5 Canadian books shortlisted for $25K Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing
CBC Books | | Posted: April 6, 2022 3:48 PM | Last Updated: April 6, 2022
Jody Wilson-Raybould's book, Indian in the Cabinet, is among the five shortlisted titles for this year's Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing.
The $25,000 prize is awarded annually for a book of literary nonfiction that captures a political subject of relevance to Canadian readers and has the potential to shape or influence thinking on Canadian political life.
Wilson-Raybould is the former justice minister for Trudeau's Liberal parliament. Indian in the Cabinet is a memoir about her experience working with Trudeau and how her initial optimism about the possibilities of enacting change while in Cabinet shifted to battles over inclusivity.
"In an illuminating, page-turning read, Wilson-Raybould spotlights the ongoing struggle to reconcile two systems and styles of governance," the jury said in a statement. "[Indian in the Cabinet is] a searing account of what happens when a political outsider attempts to find their way in the highly partisan Canadian parliamentary system."
Indian in the Cabinet was a finalist for the 2021 Balsillie Prize for best Canadian public policy book.
LISTEN | Jody Wilson-Raybould on The Current:
The Two Michaels by Mike Blanchfield and Fen Osler Hampson, China Unbound by Joanna Chiu, Flora! by Flora MacDonald and Geoffrey Stevens and The Next Age of Uncertainty by Stephen Poloz have also made the shortlist.
In The Two Michaels, Parliament Hill journalist Blanchfield and international affairs expert Osler Hampson combined original reporting and analysis to tell the story of the two Canadians that were imprisoned in China after the arrest of Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou by Canadian authorities.
"A quick but intense account of the 1,019 days after Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were snatched up by Chinese police, charged with espionage and held captive," said the jury. "Blanchfield and Hampson point to the difficult foreign policy choices Canada faces going forward."
Chui, a senior journalist for the Toronto Star, explores China's determination to become a dominant power in her book, China Unbound. Chiu has spent a decade tracking China's propulsive rise, from their global investment projects to human rights violations against those who challenge the country's power. China Unbound is her first book.
"Joanna Chiu has expertly charted China's efforts to extend its power around the globe," said the jury. "China Unbound is a sweeping portrait of a rising superpower that is essential reading for any follower of Canadian politics."
LISTEN | Joanna Chiu on The Sunday Magazine:
The memoir Flora! recounts MacDonald's journey from childhood to her appointment as Canada's first female minister of foreign affairs. Co-written with Stevens, an award-winning journalist, Flora! is a story about lifelong conviction and the resilience of women.
"A trailblazer in the Progressive Conservative Party, Flora MacDonald navigated the highs and lows of her political career with trademark verve and charm," said the jury. "MacDonald's most celebrated episodes contain an equal helping of caution and wisdom for today's politicians."
In The Next Age of Uncertainty, Poloz, an economist and the former governor of the Bank of Canada, maps out the forces that are shaping our financial future. From technological advances to mounting debt and rising income inequality, Poloz offers up ideas on how to handle these challenges.
"Engaging and infused with humour," said the jury. "Stephen Poloz has crafted a timely and eminently readable examination and explanation of the major issues that will define monetary policy and its impact on Canadians' wallets for years to come."
The shortlist was selected by a jury composed of Ottawa journalist Charelle Evelyn, author and past prize finalist Jacques Poitras and former Conservative Party of Canada deputy leader Hon. Lisa Raitt. The five titles were chosen from 28 books submitted by 19 publishers.
LISTEN | Stephen Poloz on The Sunday Magazine:
Now in its 22nd year, the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize was established in honour of the outspoken and popular Member of Parliament from Windsor, Ont. It is sponsored by CN and supported by the Politics and the Pen gala.
The 2022 winner will be announced on May 17, 2022.
Last year's winner was Ronald J. Deibert for his Massey Lectures on technology, Reset: Reclaiming the Internet for Civil Society.
The prize has been given out annually since 2000.
Other past winners include Kamal Al Solaylee, Beverley McLachlin, Jane Jacobs and Roméo Dallaire.
The Writers' Trust of Canada is an organization that supports Canadian writers through 11 annual national literary awards, fellowships, financial grants, mentorships and more.