2007 Syrnick Journalism Award

Investigative Journalist Victor Malarek, Senior Reporter at CTV’s W-5, was presented with the John Syrnick Award for Journalism on May 14, 2007 at the Faculty Club, University of Toronto.

The Award is sponsored by the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko and named in honour of John Syrnick, who served as Editor of Ukrainian Voice newspaper from 1947-1970. In his welcome and opening remarks, Shevchenko Foundation President, Andrew Hladyshevsky, Q.C., stated that Canadian journalist “Victor Malarek was chosen for his continual dedication to substantive research and reporting on issues of importance and relevance to the Ukrainian Canadian community.” Award Program Director Dr. Christine Turkewych introduced the review committee members present and provided an overview of the adjudication process. James Temerty, Chairman of Northland Power, introduced Mr. Malarek and provided commentary on his personal and professional achievements. Victor Malarek is also a renowned author, his most recent book being The Natashas – The New Global Sex Trade (Viking), was published to critical acclaim in 2003. In 2006, he was instrumental in the production of CTV’s W-5 documentary Forgotten Children which highlighted the plight of orphans in Ukraine.

The Shevchenko Foundation launched the biennial Kobzar Literary Award in 2003 and the John Syrnick Award for Journalism in 2005.

Further coverage can be found in a following issue of New Pathway

Text and photo by John Pidkowich