Writers’ Trust Distinguished Contribution Award
John Macfarlane
Citation
The Writers’ Trust of Canada would not be the organization it is today without John Macfarlane’s wise and focused guidance. He exemplifies the spirit and value of volunteerism. He defines commitment. And, he leads with resolve. He never wavered in his first commitment to writers. He wholeheartedly believed in the excellence of Canada’s literary tradition. He often said the Trust’s goal was to help “make Canada the best place in the world for writers to write.” I believe it was his goal. And, I believe, he is largely responsible for making it happen.
About the Recipient
John Macfarlane is the editor and co-publisher of The Walrus. Previously he held senior positions at Toronto Life, Financial Times, Saturday Night, Weekend, and Maclean’s. He was a co-founder of the publisher Macfarlane Walter & Ross. He is currently chair of the Canadian Journalism Foundation. In 2007, he received the Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement from the National Magazine Awards Foundation. Macfarlane has supported the Writers’ Trust for 20 years. He joined the Writers’ Trust board of directors in 1996 and served for nine years, including a three-year term as chair. During his tenure the Writers’ Trust undertook an ambitious expansion of its programming developing new literary prizes and establishing the Writers’ Trust Awards event, one of the Canada’s largest literary prize-giving nights.
About the Prize
Established in 2005, this prize is presented annually to an individual or an organization in recognition of their long-standing involvement with the Writers' Trust of Canada. The award honours those individuals and organizations which, through their on-going commitment of time, energy, and resources, have given selflessly to shape and further the aims of the Writers' Trust. The winner of this prize is announced annually at the Writers’ Trust Awards event.
