The Quebec Community Newspapers Association (QCNA) proudly celebrated the very best in community journalism during the 2026 Better Newspapers Competition (BNC) Awards Gala, held on June 12, 2026, at the beautiful Château Cartier in Aylmer, Quebec. 

            VIEW 2026 AWARDS BOOKLET

This year’s competition once again showcased the outstanding talent, dedication, and passion that define Quebec’s English-language community newspapers. Over 500 entries were evaluated by a panel of independent judges from across Canada, recognizing excellence in reporting, photography, editorial writing, design, advertising, and overall newspaper production.

Among the evening’s most prestigious honours:

• Nunatsiaq News was named Best Overall Newspaper for 2025, recognizing the publication’s exceptional commitment to quality journalism, storytelling, and community service. This marks the publication’s second consecutive Best Overall Newspaper title.
• Lynne Lavery was presented with the Lindsay Crysler Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing her remarkable career and lasting contributions to community journalism. Lynne’s dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to local news have left an enduring impact on both the industry and the communities she has served.

The evening also celebrated the many individual journalists, photographers, designers, editors, publishers, and newspapers whose work continues to strengthen local journalism across Quebec. Congratulations to every nominee and award recipient for their exceptional achievements.

The QCNA extends its sincere appreciation to our distinguished panel of volunteer judges, whose time, expertise, and thoughtful evaluations make the Better Newspapers Competition possible each year.

A special thank you goes to Fred Lum, award-winning photojournalist with The Globe and Mail and one of this year’s competition judges, for joining us in person to present the Best Contributed Photo Award. We are grateful for his continued support of excellence in community journalism.

We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to Fred Ryan for presenting the Lindsay Crysler Outstanding Achievement Award to his wife, Lynne Lavery. It was a truly memorable and heartfelt moment that added a personal touch to an evening dedicated to celebrating journalism and those who have devoted their careers to it.

Finally, thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, board members, staff, judges, and attendees who helped make the 2026 Better Newspapers Competition Awards Gala such a tremendous success. Your continued support ensures that community journalism remains recognized, celebrated, and strengthened for generations to come.

Congratulations once again to all of our 2026 winners and finalists!

Your work continues to demonstrate the vital role community newspapers play in informing, connecting, and strengthening communities throughout Quebec.

Members…start collecting those nominations…. the BNC portal will open up again for submissions into next year’s competition late November 2026.   

See you next year!