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Paul Wells Wins Shaughnessy Cohen Prize For Political Writing

Paul Wells Wins Shaughnessy Cohen Prize For Political Writing

As Senior Columnist for Maclean’s magazine, Paul Wells is one of Canada’s foremost political commentators. Fresh, funny, and authoritative, Wells speaks in both official languages on all of the matters of the day, from Canada’s position in the global economy, to the inside scoop on what’s really happening inside the Parliament buildings. Paul has just won the $25,000 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for political writing for his recent book about Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The prize for The Longer I’m Prime Minister was awarded Wednesday night at the Politics and the Pen gala in Ottawa.

Judges said: “Veteran political columnist Paul Wells has crafted a fast-paced, romping great read about a Prime Minister who is frequently described by the Parliamentary Press Gallery as dull, plodding, and inscrutable. Though viscerally funny and often biting, this book is never partisan or unfair. Impeccably researched, gorgeously written, and deeply insightful, The Longer I’m Prime Minister is an essential read for all political junkies.”

Now in its fourteenth year, the prize is awarded annually for 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 Canadian political life.

The Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing was established in honour of the outspoken and popular Member of Parliament, Elizabeth Shaughnessy Cohen, from Windsor, Ont., who died on Dec. 9, 1998.

The Politics and the Pen gala was established to support the Writers’ Trust, which celebrates Canadian writers.