Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing

Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing

The Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, awarded by the WRITERS' TRUST OF CANADA, is presented to the author of a non-fiction book that captures a subject of political interest to Canadian readers and enhances our understanding of the issue. The prize was established in 2000, and has a current value of $25 000, with finalists each receiving $2500. The winner is announced annually at the Politics and the Pen Gala in Ottawa.

The prize was established in honour of Shaughnessy Cohen, the late, outspoken and popular MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT for the riding of Windsor-St. Clair. Cohen collapsed in the HOUSE OF COMMONS on 9 Dec 1998 and died shortly thereafter. This prize is a lasting tribute to a politician who is remembered for her tenacity and dynamism.

Each year a three-member, independent judging panel of writers selects the winner and up to four finalists. The prize is for literary excellence, and the jury selects books they deem outstanding in this regard.

To be eligible for the prize books must be English-language, first-edition trade books written by Canadian citizens or permanent residents that are published during the eligibility period set for that year. Translations from other languages into English are eligible and are considered in the year in which the English translation is published. All books must have an ISBN number and be available in Canadian bookstores. Self-published and ghostwritten books are not eligible.

CTVGLOBEMEDIA Inc. has sponsored the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing since the award's inception. The company is one of Canada's premier multimedia companies with ownership of CTV, Canada's oldest and largest private television network, and the GLOBE AND MAIL, often considered "Canada's national newspaper."

The Shaughnessy Cohen Prize has rewarded influential authors who illuminate important political issues. Past recipients include Erna Paris, Daniel Poliquin, Roméo DALLAIRE, Jane JACOBS, James Orbinski, and John ENGLISH.