Tegan Quin emerged victorious in the 2026 edition of Canada Reads after engaging in a spirited and compelling debate that spanned four days. She successfully advocated for “The Cure for Drowning” by Loghan Paylor, which ultimately withstood the elimination vote on April 16.
Canada Reads involves five prominent Canadian figures each selecting a book they believe all Canadians should read. Through a series of debates over four days, they progressively eliminate one book daily until a winner is determined. Musician and writer Tegan Quin, known for her role in Tegan and Sara, effectively argued that “The Cure for Drowning” best exemplifies the theme of “one book to build bridges.”
“The Cure for Drowning” narrates the story of Kit McNair, born to an Irish farming family in Ontario but struggling to conform to societal expectations. The novel delves into a love triangle involving Kit, her older brother Landon, and Rebekah, a German Canadian doctor’s daughter, leading to family discord and eventual separation during wartime efforts.
Throughout the week, Quin presented compelling reasons why “The Cure for Drowning” should be a must-read for all Canadians. She emphasized the novel’s capacity to offer diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding among readers. Quin highlighted the relevance of the book in addressing pressing issues such as trans rights and LGBTQ community challenges.
Loghan Paylor, the author of “The Cure for Drowning,” expressed immense joy at winning Canada Reads, especially in a year focused on building bridges amidst societal divisions. Paylor commended the book for bringing people together and enhancing empathy in a time of social and political turmoil.
In a press statement, Paylor expressed gratitude for Quin’s support, emphasizing the profound impact she had on their life. Paylor reflected on how Quin’s music had influenced them as a young queer individual and now, through Canada Reads, she had championed their book to victory.
The runner-up in the competition was “Searching for Terry Punchout” by Tyler Hellard, passionately supported by hockey broadcaster Steve (Dangle) Glynn. The novel, which delves into family dynamics and hockey culture, narrowly missed out on the top spot after a 4-1 vote on the final day.
Quin’s advocacy for “The Cure for Drowning” resonated with many due to its relatable characters grappling with identity and making tough decisions. Paylor, an Ontario-born author based in British Columbia, holds an MA in creative writing and has received acclaim for their debut novel, which was longlisted for the 2024 Giller Prize.
The 2026 Canada Reads winner, Tegan Quin, brought a compassionate and insightful perspective to the debates, highlighting the universal themes present in “The Cure for Drowning.” Her personal connection to the characters and their struggles underscored the book’s ability to resonate with readers from all walks of life.