Five Canadian writers have been selected as finalists for the 2026 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, a prestigious award recognizing outstanding literary nonfiction works that delve into political themes relevant to Canadian readers and the country’s political landscape. The prize, totaling $40,000, is presented annually.
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” delves into the enduring influence of oil in modern society, drawing from his firsthand experience as a roughneck on oil rigs during Alberta’s seventies oil boom. The book explores how our reliance on oil has led to regulatory capture and tracks the evolution of the industry over time.
“Encampment” by Helwig provides a detailed examination of the lives of homeless individuals in Toronto, shedding light on their struggles and advocating for their rights and dignity. The book not only made it to the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize shortlist but also secured the 2025 Toronto Book Award.
Stewart’s “On the Ground” is a memoir recounting his years as a foreign correspondent for CBC, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of reporting on major global events and emphasizing the importance of insightful journalism.
In “On Book Banning,” Wells explores historical and contemporary efforts to censor literature, from ancient library destruction to present-day governmental suppression of LGBTQ+ content. Wells underscores the pivotal role that freedom of reading plays in upholding democracy.
“Women Who Woke up the Law” by Karin Wells narrates the remarkable journeys of Eliza Campbell, Chantale Daigle, and Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, whose legal battles significantly advanced women’s rights in Canada, despite initial discouragement. Their resilience and perseverance led to groundbreaking freedoms for women.
The shortlisted books were curated by jurors Norma Dunning, Chantal Hébert, and Paul Wells, all former nominees for the award. These titles are accessible through the Centre for Equitable Library Access.
The winner of the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize will be revealed at the Politics and the Pen gala on April 29. Raymond B. Blake clinched last year’s prize for “Canada’s Prime Ministers and the Shaping of a National Identity.”
Previous recipients of the award include notable figures such as John Vaillant, Kamal Al Solaylee, Beverley McLachlin, Jane Jacobs, and Roméo Dallaire. The prize, named in honor of Windsor Member of Parliament Shaughnessy Cohen, 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 champions Canadian writers through various initiatives, including 11 national literary awards, fellowships, financial support, mentorship, and more.