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About the Event

Politics and the Pen is a grand celebration of Canadian political and literary cultures.

We look forward to celebrating with you! Politics and the Pen is a highlight of the capital’s social calendar and an important annual fundraising event benefiting Writers’ Trust. The event regularly attracts 500 guests from Canada’s political and literary circles. To date, Politics and the Pen has raised more than $5 million to support Writers’ Trust literary programs.

Held at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Politics and the Pen / la politique et l'écrit is a unique fundraiser bringing together national politicians, talented writers, prominent diplomats, and notable arts and business leaders all in support of Writers’ Trust mandate to advance, nurture, and celebrate Canadian writers and writing. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the $25,000 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, named in honour of the spirited and inspiring parliamentarian and generously supported by CN.

Writers' Trust of Canada extends enormous thanks to Politics and the Pen co-chairs Elizabeth Gray-Smith and Patrick Kennedy, and to committee members Jim Armour, Hardave Birk, Maureen Boyd, Heather Bradley, Dan Mader, and Rob Rosenfeld.

2023 Platinum Sponsors

2023 Video Sponsor

2023 Gold Sponsors

2023 Silver Sponsors

2023 Bronze Sponsors

2023 Politics and the Pen Media Partner