Newswise — A book on Canada's Arctic challenges, co-authored by U of S political scientist Greg Poelzer, has won the 2008/09 Donner Prize for best book on Canadian public policy.
Arctic Front: Defending Canada in the Far North, one of 69 submissions, was written by Poelzer and co-authors University of Waterloo Dean of Arts Ken Coates, University of Waterloo historian Whitney Lackenbauer, and University of Northern British Columbia history professor William Morrison. The team will share the $35,000 prize.
"This national recognition reflects the outstanding public policy work on our campus—which often involves research collaborators across Canada—and helps shape both government policy and our high-quality student learning," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon.
Jury chair Grant Reuber said the book deals with a subject of major public importance and interest. "This is a substantial and accessible book that should be widely read by everyone interested in an insightful introduction to this subject," said Reuber in an announcement from the Donner Canadian Foundation.
The book calls on Canadian leaders to take urgent action toward nation-building in the fragile, vital Arctic region. The authors argue that Canadians and successive Canadian governments have been the least pro-active of all the circumpolar countries to establish an Arctic claim to off-shore resources, despite possessing exceptional claims for doing so.
"If Canada fails to capitalize on the human and economic resources of this vast region, we will be forced to defend this area from a position of grave weakness," Poelzer said.
Poelzer teaches political studies and native studies in the College of Arts and Science, served as founding dean of undergraduate studies for the virtual University of the Arctic, and now, as interim director of the new U of S International Centre for Governance and Development, is developing a research program on governance and development issues in the circumpolar North. He is also a member of the new Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.
The Donner Prize rewards excellence and innovation in Canadian public policy writing and aims to inspire lively debate on public policy issues.
For more information visit: http://www.donnerbookprize.com/mdgassociates/en/press2009.htm
To read more about Poelzer's thinking on Arctic sovereignty, visit U of S Explore magazine at: http://www.usask.ca/research/communications/explore/vol2no1/arctic-sovereignty-from-crisis-to-opportunity.php
About U of S: Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal, and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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