A prize will be awarded to 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 contemporary Canadian political life. The winning work combines compelling new insights with depth of research and significant literary merit. All finalist works will demonstrate a distinctive voice, as well as a persuasive and compelling command of tone, narrative, style, and analysis. The prize particularly values books which provide the general reader with an informed, unique perspective on the practice of Canadian politics, its players, or its principles. The jurors will shortlist between three and five titles. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Publishers should note that the prize is for literary excellence; they should only submit books they deem outstanding in this regard. Books that are strictly hagiography or political advocacy or which fail to illuminate political trends or issues are unlikely to be shortlisted.
• Titles must be published in Canada between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023. Titles that are not yet in final published form by the deadline of January 31, 2023 final deadline may be submitted as ARCs or comb-bound galleys.
• Books must be English-language, first-edition trade books, written by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Previous publication in another country does not disqualify a book.
• Translations from other languages into English are eligible and will be considered in the year in which the English translation is published. In the event of a translation winning the prize, it will be divided as follows: $18,750 to the author, $6,250 to the translator.
• To be eligible, publishing houses must have a professional editorial process independent from the authors whose books are submitted for consideration. They must not charge authors for publishing their works.
• All books must have an ISBN number and be available in Canadian bookstores for some duration between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.
• Titles may be single-authored or co-authored. 

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)