Globe columnists nominated for this year's Donner Prize

The Donner Prize, a prestigious accolade worth $60,000, annually recognizes the most outstanding public policy book written by a Canadian author. This year's nominations reflect a mixture of hope and concern as they tackle pressing issues regarding Canada’s economic stability, immigration strategies, and the overarching influence of technology in governance. The shortlisted titles not only highlight challenges but also provoke thought about possible solutions and reforms in the public policy landscape.

This Year’s Nominations: A Mix of Urgency and Insight

The five titles nominated for the 2022 Donner Prize are a testament to the complex realities facing Canada today. Each book delves into critical themes that resonate with current events, urging readers to confront the challenges head-on:

• The economic risks posed by global trends.
• Immigration indecision affecting labor markets.
• Digital technology's threat to privacy and security.
• Federal policy challenges in addressing these issues effectively.

This year, among the illustrious nominees are two columnists from the Globe and Mail, John Ibbitson and Tony Keller, whose contributions to the discourse on public policy have gained significant recognition.

Exploring the Works of Nominated Authors

Each shortlisted book provides a unique perspective on Canada’s policy landscape, revealing both triumphs and failures in governance:

• Borderline Chaos: How Canada Got Immigration Right, and Then Wrong by Tony Keller examines the evolution of Canada’s immigration system. The book critiques past successes that have since become points of contention and frustration, drawing attention to the need for evidence-based reforms.
• Breaking Point: The New Big Shifts Putting Canada at Risk by John Ibbitson and Darrell Bricker argues that multiple pressures—ranging from housing crises to generational inequalities—are converging to threaten national unity. Their analysis is grounded in a compelling narrative that calls for immediate action.

The Jury Behind the Selection Process

The evaluation of this year's submissions is entrusted to a diverse jury composed of experts from various fields:

• Antonia Maioni, a professor at McGill University.
• Karen Restoule, who serves as the director of Indigenous affairs at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.
• Neil Desai, a corporate executive and former director at YMCA Canada.
• Maureen O’Neil, chair of the board for WaterAid International.
• Brett House, a professor at Columbia Business School.

André Beaulieu, chair of the jury, is the CEO of the Azrieli Foundation. Their combined expertise ensures a rigorous selection process that honors the integrity and depth of public policy literature.

Other Notable Nominations

In addition to the works of Ibbitson and Keller, this year's shortlist features several other significant contributions to the field of public policy:

• 21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government by Bob Joseph discusses dismantling outdated structures to empower Indigenous governance.
• A New Blueprint for Government by Kevin G. Lynch and James R. Mitchell focuses on reshaping the power dynamics within Canadian politics and public service.
• The Age of Extraction by Tim Wu analyzes how technology platforms are reshaping economies and the potential risks involved.

A Legacy of Acclaimed Winners

The Donner Prize has a storied history, celebrating authors who have made significant contributions to public discourse. Previous winners include:

• Thomas Courchene, a two-time recipient known for his impactful analyses on economic policies.
• Michael Byers, recognized for bringing attention to international law and public policy.
• Doug Saunders and Jeffrey Simpson from the Globe, who have both shaped the narrative around Canadian policies through their writing.

Last year, the prize was awarded to a collaborative work titled Seized By Uncertainty, which examined Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the importance of timely and informed policy responses to global crises.

The Importance of Public Policy Literature

Engaging with public policy literature is crucial for understanding the complexities of governance. Books like those nominated for the Donner Prize offer valuable insights into:

• The interplay between economic factors and policy-making.
• Social issues affecting diverse communities.
• The evolving role of technology in governance.

These texts not only inform but also challenge readers to consider their roles as citizens and advocates for change in an increasingly complex world.

Upcoming Events: The Gala Presentation

Mark your calendars for May 14, when the 28th Donner Prize will be awarded at a gala dinner in Toronto. This event promises to be a celebration of intellectual achievement in Canadian public policy literature.

Alongside the $60,000 prize for the winning author, all shortlisted titles will receive recognition, with each of the remaining authors awarded $7,500, either individually or shared among co-authors. The Donner Canadian Foundation continues to support and promote vital discussions surrounding public policy through this award.