Do you know someone who has advanced freedom of expression in Canada?
The PEN Canada Ken Filkow Prize is awarded to an individual or group who has advanced freedom of expression in Canada. The right to freedom of opinion and expression is protected under Article 19 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is enshrined as a fundamental freedom in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The winning nominee will receive a $2,000 CAD cash prize.
The prize is named in memory of Kenneth A. Filkow, Q.C., a distinguished Winnipeg lawyer, former chair of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, and a former member of PEN Canada’s Canadian Issues Committee. The prize is funded by Cynthia Wine and Philip Slayton.
Nominees will be adjudicated by an external jury: Matt Redding (Head of Advocacy, IFEX), Kate Malloy (Editor-in-Chief, The Hills Times), and Elise Moser (a Montreal-based author). The award will be presented at an awards ceremony in the fall of 2024.
PAST WINNERS: Franke James, Raihan Abir, Desmond Cole, Justin Brake, Tim Bousquet, Amy Lai, Amber Bracken, and Brandi Morin.
Eligibility
Nominees may be anyone — authors, journalists, public servants, scientists, professors, business people, editors, publishers, organizations and concerned citizens — whose work has advanced freedom of expression in Canada. In the case of individuals, special consideration will be given to those whose actions have demonstrated personal courage that may have involved putting personal interests (career advancement, reputation, ties of family or friendship, etc.) on the line. In the case of organizations, special consideration will be given to those who have acted in a way that could have been damaging to their or their members’ financial or other interests.
Nomination Guidelines
Nominations for this year’s award will be open to the public until midnight on July 14, 2024. All are invited to suggest a name or names of a person or organization that fit the award criteria.
Please provide a brief biography of the nominee (or a link to one online) and a description of what the nominee has done on behalf of freedom of expression in Canada that deserves recognition. Nominations must include specific examples of actions that have advanced freedom of expression in Canada with supporting details and links.
Please complete and submit the nomination form below (or fill the form out here). If you have questions or are experiencing issues submitting your nomination, please contact Theresa Johnson at queries@pencanada.ca.
