Deadline: 31-Jan-2026
The Ross Munro Award recognizes Canadian journalists, authors, photojournalists, and videographers whose work demonstrates excellence in national defence and security storytelling. Awardees are celebrated for professional integrity, insightful analysis, and contributions that enhance public understanding of Canada’s defence and security landscape.
Overview
The Ross Munro Award honors Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have demonstrated professional excellence in journalism, videography, photojournalism, or authorship related to national defence and security. The award celebrates work that provides meaningful insight, context, and analysis, strengthening public understanding of defence issues and democratic values.
Purpose and Objectives
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Highlight the importance of accurate and insightful storytelling on national defence and security.
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Recognize professional courage, objectivity, and excellence in reporting.
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Encourage broader public awareness and dialogue around defence and security issues.
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Showcase work that interprets complex defence topics for general audiences.
Eligibility Criteria
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Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
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Work must focus on Canadian Armed Forces, government departments, or national security agencies.
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Demonstrates insight, analysis, and contextual understanding of national defence issues.
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Candidates are expected to be available for in-person award presentation on March 3rd, 2026 at the Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel, Ottawa, Ontario, preceding the Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence.
Who Can Nominate?
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Nominations must be submitted by an external nominator, not self-nominations.
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Nominators must:
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Ensure the nominee is aware of the nomination and agrees to accept the award.
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Verify there is no real or perceived conflict of interest.
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Provide complete and accurate contact information and submission materials.
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Submission Requirements
Each nomination must include:
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Completed online submission form.
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Nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV) or biographical summary.
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Up to three optional nomination support letters.
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Up to three examples of the nominee’s work demonstrating excellence in national defence and security reporting.
Evaluation Criteria
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Excellence and objectivity in coverage.
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Insight, analysis, and contextual understanding of national defence and security.
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Courage and dedication to truth in reporting.
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Comprehensiveness and quality of information that enhances public understanding.
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Ability to make complex defence issues accessible to a wider audience, fostering awareness, dialogue, and debate.
Confidentiality
All nominations are treated confidentially. Nominations will not be publicly disclosed, except for the nominator of the laureate, who will be invited to attend the Ottawa Conference free of charge.
Key Dates
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Nomination Deadline: January 31, 2026
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Award Presentation: March 3, 2026 (Ottawa, Ontario)
Tips for Successful Nominations
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Include a diverse selection of work that demonstrates range and impact.
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Highlight contributions to public understanding of Canadian defence.
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Ensure all materials are complete and accurate to allow fair evaluation.
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Provide context and significance for each work submitted.
Conclusion
The Ross Munro Award is a prestigious recognition of excellence in national defence and security storytelling. It honors professionals whose work strengthens public knowledge, inspires debate, and upholds the principles of objective, courageous journalism in Canada.
For more information, visit CDA Institute.