Defend Expression

The Ken Filkow Prize is an annual award which recognizes an individual, group or institution who has advanced freedom of expression in Canada, and shown courage in freeing information and ideas from restraint or interference.

Nominees are adjudicated by a jury, and the winning nominee receives a $2,000 CAD cash prize and recognition at a PEN Canada awards ceremony. 

Since being established in 2014, the prize has beens generously funded by Cynthia Wine and Philip Slayton. Learn more about previous winners and the award’s namesake.

Eligibility

Nominees may be anyone whose work has advanced freedom of expression in Canada. This may include authors, business people, editors, journalists, librarians, scientists, organizations, professors, publishers, public servants, and concerned citizens, among others. 

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.

How to submit a nomination

In the form below (also available here), 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. Nominations must include specific examples of actions that have advanced freedom of expression in Canada with supporting details and links.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday July 2, 2026 at midnight. 

If you have questions or are experiencing issues submitting your nomination, please contact Theresa Johnson at queries@pencanada.ca.