Regina author Raymond B. Blake’s book, “Canada’s Prime Ministers and the Shaping of a National Identity,” has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. This year, in celebration of the award’s 25th anniversary, the prize money has been increased from $25,000 to $40,000.
The Shaughnessy Cohen Prize recognizes outstanding literary nonfiction works that delve into political themes relevant to Canadian readers and the country’s political landscape. Selected from a pool of 34 entries, the winning book examines the leadership spanning from the mid-1940s to Stephen Harper’s tenure, highlighting how these leaders, regardless of political leanings, aimed to foster unity, inclusivity, and define Canada’s global position.
The jury panel for this year’s award comprised Jennifer Ditchburn, Sara Mojtehedzadeh, and Christopher Waddell. In a statement, the jury pondered the essence of Canadian identity as depicted by prime ministers and commended Blake’s timely and insightful analysis of post-war prime ministerial narratives.
Raymond B. Blake, a well-established author and editor with over 20 published works, hails from Regina. His previous co-authored book, “Where Once They Stood: Newfoundland’s Rocky Road Towards Confederation,” received accolades such as the Pierre Savard Award. Blake, a history professor at the University of Regina and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, brings a wealth of expertise to his writing.
Established in memory of Shaughnessy Cohen, a prominent Member of Parliament from Windsor, Ont., the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize is sponsored by CN and backed by the Politics and the Pen gala. As part of this year’s celebrations, shortlisted authors also received an increased award of $5,000. Their works are accessible through the Centre for Equitable Library Access.
The Shaughnessy Cohen Prize has a history of honoring remarkable authors, including past winners like John Vaillant, Kamal Al Solaylee, Beverley McLachlin, Jane Jacobs, and Roméo Dallaire. The Writers’ Trust of Canada, a key supporter of Canadian writers, offers various literary awards, fellowships, grants, and mentorship opportunities to nurture the country’s literary talent.
