Five authors from Canada have been nominated for the 2026 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing.
This prestigious award, valued at $40,000, is given each year for a piece of literary nonfiction that addresses a political theme pertinent to Canadian audiences and the political landscape in Canada.
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.
In On Oil, Gillmor explores the pervasive role of oil in contemporary life. Drawing from his experiences as a roughneck on oil rigs during the Alberta oil boom of the 1970s, he examines how our reliance on oil has resulted in regulatory capture and the industry’s evolution over the years.
Encampment provides a thorough examination of the experiences of unhoused individuals in Toronto, highlighting the obstacles they encounter and Helwig’s advocacy for their rights and dignity. This work also received the 2025 Toronto Book Award.
On the Ground is Stewart’s memoir detailing his time as a foreign correspondent for CBC. The book reflects on the joys, challenges, and pressures of covering significant global events, underscoring the essential role of responsible journalism.
On Book Banning discusses both historical and contemporary attempts to censor literature—from the destruction of libraries in Ancient Rome to the current government-led suppression of LGBTQ+ works. Ira Wells emphasizes the vital importance of the freedom to read for sustaining democracy.
In Women Who Woke Up the Law, Karin Wells narrates the empowering stories of Eliza Campbell, Chantale Daigle, and Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, whose pivotal legal challenges played a crucial role in advancing women’s rights in Canada. Despite facing discouragement regarding the viability of their cases, their steadfast bravery and resolve resulted in significant advancements in women’s freedoms.
The jurors responsible for selecting the shortlisted titles include Norma Dunning, Chantal Hébert, and Paul Wells, all of whom have previously been nominated for the award.
All nominated works are accessible in various formats through the Centre for Equitable Library Access.
The announcement of the winner will take place on April 29 during the Politics and the Pen gala.
Last year’s award was presented to Raymond B. Blake for his work, Canada’s Prime Ministers and the Shaping of a National Identity.
Previous recipients also include notable figures like John Vaillant, Kamal Al Solaylee, Beverley McLachlin, Jane Jacobs, and Roméo Dallaire.
The Shaughnessy Cohen Prize was created in memory of the Member of Parliament from Windsor, Ontario, and is managed by the Writers’ Trust of Canada. It is sponsored by CN and supported through the Politics and the Pen gala.
The Writers’ Trust of Canada is dedicated to aiding Canadian authors via a range of initiatives, including 11 annual national literary awards, fellowships, financial assistance, mentorship programs, and more.