All four nominated stories were IJF collaborations with other media outlets, which finalist Zak Vescera said is "a testament to how much journalists can accomplish when we pool our resources and work together.” (Jack Webster Foundation)

The Investigative Journalism Foundation is a finalist in four categories at the 2026 Webster Awards, which recognizes excellence in British Columbia journalism.

Thanks to Vancouver-based journalists Bethany Lindsay and Zak Vescera, the IJF has been nominated for four awards recognizing excellence in investigative and enterprise journalism, health, business, and arts and culture reporting.

The annual Webster Awards celebrate outstanding journalism in British Columbia across print, radio, television and online news media. They are presented by the Jack Webster Foundation, whose namesake is well-known for his reporting career throughout the latter half of the 20^th century.

All four nominated stories were IJF collaborations with other media outlets including CBC, The Narwhal, TVO and Vancity Lookout —a fact Vescera said is “a testament to how much journalists can accomplish when we pool our resources and work together.”

“Our nominated stories include scoops on research fraud, disinformation, how businesses influence Canada's spy agency and how Vancouver has been cracking down on raves. I think the breadth of that reporting speaks to the power of the IJF's mission,” said Vescera, who is up for three awards, including for one story focused on an AI-powered news site spreading misinformation.

This year marks the 40th annual Webster Awards and the first time the IJF has been named a finalist since launching in 2023.

Lindsay said it’s an honour to have her work among the first IJF reporting recognized by the Webster Awards jury.

She is particularly proud to be acknowledged for her story collaboration with CBC Vancouver's Michelle Ghoussoub, which revealed a UBC researcher fabricated data during a clinical trial of his patented skin treatment for bedsores.

"It took years of digging and huge amounts of support from both the IJF and CBC before the public could finally read this important story, and it was a pleasure to make it happen alongside my old friend Michelle,” said Lindsay, whose reporting focuses on health, charities and white-collar crime.

The four nominations span a wide range of subjects while reflecting the IJF’s focus on how money and power intersect in Canada.

Winners in each category will be announced at the 2026 Webster Awards gala in Vancouver on Nov. 2.

Investigative Journalism Foundation

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