoured with the JHR Award for Achievement in Human Rights Reporting.

Journalists David Bruser and Jayme Poisson received the award at an event in Toronto on Monday night.

“We were really reminded of how lucky we have been to report on this issue for a paper with such a long history of holding people to account,” Bruser said. “And in a country where journalists have the freedom to do so without fear of censorship.”

Bruser and Poisson first started investigating in 2016 after they received a tip from a man who was once employed by a paper mill in Dryden, Ont. He told the Star he’d been part of a crew that dumped drums of mercury near Grassy Narrows and Whitedog First Nations more than 40 years ago.

In more than 30 stories, Bruser and Poisson looked into the continuing effects of mercury poisoning on residents; discovered soil upstream from Grassy Narrows that contained up to 80 times the normal levels of mercury; and reported on scientific findings suggesting an ongoing source of mercury contamination of the Wabigoon River.

The Journalists for Human Rights award celebrates those who have made a significant contribution to human rights journalism. After Bruser and Poisson’s investigation revealed that the Ontario government had known about the mercury poisoning and ignored it for years, the provincial government announced in 2017 that $85 million would go towards cleanup efforts in the area. The federal government also pledged to help build a $5-million care home to assist those still struggling with the effects of mercury poisoning.

Bruser said he’s “grateful” that the JHR award helps “put a spotlight on the issue we are reporting about.

“But when lawmakers notice the stories and feel the pressure from the Star’s prominent and consistent coverage, and act on it, that is the best recognition.”

He said the work is not over, pointing out that “while a river cleanup has been promised, as well as a mercury home for sick people, nothing has been delivered yet. We aim to continue reporting on this issue.”

In a tweet Monday night, Poisson, who now works at the CBC, thanked JHR for the honour “and for all the incredible work this organization does empowering journalists around the world.”

Bruser and Poisson’s work was also honoured earlier this year when they received the Canadian Hillman Prize for journalism.

The short list for the JHR award included Paula Simons, from the Edmonton Journal, and Anne Mehler Paperny, from Reuters, as well as another Toronto Star reporter. Brendan Kennedy’s investigation into immigration detention, initially published in March of 2017, focused on the voices of non-citizens who have been imprisoned in Canada for years after being failed by the immigration and justice system. One man featured in Kennedy’s investigation was finally released two weeks ago after more than five years of detention.

The 2017 winner of the award was also a Star reporter: Sara Mojtehedzadeh was recognized for her reporting on workers’ rights in Ontario, which led to legislative changes.

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