Andrew Russell is an award-winning investigative journalist with Global News, specializing in accountability reporting at the intersection of law, environment, and Indigenous rights. Based in Toronto, his work has driven policy reforms in federal infrastructure programs and environmental regulation.
"Real change happens when we follow the paper trail to its logical conclusion – no matter where it leads." - Andrew Russell
We’ve followed Andrew Russell’s evolution from a courts journalist to a national investigative reporter with keen interest. Beginning his career in 2013 through Global News’ internship program, Russell quickly established himself as a meticulous legal affairs reporter. His early work focused on breaking down complex court proceedings for public consumption, including landmark trials and sentencing reforms.
By 2017, Russell joined Global’s investigative unit where he expanded into systemic issues at the intersection of law and public policy. This shift marked his transition from courtroom observer to accountability journalist, investigating:
This 18-month investigation exposed how federal contracts worth millions were awarded to firms with histories of workplace safety violations and project delays. Russell’s team analyzed 5,000+ pages of procurement documents and conducted interviews with 43 First Nations leaders. The piece revealed systemic failures in Canada’s Indigenous infrastructure program, leading to parliamentary hearings and revised bidding guidelines.
Methodology combined data journalism techniques with on-the-ground reporting in remote communities. Russell’s analysis of contract award patterns demonstrated disproportionate allocations to three firms responsible for 62% of delayed projects. The investigation’s impact was immediate – Indigenous Services Canada announced new contractor vetting protocols within 45 days of publication.
Through whistleblower testimony and leaked internal memos, Russell revealed how provincial officials suppressed environmental health warnings in Sarnia’s Chemical Valley. His reporting showed how safety reports were altered to remove references to carcinogenic emissions, with engineers facing disciplinary action for raising concerns.
The article’s significance lies in its exposure of institutional capture – how regulatory bodies became compromised by industrial interests. Russell’s documentation of altered benzene level reports forced the resignation of two senior officials and triggered an ongoing OPP investigation.
This follow-up investigation demonstrated Russell’s ability to drive policy outcomes. By correlating hospitalization rates with wind patterns from industrial sites, the piece revealed asthma rates 3x higher in downwind communities. The methodology combined:
The provincial government committed $14.2 million to long-term health monitoring within three weeks of publication.
Russell prioritizes stories demonstrating how policies impact Indigenous self-determination. Successful pitches should highlight:
His Chemical Valley reporting consistently centered Aamjiwnaang First Nation’s experiences, creating a template for rights-based environmental journalism.
Documents showing industry influence over policy decisions resonate strongly. Provide:
Russell’s muzzled engineers story began with a single redacted memo – he values sources who can contextualize bureaucratic paper trails.
Concrete data linking systemic failures to health outcomes cuts through noise. Ideal submissions include:
His asthma rate revelations used Ontario’s health data portal to create irrefutable correlations.
Won for Chemical Valley series exposing government suppression of pollution data. The CAJ jury noted Russell’s "relentless documentation of regulatory failure across 14 government departments." This marked his third nomination and first win in Canada’s most competitive investigative journalism category.
Awarded for First Nations infrastructure investigation that changed federal procurement policies. The Michener Foundation highlighted Russell’s "innovative use of procurement data visualization to demonstrate systemic bias."
"Russell’s work exemplifies how accountability journalism can repair democratic institutions rather than simply critique them." - Canadian Journalism Foundation
Trudeau gov't grilled over construction firms hired for First Nations infrastructure projects
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