Politics and the Pen Pre-Gala Reception
2026/4/28
On April 28, the Embassy of Japan in Canada, in cooperation with the “Politics and the Pen” Committee, hosted a “Politics and the Pen” pre-gala reception to celebrate the finalists of the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing.On April 28, the Embassy of Japan in Canada, in cooperation with the “Politics and the Pen” Committee, hosted a “Politics and the Pen” pre-gala reception to celebrate the finalists of the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing.
In his opening remarks, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Canada, Hideaki Ishii, stated that “Politics and the Pen” embodies the ideal that freedom of expression and peaceful debate lead to a better future. He went on to say that literary awards, such as the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, are of great importance, and that writing crafted through careful thought and reflection has the power to serve as a guidepost in a chaotic world.
Next, Ms. Maureen Boyd, a member of the “Politics and the Pen” Committee, and Mr. David Leonard, Executive Director of the Writers’ Trust of Canada, expressed their gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in Canada for hosting the reception and offered their congratulations to the finalists.
After that, the five finalists (Mr. Don Gillmor, Ms. Maggie Helwig, Mr. Brian Stewart, Mr. Ira Wells and Ms. Karin Wells) were presented with medals.
Finally, Mr. Hardave Birk, a member of the “Politics and the Pen” Committee, expressed his gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in Canada for its cooperation in hosting this reception, and presented the shortlisted works for the Prize to Chargé d'affaires Ishii.
During the reception that followed, Japanese cuisine prepared by Mr. Hamana, the Embassy of Japan’s chef, was served. The Embassy staff had the opportunity to connect with the participants, making it a meaningful event.
In his opening remarks, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Canada, Hideaki Ishii, stated that “Politics and the Pen” embodies the ideal that freedom of expression and peaceful debate lead to a better future. He went on to say that literary awards, such as the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, are of great importance, and that writing crafted through careful thought and reflection has the power to serve as a guidepost in a chaotic world.
Next, Ms. Maureen Boyd, a member of the “Politics and the Pen” Committee, and Mr. David Leonard, Executive Director of the Writers’ Trust of Canada, expressed their gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in Canada for hosting the reception and offered their congratulations to the finalists.
After that, the five finalists (Mr. Don Gillmor, Ms. Maggie Helwig, Mr. Brian Stewart, Mr. Ira Wells and Ms. Karin Wells) were presented with medals.
Finally, Mr. Hardave Birk, a member of the “Politics and the Pen” Committee, expressed his gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in Canada for its cooperation in hosting this reception, and presented the shortlisted works for the Prize to Chargé d'affaires Ishii.
During the reception that followed, Japanese cuisine prepared by Mr. Hamana, the Embassy of Japan’s chef, was served. The Embassy staff had the opportunity to connect with the participants, making it a meaningful event.
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| Chargé d'affaires Ishii giving opening remarks |
Ms. Maureen Boyd giving remarks |
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| Mr. David Leonard giving remarks |
Finalists receiving medals |
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| Mr. Hardave Birk presenting the shortlisted works to Chargé d'affaires Ishii |
Group photo |
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| Guests after the buffet opened |