As assistant managing editor at the Journal Pioneer (SaltWire Network), MacLean shapes coverage of issues defining Prince Edward Island’s identity. His work sits at the intersection of policy analysis and community storytelling, with a focus on:
Recent Recognition: 2024 Atlantic Journalism Award Finalist for impactful opinion writing on healthcare access reforms.
Colin MacLean has spent over two decades embedded in Prince Edward Island's media landscape, evolving from a beat reporter to assistant managing editor at the Journal Pioneer. His career reflects a deep commitment to documenting how policy shifts reverberate through small communities. Early roles covering provincial transportation debates (including the Confederation Bridge's construction era) honed his ability to connect infrastructure to cultural identity—a theme that remains central to his work.
“Paying to leave home is just something we’ve always done... Removing the tolls from Confederation Bridge is far less dramatic than building it, but it may have a similar impact on the beautiful and diverse people who call themselves Islanders.” [4]
This April 2025 analysis dissects the potential cultural and economic impacts of eliminating Confederation Bridge tolls. MacLean combines historical context (dating back to ice boat crossings) with contemporary demographic shifts, interviewing multi-generational residents and new arrivals. The article’s strength lies in its examination of unintended consequences—from Maritime Union discussions to the viability of local businesses. By framing transportation policy as a catalyst for identity transformation, MacLean elevates a regional issue into a national conversation about isolation and connectivity.
In this January 2025 column, MacLean uses a personal anecdote about an 11-year-old article critique to explore evolving public perceptions of media. He contrasts constructive criticism with performative outrage, citing examples from political coverage that drew diametrically opposed reader reactions. The piece serves as both a defense of professional journalism standards and a meditation on how confirmation bias shapes news consumption. Notably, MacLean advocates for “respectful discourse” while acknowledging the industry’s need for accountability.
This reflective 2024 piece exemplifies MacLean’s ability to find universal themes in mundane interactions. A grocery store encounter becomes a springboard to examine post-pandemic social fragmentation. Through interviews with psychologists and small business owners, he constructs a nuanced argument about the relationship between economic stability and public demeanor. The article’s call for intentional kindness influenced local initiatives like Summerside’s “Greeter Program” at retail centers.
MacLean prioritizes narratives that demonstrate how legislation impacts daily life. Successful pitches might explore: - Housing policies through the lens of multigenerational fishing families adapting to Airbnb markets - Healthcare access via stories of seniors traveling off-island for treatment Pitch Example: “How PEI’s new telehealth initiative affects caregivers managing chronic conditions while maintaining seasonal tourism jobs.”
With PEI’s population growing 8% since 2020 (the fastest in Canada), MacLean seeks stories about: - Tensions between heritage preservation and gentrification - Innovative solutions for aging infrastructure in booming towns Avoid: Generic “population growth” statistics without character-driven angles.
While MacLean covers traditional fisheries, he’s particularly interested in: - Climate-adaptive aquaculture startups - Renewable energy projects repurposing decommissioned ferries - Cultural initiatives preserving Acadian boat-building techniques
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Politics, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
