Ibbitson’s Harper biography wins Shaughnessy Cohen Prize

We would like to congratulate John Ibbitson, whose biography of Stephen Harper just won the Writers’ Trust Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing!

Of Stephen Harper, published by McClelland & Stewart, the jury said the following:

“The many ways in which Canada changed during Stephen Harper’s nearly 10 years in power have been well documented. But the man himself has remained a mystery. With impressive access and meticulous research, John Ibbitson writes a remarkable biography that puts us inside Harper’s head during some of the most critical moments of his life, providing the definitive picture to date of one of the most significant Prime Ministers in Canadian history. From his decision to drop out of university to his tumultuous relationship with Reform Leader Preston Manning, from his first date with Laureen to his majority win, Harper is captured magnificently in this gripping read for all Canadians. “