Stephanie Wallcraft Wins 2026 AJAC Environmental Journalism Award

Canadian journalist Stephanie Wallcraft has won the 2026 Environmental Journalism Award at the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Journalism Awards, for reporting that helps car buyers understand fuel consumption and make more environmentally conscious choices.

Hyundai Auto Canada, which sponsors the award, confirmed Wallcraft as the winner on 30 October 2026. Nadine Filion was named runner-up. The award was part of the 43rd annual AJAC Journalism Awards, announced in person at Hockley Valley Resort in Mono, Ontario, on 22 October 2026.

The winning article

Wallcraft won for her article, “Why NRCan’s Fuel Consumption Guide remains a critical tool for Canadian car buyers,” published by Driving.ca.

The article examines Natural Resources Canada’s Fuel Consumption Guide and its continued relevance as a resource for Canadians making vehicle-purchasing decisions. In plain terms, it asks why a government fuel guide still matters when buyers face a growing range of petrol, hybrid and electric models — and answers that clear, comparable fuel-use information helps people weigh running costs and environmental impact side by side.

That practical focus is at the heart of the award. Hyundai Canada says the Environmental Journalism Award recognises journalism that brings clarity and practical insight to sustainability, electrification and the environment, and that helps Canadians better understand the environmental considerations shaping vehicle ownership.

How the award was judged

This year’s recipients were determined by an independent three-member jury through an anonymous review process, according to Hyundai Auto Canada.

Hyundai Canada has now sponsored the Environmental Journalism Award for six consecutive years. The company says the award supports automotive journalism that helps Canadians make informed and environmentally conscious automotive decisions.

Wallcraft also won two further categories on the same night: the Automotive Writing Award for Technical Topics and the Adventure and Travel Journalism Award. Clayton Seams was named AJAC’s Canadian Automotive Journalist of the Year, the awards’ highest honour, among winners across 11 categories.

Why this kind of journalism matters

Fuel consumption is not an abstract climate figure for most readers. It shows up in weekly fuel bills, in how far a car travels on a tank or a charge, and in the emissions produced over years of driving. Reporting that explains those links clearly — without jargon and without overstating what a single guide can do — gives buyers a tool they can actually use.

That role for clear climate reporting is only growing. With the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, opening on 9 November 2026, readers will hear many competing claims about transport, emissions and clean technology. Journalism that checks the numbers, explains the source and keeps the focus on what people can verify is a public service, not just a prize category.

For more climate reporting from Watan News, visit our Climate section.

FAKTA

• Winner: Stephanie Wallcraft, 2026 AJAC Environmental Journalism Award.
• Runner-up: Nadine Filion.
• Winning article: “Why NRCan’s Fuel Consumption Guide remains a critical tool for Canadian car buyers,” published by Driving.ca.
• Sponsor: Hyundai Canada, sponsoring the award for a sixth consecutive year.
• Judging: Independent three-member jury, anonymous review.
• Awards: 43rd annual AJAC Journalism Awards, announced 22 October 2026 in Mono, Ontario.

Frequently asked questions

Who won the 2026 AJAC Environmental Journalism Award?

Stephanie Wallcraft won the award, with Nadine Filion named runner-up.

What article won the award?

Wallcraft’s article “Why NRCan’s Fuel Consumption Guide remains a critical tool for Canadian car buyers,” published by Driving.ca, which examines Natural Resources Canada’s Fuel Consumption Guide.

How were the winners chosen?

According to Hyundai Auto Canada, this year’s recipients were determined by an independent three-member jury through an anonymous review process.

Why does a fuel consumption guide matter for the climate?

Fuel-use figures let buyers compare vehicles on running costs and emissions before they buy. Clear reporting on those figures helps people choose more efficient vehicles, which matters because transport emissions accumulate over years of driving.

What is AJAC?

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada is an association of professional journalists, writers, photographers, videographers and corporate members focused on the automobile and the Canadian automotive industry. Its stated objectives include promoting professionalism in Canadian automotive journalism and ensuring factual and ethical reporting about automobiles for Canadian consumers.