With a career spanning investigative journalism and legislative analysis, Janet French has become the Edmonton Journal’s foremost authority on how provincial decisions shape Albertans’ lives. Her work sits at the intersection of politics, education, and energy—three pillars of Western Canada’s identity.
French rarely covers federal politics or technology trends unless directly impacting provincial policy. Pitches should include hyperlocal data and legislative hooks, such as upcoming bill debates or budget consultations.
We’ve followed Janet French’s work as she evolved from a general assignment reporter to one of Alberta’s most trusted voices on provincial policy. Her early career at the Saskatoon StarPhoenix focused on investigative pieces like “Hope in the ashes: The deadly toll of First Nations fires”, which exposed systemic gaps in fire safety infrastructure on Saskatchewan First Nations. This groundwork in accountability journalism laid the foundation for her transition to the Edmonton Journal, where she now dissects the interplay of politics, energy, and public services.
French’s 2020 investigation into Alberta’s healthcare policy shifts revealed how the provincial government’s decision to limit out-of-country medical coverage would force patients like Shannon Belanger to shoulder $20,000+ surgery costs. Through interviews with policymakers and affected residents, she highlighted the human cost of bureaucratic decisions, prompting debates in the Legislative Assembly about safety net provisions.
This 2020 analysis captured Premier Jason Kenney’s urgent appeals to federal regulators, framing the mine’s approval as critical for Alberta’s economic stability. French balanced industry perspectives with environmental concerns from Indigenous leaders, creating a nuanced portrait of Canada’s energy policy crossroads. Her reporting later informed national discussions about resource development and Treaty rights.
By obtaining leaked documents about Alberta’s education funding formula, French exposed how enrollment growth would outpace budget allocations by 3.2% annually. Her piece became a rallying cry for teachers’ unions and parent advocacy groups, leading to revised negotiations between school districts and the Ministry of Education.
French consistently covers how provincial decisions impact healthcare accessibility. A successful pitch might explore telehealth expansion in rural Alberta or medication funding gaps for chronic illnesses. Avoid generalized public health trends; instead, focus on legislation-in-progress with clear local stakes. Example: Her 2020 surgery coverage story originated from a reader tip about Bill 203’s committee hearings.
Rather than technical analyses of oil extraction, prioritize stories examining regulatory hurdles or Indigenous consultations. French’s Teck Frontier coverage succeeded because it tied economic concerns to constitutional obligations. Pitch ideas that reveal how energy companies navigate environmental assessments or benefit-sharing agreements.
With Alberta’s student population growing faster than any Canadian province, French seeks stories about alternative funding models. Successful pitches might investigate public-private partnerships for school infrastructure or crowdfunded STEM programs. Avoid curriculum debates unless directly tied to budgetary constraints.
“French’s reporting doesn’t just inform—it redefines the conversation.” — Alberta Media Awards Committee
Out-of-country health coverage changing for Albertans April 1
Approve Teck Frontier oilsands mine to avoid 'devastating impacts' on economy and relations, Premier Jason Kenney tells feds
School boards will see government funding rise slower than increases in the number of students enrolled, according to a new provincial education funding formula
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:
