Standing Up For Canadian Voices

FRIENDS is calling on Canadians to submit their essays on the topic of media and democracy for the 2024 Dalton Camp Award. This $10,000 prize is presented annually by FRIENDS to encourage and recognize writing on this vital topic.

Submissions are open now!

Please read our Rules and Regulations before submitting your essay.


WHAT: Original, unpublished English works of non-fiction on the link between media and democracy. Essays can be up to 2,000 words and will be judged on both subject matter and strength of written expression.

WHEN: Submissions will be accepted between October 30, 2023 and January 8, 2024 (8pm ET).

WHO: The Dalton Camp Award is open to any Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. You do not need to be a professional journalist or a published writer.

An additional Student Journalism Prize is open to recent graduates or students currently enrolled in journalism, broadcasting, media studies or communications programs at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution. All essays submitted are also eligible for the main prize.

FRIENDS is committed to advancing equity in our work. We respect a diversity of lived experiences, perspectives, abilities and identities and welcome entrants from across genders, ages, sexual orientation and beliefs. We also particularly encourage individuals from Indigenous and equity-seeking communities to enter.

HOW: Submit your essay online. There is no entry fee.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN: The winner of the 2024 Dalton Camp Award will receive a prize of $10,000 plus a medal designed by the late Dore de Pédèry-Hunt, one of Canada’s most distinguished sculptors. The winning essay may also be published by our Media Partner, The Tyee.

The winner of the Student Journalism Prize will receive a prize of $2,500.

WHY DALTON CAMP: FRIENDS launched the award in 2002 to honour the memory of Dalton Camp, a distinguished commentator on Canadian public affairs.

NEED HELP: Email [email protected].

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FRIENDS: Sign up for our email newsletter for updates on the Dalton Camp Award and our work.