The Montreal Economic Institute rewards economic education work by two
journalists

MONTREAL, Nov. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - The Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) has given its two annual economic journalism awards, together with grants of $3,000 each, to Neil Reynolds, a columnist with The Globe and Mail, and to Annie Dufour, an economic journalist with TVA news.

Mr. Reynolds won the award for his columns on the welfare state, which have contributed to discussions on the evolution of public policy, here and elsewhere. Using facts drawn from economics and from historical examples, he explained how the trend toward government expansion has had a negative impact on public finances. The MEI is proud to congratulate Mr. Reynolds on his work. He is an experienced columnist who stands out for the quality of the research that goes into his articles.

Ms. Dufour stood out for a series of reports forming part of a project called Le Québec dans le rouge (Quebec in the red). She has drawn Quebecers' attention to the province's high debt and has helped make the public aware of the real cost of government programs. The MEI is proud to congratulate Ms. Dufour on her work. She is a journalist who has shown skill in summarizing economic concepts and making them understandable to the public.

Every year since 2006, the Montreal Economic Institute has rewarded two journalists (one French-speaking and one English-speaking) who, through their work, have shown an understanding of the economic consequences of government policies. The MEI attaches great value to the crucial role played by reporters and columnists in conveying ideas and knowledge.

These awards have been made possible by support from the Lotte & John Hecht Foundation.

The Montreal Economic Institute is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit research and educational organization. Through its publications, its media interventions and its conferences, the MEI stimulates debate on public policies in Quebec and across Canada by proposing wealth-creating reforms based on market mechanisms. It does not accept any government funding.

For further information:

and interview requests:
Ariane Gauthier, communications coordinator, Montreal Economic Institute
Tel.: [phone] ext. 2231 / Cell: 514 603-8746 / E-mail: [email protected]