The Druthers Newspaper’s November 2025 issue has placed the Grus Justice Project and the case of Ottawa Police Detective Helen Grus on its front page, giving national print recognition to what is arguably the most important police disciplinary case in Canadian history.
This front-page placement marks a milestone for the Grus Justice Project (GJP), whose efforts to restore the rule of law and defend police independence have now reached hundreds of thousands of Canadians through one of the country’s widest-circulating independent newspapers.
About Druthers
Founded by Shawn Jason Laplante in 2020, Druthers has grown into one of Canada’s last remaining national grassroots print newspapers. Produced entirely through donations and volunteer effort, it now circulates 150,000 copies each month across every province and territory.
Distributed for free in cafés, small businesses, markets, and community hubs, Druthers describes itself as a “truth, love, and freedom” publication dedicated to restoring open dialogue in an era of media consolidation and censorship. Its independent format, supported by citizen journalists and readers rather than advertisers, has earned it a loyal national following and a reputation as Canada’s last truly free newspaper.
Front-Page Feature Highlights Grus Justice Project
The November issue’s cover story, written by GJP Director and former Toronto Police Detective Donald Best, is titled “When Investigating Becomes a Crime.” The article recounts the almost four-year disciplinary prosecution of Detective Helen Grus, the Ottawa Police investigator suspended after questioning an unusual cluster of infant deaths during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
In addition to exploring the broader implications for police independence in Canada, the story directs readers to GrusJusticeProject.org for further information and updates. Druthers editors chose the Grus case as the lead feature of their November edition, signaling national recognition of the Project’s work to defend the principle that police must remain free from political interference when investigating possible wrongdoing.
Readers Respond Across Canada
Following the release of the issue, the Grus Justice Project has received multiple emails from readers across Canada reporting that they are purchasing or ordering extra copies of Druthers to distribute to local police stations, libraries, and community groups.
This grassroots response underscores a growing public interest in ensuring that serving police officers, as well as ordinary citizens, are aware of the issues raised by the case and the principle of police autonomy it represents.
Why This Recognition Matters
While the Grus case remains under appeal, Druthers’ front-page coverage represents a significant public acknowledgment of its national importance. In a media environment where legacy outlets have largely ignored the proceedings, the feature gives the story new reach and legitimacy.
It also reflects a broader shift in public sentiment: Canadians are increasingly turning to independent outlets for honest, unfiltered reporting on issues that mainstream media decline to cover.
Read and Share the November Issue
Readers can obtain printed copies of the November 2025 Druthers issue from local distributors, order them from Druthers or download the full edition at Druthers.ca. The Grus Justice Project encourages supporters to share copies with local police officers and colleagues, and to continue engaging others in constructive discussion about the importance of independent policing and open justice.
The Grus Justice Project extends thanks to Druthers and its readership for recognizing the ongoing work to defend a foundational principle of Canadian democracy — that police must be free to follow the evidence wherever it leads, without political interference.