Five Canadian writers have been nominated for the prestigious 2026 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. This $40,000 award is given each year for a work of creative nonfiction that delves into a political theme relevant to Canadian society and politics.
The shortlist includes Don Gillmor’s “On Oil,” Maggie Helwig’s “Encampment,” Brian Stewart’s “On the Ground,” Ira Wells’ “On Book Banning,” and Karin Wells’ “Women Who Woke up the Law.”
Gillmor’s “On Oil” explores the enduring presence of oil in modern life, drawing from his firsthand experience working on oil rigs in Alberta during the seventies. The book examines how our reliance on oil has influenced regulation and the evolution of the industry.
“Encampment” by Maggie Helwig provides a detailed look at the lives of homeless individuals in Toronto, shedding light on their struggles and Helwig’s advocacy for their rights. The book was also the recipient of the 2025 Toronto Book Award.
Stewart’s memoir, “On the Ground,” recounts his time as a foreign correspondent for CBC, highlighting the challenges and importance of thorough journalism in covering significant global events.
In “On Book Banning,” Ira Wells explores the history and current practices of censoring literature, from ancient library destruction to contemporary suppression of LGBTQ+ content. Wells emphasizes the essential role of freedom of reading in upholding democracy.
Karin Wells’ “Women Who Woke up the Law” tells the inspiring stories of Eliza Campbell, Chantale Daigle, and Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, whose legal battles advanced women’s rights in Canada against all odds.
The shortlisted works were chosen by jurors Norma Dunning, Chantal Hébert, and Paul Wells, all of whom have been previous nominees for the prize. These titles are accessible through the Centre for Equitable Library Access.
The winner of the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize will be announced on April 29 at the Politics and the Pen gala. Raymond B. Blake was the recipient of last year’s prize for “Canada’s Prime Ministers and the Shaping of a National Identity.”
Past winners of the award include John Vaillant, Kamal Al Solaylee, Beverley McLachlin, Jane Jacobs, and Roméo Dallaire. The Shaughnessy Cohen Prize honors the late Member of Parliament from Windsor, Ontario and is managed by the Writers’ Trust of Canada, sponsored by CN, and supported by the Politics and the Pen gala. The Writers’ Trust of Canada offers various forms of support to Canadian writers through multiple literary awards, fellowships, grants, and mentorship programs.
