SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN FOR 25th ANNUAL DONNER PRIZE, NOW WORTH $60,000
Toronto, October 06, 2022 — Gregory Belton, Chair of the Board of the Donner Canadian Foundation, today announced that submissions are now open for the 2022 Donner Prize. On the occasion of it’s 25th anniversary, the purse is increased to $60,000, for the best public policy book by a Canadian.
“The raison d’etre of the Donner Prize is to encourage research and discussion about Canadian public policy issues,” says Belton. “It’s been fascinating to see, over the Prize’s 25-year history, how the Donner Prize, through the shortlists and winners, has anticipated, reflected upon, and analyzed the essential policy issues of the time. From defence, environment, natural resources, health care, Indigenous relations, policing, banking, to the essence of government itself. We look forward to this year’s selections.”
The winner of the Donner Prize will receive $60,000, and the other shortlisted titles will each receive $7,500.
The Donner Canadian Foundation, one of Canada’s oldest foundations, created the prize in 1998 to encourage and honour the best public policy thinking, writing, and research by a Canadian, and the role it plays in determining the well-being of Canadians. Books written or co-written by a Canadian, in either French or English, are eligible.
The 2021 Donner Prize was awarded to Dan Breznitz for Innovation in Real Places: Strategies for Prosperity in an Unforgiving World, published by Oxford University Press.
“Being awarded the Donner Prize has been both an utter surprise and an immense honour. The Donner Prize plays a critical role in allowing new ideas to enter the Canadian public debate, especially in a time when our national conversion is fractured, and new technologies make it extremely difficult to present complex ideas that are not copy and pasted from somewhere else,” Breznitz commented. “Without the Donner Canadian Foundation, discussions about our own society and policy would be a lot more superficial. Winning the Prize introduced my book, Innovation in Real Places, and many other worthy titles to many Canadians who otherwise would have never heard about them. The quality of our policy is vastly enhanced thanks to the continuous effort of the Donner Canadian Foundation and the Donner Prize.”
The deadline for submissions for this year’s prize is November 30, 2022, for books published between January 1, and December 31, 2022. The shortlist will be announced in Spring 2023, and the winner will be announced in May 2023. See www.DonnerBookPrize.com for complete rules regarding eligibility and submission procedures.
For further information, please contact:
Sheila Kay
647-391-9829
sheila@naylorandassociates.com
www.donnerbookprize.com
2021 DONNER PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCED
DAN BREZNITZ WINS THE $50,000 PRIZE FOR INNOVATION IN REAL PLACES
TORONTO, May 31, 2022 – The winner of the 2021 Donner Prize was announced today by Gregory Belton, Chair of the Donner Canadian Foundation, during a gala dinner in Toronto.
Dan Breznitz was awarded the $50,000 Donner Prize for Innovation in Real Places: Strategies for Prosperity in an Unforgiving World, published by Oxford University Press.
Innovation in Real Places differentiates between innovation and invention, focussing on the diverse types of innovation and the role of government to facilitate, and not impede, the process.
The jury declared the book “essential reading for anyone interested in policy for industry, science, finance, competition, and regional development. There is little doubt that innovation is the key driver of economic progress, and Breznitz provides the most interesting and innovative take on the process of innovation in promoting community-wide development. He goes well beyond the current fetish of focusing on the highest end of technology in an attempt to emulate the admired, but inequitable, features of Silicon Valley. He urges communities to focus on the stage of the production process that allows them to realize their own advantages and build an ecosystem that fosters surprising forms of specialized innovation.”
The other nominated titles, each of which received $7,500, were:
Value(s): Building a Better World for All by Mark Carney (Signal/M&S)
Stand On Guard: Reassessing Threats to Canada’s National Security by Stephanie Carvin (University of Toronto Press)
Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table by Carol Anne Hilton, MBA (New Society Publishers)
Neglected No More: The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada’s Elders in the Wake of a Pandemic by André Picard (Random House of Canada)
The winner of the Donner Prize was selected by the six-member jury: David A. Dodge (Jury Chair), Jean-Marie Dufour, Brenda Eaton, Louise Fréchette, Karen Restoule, and Frederic Wien.
David Dodge, Jury Chair, commented, “The very purpose of the Donner Prize is to foster and fortify the research and analysis of the public policy dilemmas we face as a society and a nation. This year’s shortlisted books all exemplify this, covering timely and critical topics. We confidently recommend each of them to you.”
The Donner Prize, established in 1998, annually rewards excellence and innovation in Canadian public policy thinking, writing, and research. In bestowing this award, the Donner Canadian Foundation seeks to broaden policy debates, increase general awareness of the importance of policy decision making and make an original and meaningful contribution to policy discourse.
For more information, please contact Sheila Kay: 647-391-9829
Sheila@naylorandassociates.com
Visit us at www.donnerbookprize.com
DONNER PRIZE ANNOUNCES THE 2021 SHORTLIST
TORONTO, April 26, 2022 – Gregory Belton, Chair of the Donner Canadian Foundation, today announced the shortlist for the 2021 Donner Prize, the award recognizing the best public policy book by a Canadian.
“After yet another pandemic year, and in the midst of geopolitical crises, the Donner Prize jury has selected a shortlist of books that spotlight critical issues for Canada and, indeed, the world,” said Mr. Belton. “Innovation, societal values, Indigenous economics, eldercare, national and international security – this year’s shortlisted books will be certain to spark the vigorous and productive debate essential for the development of better public policy.”
David Dodge, Jury Chair, stated that “I’m especially pleased with this year’s shortlisted books, which cover timely and critical topics – innovation, equitable economic growth, Indigenous economy, national security and the crisis in eldercare. The Donner Prize has always sought to bring attention to books that are exceptional works of public policy research. Encouraging and rewarding the work of investigating and analysing the policy dilemmas we face as a society and a nation is the very purpose of the Prize.”
The prestigious Donner Prize, founded in 1998, annually rewards excellence and innovation in public policy writing by Canadians. In bestowing this award, the Donner Canadian Foundation seeks to broaden policy debates, and to make an original and meaningful contribution to policy discourse, all of which will contribute to an even stronger and more inclusive Canadian democracy.
This year’s Donner Prize shortlist titles were chosen from books published during the calendar year 2021. The winner will receive $50,000 while each of the four other nominated authors will receive $7,500.
The 2021 Donner Prize finalists are:
Innovation in Real Places: Strategies for Prosperity in an Unforgiving World, by Dan Breznitz (Oxford University Press).
Value(s): Building a Better World for All, by Mark Carney (Signal/M&S)
Stand On Guard: Reassessing Threats to Canada’s National Security, by Stephanie Carvin (University of Toronto Press)
Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table, by Carol Anne Hilton MBA (New Society Publishers)
Neglected No More: The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada’s Elders in the Wake of a Pandemic, by André Picard (Random House of Canada)
The 2021 Donner Prize will be presented at a gala dinner in Toronto on May 31, 2022.
The shortlisted authors and Donner Jury Chair David Dodge are available for interviews.
For more information, please contact
Sheila Kay
sheila@naylorandassociation.com, 647 391 9829
The Jury Citations for 2021 Donner Prize Shortlist:
Innovation in Real Places by Dan Breznitz
One of the many strengths of the Breznitz book is the differentiation between invention and innovation. He focuses on diverse types of innovation and the role of governments to facilitate – and not impede – the innovation process. He refreshingly considers the need to focus on real economic expansion versus venture capital and financial engineering. Breznitz presents ideas on how best to support innovation, and, as importantly, what not to do. There is little doubt that innovation is a key driver of economic progress, and Breznitz offers a clear explanation of the range of factors at play that can help or hinder the growth of an innovation economy. Essential reading for anyone interested in policy for industry, science, finance, competition, and regional development.
Value(s) by Mark Carney
Carney’s sweeping book draws a distinction between “values” (the general objectives by which social and economic outcomes are evaluated) and “value” (price, monetary value). He measures these on three current critically important topics – climate change, pandemics, and financial market stability, weaving them seamlessly into the arc of values and value. Although the topics are complex, the writing is clear, concise, incorporating varying points of view, adding focus, and humanizing these large issues. Highly relevant and timely, the book offers Carney’s insights for specific and constructive policy suggestions to achieve a values-based economy and society.
Stand On Guard by Stephanie Carvin
At a time when threats to our security and values are becoming more menacing every day, Stephanie Carvin’s book is extraordinarily timely. Accessible, with a minimum of acronyms that characterize the field of intelligence, she describes the different facets of Canada’s policies on security intelligence, and strengths and weaknesses of the various agencies involved. Carvin covers economic espionage, cyber terrorism, and does a deep dive into clandestine foreign influence. She argues that Canada has largely turned a blind eye to this threat. She points out that national security has evolved from espionage and acts of physical terrorism to a modern approach across many fronts, and that Canadian policies have, worryingly, not kept pace.
Indigenomics by Carol Ann Hilton MBA
Hilton outlines an issue that is hugely important and relevant to the future of Canada, its economy, its society and, in equal measure, the economy and society of Indigenous Peoples. She shows that Indigenous economic empowerment is not only imperative, and in the interests of the entire country, but also completely achievable, given the real momentum on display across Indigenous communities. She provides context for the bad federal policies, dating back to 1876, that have led to the current situation, and suggests solutions. Hilton’s book is the first that pulls together the whole picture, setting out a vision for Indigenous leadership, participation, and contribution to Canadian economy.
Neglected No More by André Picard
The issue of eldercare in Canada is urgent and mammoth. Most Canadians were aware that our eldercare system was headed to the cliff, even before COVID-19 hit. In this compelling, articulate, and accessible book, veteran journalist André Picard outlines the challenges the system faces (societal dynamics, political barriers, the complication of thirteen different provincial/territorial health care systems). The book is in part a public policy analysis (what needs to change now), a call to action (how long will we let this important and ethical issue persist?) and a warning – prepare yourself and your family for this inevitable and difficult journey. Every MP, Cabinet Minister, and civil servant would be well advised to read this book.
For more information, visit www.donnerbookprize.com
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS AND JURY RELEASE 2021
JURY AND CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ANNOUNCED FOR $50,000 2021 DONNER PRIZE
TORONTO, September 15, 2021 — Gregory Belton, Chair of the Board of the Donner Canadian Foundation, today announced the official Call for Submissions for the 2021 Donner Prize, the award for the best public policy book by a Canadian.
“The proud mandate of the Donner Prize is to encourage research and discussion about Canadian public policy issues,” says Belton. “Over our twenty plus years, the Prize, via our shortlists and winners, has thrown a spotlight on books on all aspects of the contemporary Canadian experience – First Nations, environment, oil industry, communications, policing, population, banking, and the essence of government itself. We look forward to this year’s selections.” The winner of the Donner Prize will receive $50,000, and the other shortlisted titles will each receive $7,500.
Belton also welcomed three new members of the Donner Prize Jury. Louise Fréchette served as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1998 to 2006. She recently completed a term as Chair of Care International and is currently on the Board of Global Leadership Foundation. Karen Restoule is Alternate Executive Chair at Tribunals Ontario. Previously, she served as Director of Justice at the Chiefs of Ontario after starting her career in criminal justice and correctional services. Dr. Frederick Wien, Professor Emeritus at Dalhousie University, was Deputy Director of Research at the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and is currently involved in two major CIHR projects focusing on health and well-being in First Nations communities.
Read_More
Returning jurors, tasked with selecting the shortlist and the eventual winner of the 2021 Donner Prize, are Jean-Marie Dufour, Brenda Eaton, and Jury Chair, David Dodge, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Chancellor of Queen’s University. “As a jury, our goal is to draw attention to the books that help inform current policy debate,” noted Dodge. “We look forward to reading this year’s submissions.”
The Donner Canadian Foundation, one of Canada’s oldest foundations, created the prize to encourage and honour the best public policy thinking, writing, and research by a Canadian, and the role it plays in determining the well-being of Canadians.
The 2020 Donner Prize was awarded to Joseph Heath for The Machinery of Government: Public Administration and the Liberal State.
“Winning the Donner Prize was both a tremendous surprise and an incredible honor,” says Heath. “The economics of book publishing make it very difficult for Canadians to carry on a national conversation about the most pressing public policy issues that affect us as Canadians. Too many people just assume that whatever is going on in the United States must be happening here as well. Sometimes it is, but sometimes it isn’t, which is why it is so important to have our own national conversation. The Donner Canadian Foundation makes an invaluable contribution to this, by elevating the profile of so many important titles – books that, to be honest, most of us would never have even heard of, had it not been for the efforts of the Foundation.”
Peter Ohlin, Executive Editor at Oxford University Press, said “Oxford University Press is pleased to see Joseph Heath’s important and influential book recognized, and we are honored to have been its publisher. Joseph Heath’s book represents the ideal of what we aim to publish – excellent and high-quality research that has an impact on broader discussions and policy. Our sincere thanks to the Donner Canadian Foundation.”
The deadline for submissions for this year’s prize is November 30, 2021, for books published between January 1, and December 31, 2021. The shortlist will be announced in Spring 2022, and the winner will be announced in May 2022. See www.DonnerBookPrize.com for complete rules regarding eligibility and submission procedures.
For further information, please contact:
Sheila Kay
647-391-9829
sheila@naylorandassociates.com
www.donnerbookprize.com
Read_Less
2020 DONNER PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCED
THE MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND THE LIBERAL STATE WINS THE $50,000 PRIZE
TORONTO, May 19, 2021 – The winner of the 2020 Donner Prize was announced today by Gregory Belton, Chair of the Donner Canadian Foundation, in an online presentation.
Joseph Heath was awarded the $50,000 Donner Prize for The Machinery of Government: Public Administration and the Liberal State, published by Oxford University Press.
The Machinery of Government dissects one of the largest “industries” in modern society – the government. It provides a deeper understanding of the contribution that unelected officials make to the success of democratic political systems.
The jury celebrated the book as “a magnum opus on the philosophy and practice of governance. The foundation and actual workings of this ‘machine’ are not well understood in this day and age, which contributes, unconsciously, to a malaise vis-a-vis government. Heath seeks to provide a deep understanding of the machine. His building from early political philosophy through the development of liberal democracies, to the ethos of the public servant is clear and relevant. The book is sophisticated, yet concise and highly readable. Altogether the book is a fundamentally important look at the direct means by which government performs (or fails to perform) on behalf of the citizenry.”
Read_More
The other nominated titles, each of which received $7,500, were:
Sécurité, liberté et criminalité by Maurice Cusson (Les éditions du Septentrion)
RESET: Reclaiming the Internet for Civil Society by Ronald J. Deibert (House of Anansi Press)
The Citizen’s Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths that Hinder Progress by Mark Jaccard (Cambridge University Press)
The Age of Fentanyl: Ending the Opioid Epidemic by Brodie Ramin, M.D. (Dundurn Press)
The winner of the Donner Prize was selected by the six-member jury: David A. Dodge (Jury Chair), Mark Dockstator, Jean-Marie Dufour, Brenda Eaton, Peter Nicholson, and Glenda Yeates.
David Dodge, Jury Chair, stated that “the Donner Prize has always shone a spotlight on books that are exceptional works of public policy research. The books on this year’s shortlist address key public concerns about how governments should go about: striking the balance between personal liberty and physical security; protecting civil society from the misuse of digital technologies; analysing the “industry” of government; limiting climate change and managing the epidemic of drug addiction. All are recommended reading, and all will contribute to the national conversation.”
The Donner Prize, established in 1998, annually rewards excellence and innovation in Canadian public policy thinking, writing, and research. In bestowing this award, the Donner Canadian Foundation seeks to broaden policy debates, increase general awareness of the importance of policy decision making and make an original and meaningful contribution to policy discourse.
As part of that policy discourse, five students from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy each read one of the shortlisted books and queried the authors. That exchange is part of the virtual ceremony, which took place today, and can be viewed here. (insert hyperlink)
-30-
For more information, please contact Sheila Kay: 647-391-9829
Sheila@naylorandassociates.com
Visit us at www.donnerbookprize.com
Read_Less
DONNER PRIZE ANNOUNCES THE 2020 SHORTLIST
TORONTO, April 21, 2021 – Gregory Belton, Chair of the Donner Canadian Foundation, today announced the shortlist for the 2020 Donner Prize, the award recognizing the best public policy book by a Canadian.
“After this past year, more Canadians than ever are paying very close attention to policy, and its implementation. Through the lens of the pandemic, people are assessing governments on their ability to serve and protect them efficiently and equitably,” said Mr. Belton. “The books on this year’s shortlist address key public concerns about how governments should go about: striking the balance between personal liberty and physical security, protecting civil society from the mis-use of digital technologies, raising the administrative efficiency of liberal democracies, limiting climate change and managing the epidemic of drug addiction.”
Read More
David Dodge, Jury Chair, stated that “the Donner Prize has always shone a spotlight on books that are exceptional works of public policy research. This is the very purpose of the Prize – to encourage and reward the hard work of researching and writing about the policy dilemmas we face as a society and a nation. This year’s shortlisted books will be certain to spark the vigorous and productive debate essential for the development of better public policy.”
The prestigious Donner Prize, founded in 1998, annually rewards excellence and innovation in public policy writing by Canadians. In bestowing this award, the Donner Canadian Foundation seeks to broaden policy debates, and to make an original and meaningful contribution to policy discourse, all of which will contribute to an even stronger and more inclusive Canadian democracy.
This year’s Donner Prize shortlist titles were chosen from books published during the calendar year 2020. The winner receives $50,000 while each of the four other nominated authors receives $7,500.
The 2020 Donner Prize finalists are:
Sécurité, liberté et criminalité by Maurice Cusson (Les éditions du Septentrion)
RESET: Reclaiming the Internet for Civil Society by Ronald J. Deibert (House of Anansi Press)
The Machinery of Government: Public Administration and the Liberal State by Joseph Heath (Oxford University Press)
The Citizen’s Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths that Hinder Progress by Mark Jaccard (Cambridge University Press)
The Age of Fentanyl: Ending the Opioid Epidemic by Brodie Ramin, M.D. (Dundurn Press)
The 2020 Donner Prize will be presented in a virtual event on May 19th, 2021, with more details to follow.
The shortlisted authors and Donner Jury Chair David Dodge are available for interviews.
For more information, please contact
Sheila Kay
sheila@naylorandassociation.com, 647 391 9829
www.donnerbookprize.com
Read Less
JURY AND CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ANNOUNCED FOR $50,000 2020 DONNER PRIZE
Toronto, October 13, 2020 — Gregory Belton, Chair of the Board of the Donner Canadian Foundation, today announced the official Call for Submissions for the 2020 Donner Prize, the award for the best public policy book by a Canadian. “The Donner Prize is proud to continue to shape the discussion about Canadian public policy issues,” says Belton. “In these chaotic times, it’s even more critical to encourage a deep look at the significant issues facing Canadians and Canadian policy-makers. It is our hope that authors have their ‘eye on the Prize’ as they explore these issues in their books.” The winner of the Donner Prize will receive $50,000, and the other shortlisted titles will each receive $7,500.
Read More
Belton also announced two new members of the Donner Prize Jury. Mark Dockstator is a legal scholar and mediator, currently Director of the Indigenous Knowledge Initiative at Queen’s University, as well as a Professor at the Chaney Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies at Trent University. Glenda Yeates is a public sector leader with 32 years of experience, including serving as Saskatchewan and then federal Deputy Minister of Health, and President and CEO of the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Returning jurors, tasked with selecting the shortlist and the eventual winner of the 2020 Donner Prize, are Jean-Marie Dufour, Brenda Eaton, Peter Nicholson, and Jury Chair, David Dodge, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Chancellor of Queen’s University. “The goal of the Donner prize is to encourage the writing of books that will engage Canadians in discourse on issues of public policy.” says Dodge. “We are constantly amazed at the breadth of the books submitted and very much look forward to this year’s Donner submissions.”
The Donner Canadian Foundation, one of Canada’s oldest foundations, created the prize to encourage and honour the best public policy thinking, writing and research by a Canadian, and the role it plays in determining the well-being of Canadians. The 2019 Donner Prize went to Dennis McConaghy for Breakdown: The Pipeline Debate and the Threat to Canada’s Future.
“Winning the Donner Prize is a great honor, full stop, especially when one appreciates the breath and quality of the books being published annually relating to Canadian public policy issues, said McConaghy. “As well, it has provided to me more recognition and engagement with respect to the issues and policy recommendations that I laid out in my book, Breakdown: The Pipeline Debate and the Threat to Canada’s Future. For that, I am profoundly grateful. The significance and urgency of constructively dealing with those issues has only intensified since its publication in 2019.”
Dundurn Press President and Publisher Scott Fraser adds “We are thrilled that the Donner Prize has honoured Breakdown: The Pipeline Debate and the Threat to Canada’s Future. In his well-argued book, Dennis Mcconaghy pushes readers to consider how Canada can find a balance between credible climate policy and the economic benefits of developing our hydrocarbon resources. The recognition afforded to Breakdown should encourage informed discussion, which can only help our country move beyond the polarized positions currently hampering the debate. Thank you to the Donner Canadian Foundation for its support of Breakdown and the important work it does to encourage public policy research and discourse.”
The deadline for submissions for this year’s prize is November 30, 2020, for books published between January 1 and December 31, 2020. The shortlist will be announced in Spring 2021, and the winner will be announced in May 2021. See www.DonnerBookPrize.com for complete rules regarding eligibility and submission procedures.
For further information, please contact:
Sheila Kay
647-391-9829
sheila@naylorandassociates.com
www.donnerbookprize.com
Read Less
2019/2020 DONNER PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCED
BREAKDOWN: THE PIPELINE DEBATE AND THE THREAT TO CANADA’S FUTURE WINS THE $50,000 PRIZE
TORONTO, September 16, 2020 – The winner of the 2019/2020 Donner Prize was announced today by Ken Whyte, Chair of the Donner Canadian Foundation, in an online presentation.
Dennis McConaghy was awarded the $50,000 Donner Prize for Breakdown: The Pipeline Debate and the Threat to Canada’s Future, published by Dundurn Press.
Read More
Breakdown offers a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing debate in Canada over oil and pipelines, exploring the country’s political polarization via economic, environmental, and political perspectives. McConaghy is a Canadian energy executive, with 40 years experience in infrastructure development.
In their deliberations, the Jury said of Breakdown, “it addresses arguably one of the most contentious and consequential sets of policy issues facing Canada today – the nexus of resource development, climate change, Indigenous rights and Alberta alienation. It presents the history of four pipeline projects and overlays the political decisions that have resulted in many projects not being supported or being delayed significantly. McConaghy outlines several pragmatic strategies that can be used to reduce or remove the bottleneck to move large infrastructure projects forward (or create earlier certainty that they should not) so that investment (domestic and foreign) will be attracted to Canada.
The other nominated titles, each of which received $7,500, were:
EMPTY PLANET: The Shock of Global Population Decline, by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson (Signal/McClelland & Stewart
LIVING WITH CHINA: A Middle Power Finds Its Way, by Wendy Dobson (Rotman-UTP Publishing/University of Toronto Press)
THE WEALTH OF FIRST NATIONS, by Tom Flanagan (Fraser Institute)
THE TANGLED GARDEN: A Canadian Cultural Manifesto for the Digital Age, by Richard Stursberg with Stephen Armstrong (James Lorimer & Co.)
The winner of the Donner Prize was chosen from an impressive list of 74 submissions by a five-member jury: David A. Dodge, (Jury Chair), Elizabeth Cannon, Jean-Marie Dufour, Brenda Eaton, and Peter Nicholson.
The Jury Chair commented on this year’s shortlist: “The purpose of the Donner Prize – to foster researching and writing about the policy dilemmas we face as a society and a nation – is more critical in today’s media environment than ever. Our shortlist reflects issues that, until very recently were centre stage in our national dialogue, and certainly will be again – the coming decline of global population, Canada’s relationship with China, the pipeline debate, First Nations financing and the future of Canadian culture in a digital age. These books are exemplars of the goals of the Donner Prize.”
The Donner Prize, established in 1998, annually rewards excellence and innovation in Canadian public policy thinking, writing and research. In bestowing this award, the Donner Canadian Foundation seeks to broaden policy debates, increase general awareness of the importance of policy decision making and make an original and meaningful contribution to policy discourse.
-30-
For more information, please contact Sheila Kay: 647-391-9829
Sheila@naylorandassociates.co
Visit us at www.donnerbookprize.com
Read Less
2019/2020 DONNER PRIZE TO BE PRESENTED ONLINE
TORONTO, September 1, 2020 – Ken Whyte, Chair of the Board of the Donner Canadian Foundation is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2019/2020 Donner Prize for Public Policy will be revealed during an online program on Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 at 11:00 am ET, on the Donner Prize YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Read More
The Prize was created to honour the best public policy thinking, writing and research by a Canadian. The 2019/2020 shortlist titles were chosen from a field of 74 submissions. The winner receives $50,000, while each other nominated title receives $7,500.
The 2019/2020 Donner Prize finalists are:
EMPTY PLANET: The Shock of Global Population Decline by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson (Signal/McClelland & Stewart)
LIVING WITH CHINA: A Middle Power Finds Its Way by Wendy Dobson (Rotman-UTP/University of Toronto Press)
THE WEALTH OF FIRST NATIONS by Thomas Flanagan (Fraser Institute)
BREAKDOWN: The Pipeline Debate and the Threat to Canada’s Future by Dennis McConaghy (Dundurn Press)
THE TANGLED GARDEN: A Canadian Cultural Manifesto for the Digital Age by Richard Stursberg with Stephen Armstrong (James Lorimer & Co.)
The Prize would normally have been presented at a Gala dinner in Toronto in May, however that was postponed due to COVID-19. When it became clear that such a gathering would not be possible, the Prize pivoted to an online event.
The program will feature brief conversations with all five shortlisted authors, as well as a tribute to long-time Donner Canadian Foundation Chairman, the late Allan Gotlieb, who passed away in April 2020.
-30-
For more information, please contact Sheila Kay: 647-391-9829
Sheila@naylorandassociates.com
Visit us at www.donnerbookprize.com
Read Less
DONNER PRIZE ANNOUNCES THE 2019/2020 SHORTLIST
TORONTO, April 15, 2020 – Ken Whyte, Chair of the Donner Canadian Foundation, today announced the shortlist for the 2019/2020 Donner Prize, the award recognizing the best public policy book by a Canadian. Given the current situation regarding COVID-19, the gala awards presentation, usually held in the spring will be postponed until the fall. However, given the timeliness of the books selected for the shortlist, it was agreed that the finalists be announced now, to give them as much attention and opportunity for discussion as possible.
“The Donner Prize has always shone a spotlight on books that are exceptional works of public policy research,” said Mr. Whyte. “This year is no exception, with books on topics that are quite literally ripped from the headlines. They will undoubtedly provoke debate. And these books reflect the challenges facing all levels of governance and policy. Policy affects us all, and books that probe hard questions, that suggest guidelines and direction for the future, become essential reading.”
Read More
David Dodge, Jury Chair, stated that “The purpose of the Donner Prize – to encourage and reward the hard work of researching and writing about the policy dilemmas we face as a society and a nation – is more critical in today’s media environment than ever. Our shortlist reflects issues that, until very recently were centre stage in our national dialogue, and given our history, will be again – the coming decline of global population, Canada’s relationship with China, the pipeline debate, First Nations financing and the future of Canadian culture in a digital age. These books are exemplars of the goals of the Donner Prize, presenting sound and original research and analysis, in a manner that is accessible to a general audience.”
The prestigious Donner Prize, founded in 1998, annually rewards excellence and innovation in public policy writing by Canadians. In bestowing this award, the Donner Canadian Foundation seeks to broaden policy debates, and to make an original and meaningful contribution to policy discourse, all of which will contribute to an even stronger and more inclusive Canadian democracy.
The 2019/2020 shortlist titles were chosen from a field of 74 submissions. The winner receives $50,000 while each other nominated title receives $7,500.
The 2019/2020 Donner Prize finalists are:
EMPTY PLANET: The Shock of Global Population Decline, by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson (Signal/McClelland & Stewart)
LIVING WITH CHINA: A Middle Power Finds Its Way, by Wendy Dobson (Rotman-UTP Publishing/University of Toronto Press)
THE WEALTH OF FIRST NATIONS, by Thomas Flanagan (Fraser Institute)
BREAKDOWN: The Pipeline Debate and the Threat to Canada’s Future, by Dennis McConaghy (Dundurn Press)
THE TANGLED GARDEN: A Canadian Cultural Manifesto for the Digital Age, by Richard Stursberg with Stephen Armstrong (James Lorimer & Co.)
-30-
Shortlisted authors and Jury Chair David Dodge are available for comment and interview
For further information, please contact:
Sheila Kay
647-391-982
Sheila@naylorandassociates.com
www.donnerbookprize.com
Read Less
Jury and Call for Submissions Announced for $50,000 2019/2020 Donner Prize
TORONTO, September 30, 2019 — Ken Whyte, Chair of the Board of the Donner Canadian Foundation, today announced the official Call for Submissions for the 2019/20 Donner Prize, the award for the best public policy book by a Canadian. “Now in our 22nd year, we at the Donner Prize are proud to continue to shape the discussion about Canadian public policy issues,” says Whyte. “A perusal of past shortlisted and winning titles will show an overview of the significant issues facing Canadians and Canadian policy-makers. It is our hope that authors have their ‘eye on the Prize’ as they explore these issues in their treatises.” The winner of the Donner Prize will receive $50,000, and the other shortlisted titles will each receive $7,500.
Read
Ken Whyte also announced that Elizabeth Cannon, President Emerita and Professor of Geomatics Engineering, University of Calgary, will join the jury this year. The jury, tasked with selecting the shortlist and the eventual winner of the 2019/20 Donner Prize, is chaired by David Dodge, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Chancellor of Queen’s University, and includes Jean-Marie Dufour, Brenda Eaton and Peter Nicholson. “The goal of the Donner Prize is to foster the exchange of ideas and add to current policy discourse, engaging with Canadians on these topics,” says Dodge. “In this spirit, we look forward in anticipation to receiving this year’s submissions.”
The Donner Canadian Foundation, one of Canada’s largest foundations, created the prize to honour the best public policy thinking, writing and research by a Canadian, and the role it plays in determining the well-being of Canadians. The 2018/19 Donner Prize went to Thomas J. Courchene for Indigenous Nationals, Canadian Citizens: From First Contact to Canada 150 and Beyond.
Dr. Courchene commented, “The Donner Canadian Foundation has given academics and practitioners in the policy arena a tremendous gift: a celebration and recognition of our contribution to Canadian public policy. With the greater publicity and wider audience from the awarding of the Donner Prize, it is my hope that my work can contribute to the Canadian political discourse on the future of Indigenous governance in Canada. As an author and as a Canadian, I am deeply grateful to the Donner family and Foundation for the immense contribution they continue to make to the sphere of Canadian public policy research and innovation.”
Warren Mabee, Associate Dean and Director, School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University, said, “We are very pleased to see Tom Courchene honoured as the 2018/19 Donner Prize recipient. This timely work on the Indigenous-Settler dialogue comes at a critical point as Canada struggles to make progress towards reconciliation and a renewed relationship with the First Peoples of this land. Being honoured with the Donner Prize has increased awareness of this work and focuses attention on one of Canada’s most important public policy issues.”
The deadline for submissions for this year’s prize is November 30, 2019, for books published between January 1 and December 31, 2019. The shortlist will be announced in Spring 2020, and the winner will be proclaimed at a gala dinner in Toronto in May 2020. See www.DonnerBookPrize.com for complete rules regarding eligibility and submission procedures.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Sheila Kay
647-391-9829
sheila@naylorandassociates.com
www.donnerbookprize.com
Read
2018/2019 Donner Prize Winner Announced
INDIGENOUS NATIONALS, CANADIAN CITIZENS: From First Contact to Canada 150 and Beyond wins the $50,000 Prize
TORONTO May 1, 2019 – The winner of the 2018/2019 Donner Prize was announced tonight by David Dodge, Chair of the Donner Prize Jury, in Toronto. The awards gala at The Carlu was hosted by broadcaster Amanda Lang.
Thomas J. Courchene was awarded the $50,000 Donner Prize for Indigenous Nationals, Canadian Citizens: From First Contact to Canada 150 and Beyond, published by the Institute of Intergovernmental Relations, School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University. Courchene, Professor Emeritus at Queen’s University, also won the very first Donner Prize in 1998.
Read
In its deliberation, the Donner Prize Jury noted: Indigenous Nationals, Canadian Citizens is a masterful work on one of the most important themes of our country’s public policy history. Courchene lays out the historical, legal, and socio-economic context for Indigenous policy formation in Canada and, drawing on this background, makes a proposal (the Commonwealth of Sovereign Indigenous Nations) to catalyze debate. Courchene’s fresh policy prescription works to reconcile two competing goals: recognizing Indigenous rights and promoting Canadian economic and resource development, while creating a compelling case for significant change.
The other nominated titles, each of which received $7,500, were:
Population Bombed! Exploding the Link Between Overpopulation and Climate Change by Pierre Desrochers and Joanna Szurmak (Global Warming Policy Foundation)
Basic Income for Canadians: The Key to a Healthier, Happier, More Secure Life for All by Evelyn L. Forget (James Lorimer & Company Ltd.)
University Commons Divided: Exploring Debate & Dissent on Campus by Peter MacKinnon (University of Toronto Press)
Excessive Force: Toronto’s Fight to Reform City Policing by Alok Mukherjee with Tim Harper (Douglas & McIntyre)
The winner of the Donner Prize was chosen from an impressive list of 70 submissions by a five-member jury: David A. Dodge, (Jury Chair), Jean-Marie Dufour, Brenda Eaton, Jennifer A. Jeffs and Peter Nicholson.
The Jury Chair commented on this year’s shortlist: “These books reflect issues that are at the heart of public policy debate in Canada, or certainly should be – Indigenous rights, income distribution, population growth, university governance and the civilian oversight of policing. In this age of news bubbles and sensationalist journalism, it’s even more important to encourage and reward the hard work of researching and writing about the policy dilemmas we face as a society.”
The Donner Prize, established in 1998, annually rewards excellence and innovation in Canadian public policy thinking, writing and research. In bestowing this award, the Donner Canadian Foundation seeks to broaden policy debates, increase general awareness of the importance of policy decision making and make an original and meaningful contribution to policy discourse.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Sheila Kay
647-391-9829
sheila@naylorandassociates.com
www.donnerbookprize.com
Read
Donner Prize Announces the 2018/19 Shortlist
TORONTO, April 2, 2019 – Ken Whyte, Chair of the Donner Canadian Foundation, today announced the shortlist for the 2018/2019 Donner Prize, the award recognizing the best public policy book by a Canadian.
“The Donner Prize jury has always selected books that are exceptional works of public policy research, writing and thinking from leading Canadian academics and writers,” said Mr. Whyte. “We are excited about the topics explored in this year’s shortlist. They will undoubtedly provoke debate and elevate the conversation in Canada. Policy affects us all, and books that probe hard questions and suggest guidelines and direction for the future become essential reading. We are fortunate to live in a country that celebrates rigorous thinking, and we honor this with the prestigious Donner Prize.”
Read
David Dodge, Jury Chair, stated that “The jury agreed that, in this age of news bubbles and sensationalist journalism, the purpose of the prize is even more critical – to encourage, and reward, the hard work of researching and writing about the policy dilemmas that we face as a society. Our shortlist reflects issues that are at the heart of public policy debates in Canada, or certainly should be, and that are also faced by many – Indigenous rights, income distribution, population growth, university governance, and the civilian oversight of policing. These books are shining models of the Donner Prize – relevant and important topics of Canadian public policy, based on sound and original research and analysis, and accessible to a general audience.”
The prestigious Donner Prize, founded in 1998, annually rewards excellence and innovation in public policy writing by Canadians. In bestowing this award, the Donner Canadian Foundation seeks to broaden policy debates, and make an original and meaningful contribution to policy discourse, all of which will contribute to an even stronger and more inclusive Canadian democracy.
The 2018/2019 shortlist titles were chosen from a field of 70 submissions. The winner receives $50,000 while each other nominated title receives $7,500. The 2018/2019 Donner Prize finalists are:
Indigenous Nationals, Canadian Citizens: From First Contact to Canada 150 and Beyond by Thomas J. Courchene (Institute of Intergovernmental Relations, Queen’s University)
Population Bombed! Exploding the Link Between Overpopulation and Climate Change by Pierre Desrochers and Joanna Szurmak (Global Warming Policy Foundation)
Basic Income for Canadians: The Key to a Healthier, Happier and More Secure Life for All by Evelyn L. Forget (James Lorimer & Company Ltd.)
University Commons Divided: Exploring Debate & Dissent on Campus by Peter MacKinnon (University of Toronto Press)
Excessive Force: Toronto’s Fight to Reform City Policing by Alok Mukherjee with Tim Harper (Douglas & McIntyre)
The winner of this year’s Donner Prize will be announced at an awards ceremony at the historic Carlu in Toronto on Wednesday May 1, 2019. The ceremony will be hosted by broadcaster Amanda Lang.
-30-
Shortlisted authors and Jury Chair David Dodge are available for comment and interview.
For further information, please contact:
Sheila Kay
647-391-9829
sheila@naylorandassociates.com
www.donnerbookprize.com
Read
JURY AND CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ANNOUNCED FOR $50,000 2018/19 DONNER PRIZE
TORONTO October 10, 2018 – Ken Whyte, Chair of the Board of the Donner Canadian Foundation, today announced the official Call for Submissions for the 21st annual Donner Prize, the award for the best public policy book by a Canadian. “As the Donner Prize enters its 21st year, we are proud to continue to shape the dialogue around Canadian public policy,” says Whyte. “Our previous shortlisted and winning titles have examined the pertinent issues facing Canadians and it is our hope that authors have their ‘eye on the prize’ as they explore these issues in their treatises.” The winner of the Donner Prize will receive $50,000, and the other shortlisted titles will each receive $7,500.
Read
Mr. Whyte announced that Brenda Eaton, former Deputy Minister to the Premier of British Columbia, will join the jury this year. The jury, tasked with selecting the shortlist and the eventual winner of the 2018/19 Donner Prize, is chaired by David Dodge, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Chancellor of Queen’s University, and includes Peter Nicholson, Jean-Marie Dufour and Jennifer Jeffs. “The goal of the Donner Prize is to foster the exchange of ideas and add to current policy discourse, engaging with Canadians on these topics,” says Dodge. “In this spirit, we look forward in anticipation to receiving this year’s submissions.”
The Donner Canadian Foundation, one of Canada’s largest foundations, created the prize to honour the best public policy thinking, writing and research by a Canadian, and the role it plays in determining the well-being of Canadians. The 2017/18 Donner Prize went to Pat Meredith and James L. Darroch for Stumbling Giants: Transforming Canada’s Banks for the Information Age.
“It was a tremendous honour to be among the finalists for the 20th Annual Donner Prize. This was magnified by joining past winners who stimulated such important public policy discussions,” said Meredith and Darroch. Lynn Fisher, Vice-President of University of Toronto Book Publishing, the publishers of Stumbling Giants, said “We’re delighted that Pat Meredith and James L. Darroch’s provocative study of Canada’s banking industry has been selected as the recipient of the 2017/18 Donner Prize. It’s a tremendous honour for Pat and James as well as UTP. Such increased visibility benefits every author, researcher, reader and publisher with an interest in how today’s policy challenges will impact the future of our nation.”
The deadline for submissions for this year’s prize is November 30, 2018. The shortlist will be announced in Spring 2019, and the winner will be proclaimed at a gala dinner in Toronto in May 2019. See www.DonnerBookPrize.com for complete rules regarding eligibility and submission procedures.
For further information, please contact:
Erin Phelan, Communications Manager
Phone: 416-822-8621
erin@naylorandassociates.com
www.donnerbookprize.com
Read
20th ANNIVERSARY DONNER PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCED
STUMBLING GIANTS: Transforming Canada’s Banks for the Information Age wins the $50,000 Prize
TORONTO May 15, 2018 – The winner of the 2017/18 Donner Prize was announced tonight by Ken Whyte, Chair of the Donner Canadian Foundation, in Toronto. The awards gala at The Carlu was hosted by broadcaster Amanda Lang.
Patricia Meredith and James L. Darroch were awarded the $50,000 Donner Prize for Stumbling Giants: Transforming Canada’s Banks for the Information Age published by Rotman-UTP Publishing, an imprint of University of Toronto Press.
Read
Meredith and Darroch outline how Canada’s big six banks survived the 2008 financial crisis by hewing to traditional and tested banking practices, making them a safe harbour at that time. However, as the modern global information economy continues to develop, the banks must confront their innovation crisis, or they will become increasingly irrelevant. In Stumbling Giants, Meredith and Darroch present a new vision for the Canadian banking industry that is a call to action for all interested stakeholders to work together in moving the banking system into the 21st century.In its deliberation, the Jury noted: “In this timely and original book, Meredith and Darroch argue that Canadian banks are ignoring the dramatic and disruptive effects of info-tech changes that are threatening their very existence. The book is a policy manifesto, developing a compelling case for the need for fundamental change from the branch-focused business model of current Canadian banking, to a model that conforms to the habits of the mobile-app era. The authors offer a cohesive set of recommendations to put Canadian banks on track to deal with the challenges and opportunities offered by the fintech age. This book will be of interest to the general reader given this sector’s significance, but it is essential reading for every financial sector manager, board member, and policy maker in Canada.”
The other nominated titles, each of which received $7,500, were:
Charte canadienne et droits linguistiques: Pour en finir avec les mythes by Frédéric Bérard (Les Presses de l’Université de Montréal)
Pushing the Limits: How Schools Can Prepare Our Children Today for the Challenges of Tomorrow by Kelly Gallagher-Mackay and Nancy Steinhauer (Doubleday Canada)
Governing Public-Private Partnerships by Joshua Newman (McGill-Queen’s University Press)
Too Critical to Fail: How Canada Manages Threats to Critical Infrastructureby Kevin Quigley, Ben Bisset and Bryan Mills (McGill-Queen’s University Press)
The winner of the Donner Prize was chosen from an impressive list of 78 submissions by a five-member jury: David A. Dodge (Jury Chair), Eva Busza, Jean-Marie Dufour, Jennifer Jeffs and Peter Nicholson. The Jury Chair commented on this year’s shortlist: “These books are shining exemplars of the Donner Prize – relevant and important topics of Canadian public policy, based on sound and original research and analysis, and accessible to a general audience. They cover the waterfront of issues specific to Canada and faced by most parts of the Western world.”
The Donner Prize, established in 1998, annually rewards excellence and innovation in Canadian public policy thinking, writing and research. In bestowing this award, the Donner Canadian Foundation seeks to broaden policy debates, increase general awareness of the importance of policy decision making and make an original and meaningful contribution to policy discourse.
Patricia Meredith and James L. Darroch, and the shortlisted authors, are available for comment and interview.
For further information, please contact:
Sheila Kay
647-391-9829
sheila@naylorandassociates.com
www.donnerbookprize.com
Read