Year in review: Frank Rupnik's memorable stories of 2021

A few years ago I thought my journalism days were over. Fortunately, for me, life is indeed a box of chocolates.

2021 was an unexpectedly busy year at the keyboard doing stories as a SooToday freelancer and as the current editor since September. 

At the end of the day, a journalist’s job is to tell stories. We hope the fruits of our labour inform, inspire, motivate and entertain. 

Here are some of the stories I did in 2021 which stand out in my mind.

The Opioid crisis - Solutions Journalism features

While freelancing for SooToday, I was asked to write stories on the city’s opioid crisis with an eye on looking at solutions to the tragic situation gripping our community and others, especially in Northern Ontario.

The project was essentially made up of three stories.

The first talked about prevention.

It focused on reaching young people before they begin a self-destructive journey. I talked to local educator Joe Maurice and to Dr. Joanna Henderson of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Henderson spearheads the Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario initiative. These one-stop shops for youth between the ages of 12 to 25 deal with a wide range of issues that can lead to addiction. They make the maze of getting help easier and more comfortable. It’s had success in other locations. Why not in Sault Ste. Marie?

Why? A journalism teacher once told me you can conduct a successful interview by only asking "why."

The second story looked at the issue of stigma surrounding drug users and how it hinders the healing process.

We looked at a campaign that had just been launched in the North Bay region and spoke to an expert studying the effect of anti-stigma campaigns across Canada.

Professor Scott Neufeld of Brock University in St. Catharines hopes the outcome of his research will move people toward looking at stigma and substance abuse in a more expansive and historical way that acknowledges stigma did not come out of nowhere and that stigma and substance abuse have a long history.

He said many of our current anti-stigma campaigns do not speak to the reality of drug users on the streets.

Finally, I looked at the role safe consumption sites could play in keeping drug users alive while we try to get them help.

I talked to Connie Raynor-Elliot of SOYA along with advocates in all four main northeastern Ontario cities which are at different stages of developing consumption sites. 

I interviewed Rob Boyd, program director at Ottawa’s long-established Oasis program.

It’s widely acknowledged that these sites work, but bureaucracy and stigma stand in the way.

The cumbersome process frustrates Dr. Julie Samson of Timmins. 

“This is a medical issue,” she said. If this were a diabetic clinic or an oncology unit, public acceptance would not be an issue, said Samson. “It’s absurd to me.”

These opioid stories and the Solutions Journalism initiative are examples of the work SooToday is doing to keep this issue in the forefront.

Results on big issues can come slowly or incrementally, but they may not arrive at all without the light of publicity.

Diane Sims - Palliative care patient leads fight to vaccinate all health care workers

“I had no choice but to stand up for those who are too afraid and for those who can’t speak up,” said Sault native Diane Sims.

Sims is a former journalist who is well aware of the power of the press. She is aware of the impact stories can have in making change or in sowing the seeds of change.

I talked to her from her residence in Stratford. She told me about her concern that a number of the nurses who were working closely with her in palliative care were not vaccinated. Those were the ones who told her. They are not required to disclose vaccination status.

Needless to say, the time Sims has left on earth is precious. The policy she is fighting is dangerous and callous. The story ran in numerous site across Village Media and generated plenty of comments and interest.

COVID dominated the news in all respects this past year.

As with all stories, when you put a face and a person to the issue at hand the impact increases.

Stories are about people and Diane is an inspiration.

Teacher takes graduation ceremonies on the road

Believe it or not, some COVID stories can bring a smile to your face.

A conversation with his daughter about the importance of the traditional walk on stage to receive a diploma inspired CASS phys-ed teacher Ray Gowlett to think outside the box.

Since the kids could not make it to the stage because of COVID restrictions, Gowlett brought the stage to them.

With the enthusiastic support of the CASS graduation committee and some local businesses, Gowlett built a small stage, hooked it to a trailer and towed it by pickup truck to the homes of all 72 graduating students. The two-day project covered an area from Echo Bay to Thessalon for a total of 400.7 km.

Crisis brings out imagination and goodness in people.

In the words of Bruce Cockburn, you have to "kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight."

That's what I hope these stories accomplished. It's what I hope future stories achieve. Sharing them with you is an honour.

Happy New Year.