An in-depth article about mental health in the Canadian Armed Forces has earned second-year Digital Communications and Media (DCM) student Justin Sibbet the prestigious Troy Reeb Internship.
The annual award is offered by Lethbridge College and sponsored by Reeb, the Executive Vice President of Networks and Content for Corus Entertainment and a 1988 graduate of the college’s Broadcast Journalism program.
Sibbet’s winning submission details the disproportionately high number of deaths by suicide in Canada’s veteran population, how a soldier’s service can affect the wellbeing of their family, the mental health supports that are in place for veterans, and what more needs to be done.
As a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Sibbet says he knows all too well how many soldiers and former soldiers are struggling.
“I served [three years] in the military with Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in Edmonton,” he says. “Unfortunately, a couple of the guys I served with passed away through suicide. It’s something I’m passionate about – trying to get those [individuals] some help, whether they’re going through it now, have gone through it or simply know people who have gone through it.”
Sibbet interviewed several veterans for his article, and he also spoke with Member of Parliament Blake Richards, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. A common theme among those interviewed is the pressure soldiers face when trying to live up to the “hero persona” placed on them by the public. Sibbet writes that because of that label, many military members may be reluctant to seek help when they need it.
“Justin’s passion for journalism is evident the moment you meet with him,” says Reeb. “His natural curiosity, creativity, commitment and work ethic make him an ideal candidate for the internship, and I know he will gain invaluable experience learning alongside the best in the business.”
As this year’s Troy Reeb Internship recipient, Sibbet will spend 10 to 14 days with Global News and Corus Radio teams in Toronto and Ottawa and will work on Parliament Hill with the Ottawa bureau of Global National.
Sibbet also has a practicum placement lined up with Global Lethbridge in the coming weeks that will round out his DCM program requirements ahead of convocation in October.
“From the day I met Justin almost two years ago, it was clear to me that he’s a student who knows where he wants to go and how to get there,” says Pete Gingras, DCM instructor. “Justin’s passion for journalism in all its forms is obvious. He’s dedicated and driven with an unmatched work ethic. This internship is just what he needs to take the next leap forward in what will be a long and rewarding career.”
With experience reporting and writing for the Lethbridge Herald last summer, Sibbet says he’s soaking up what the different media have to offer, but at this point in his professional journey, he plans to stay focused on news.
“I’ve worked in broadcast with the Lethbridge Bulls, a bit with the Lethbridge College Kodiaks, and have done some freelance events in the past,” he says, “but the plan moving forward is to work full-time in news – that’ll be the day job.”
More information on the Digital Communications and Media program is available on the Lethbridge College website.