Lubrin lands Carol Shields fiction prize
Whitby, Ont.-based author Canisia Lubrin has won the 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction, worth US$150,000 (around $207,000), for her short-story collection Code Noir.
In addition to the cash prize, which awards fiction written by women and non-binary writers in the U.S. and Canada, the St. Lucia-born Lubrin also recieves a five-night stay at the Fogo Island Inn.
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Code Noir is also a finalist for the Writers' Union of Canada's Danuta Gleed Literary Award, a prize awarded to the best short-fiction collection by a Canadian author. The other finalists are Vincent Anioke for Perfect Little Angels, Billy-Ray Belcourt for Coexistence, Shashi Bhat for Death By a Thousand Cuts and Nicola Winstanley for Smoke.
The winner of the $10,000 prize will be announced in early June.
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Winnipeg poet (and Canadian poet laureate) Chimwemwe Undi's debut collection Scientific Marvel has made the long list for two prizes presented by the League of Canadian Poets.
Undi is up for the 2024 Gerald Lampert Award for a debut work of poetry as well as the 2024 Raymond Souster Award for a new book of poetry by a League member. Also up for the Gerald Lampert Memorial Award is Winnipeg's E. McGregor for the collection What Fills Your House Like Smoke.
The short lists will be revealed Wednesday, and the winners of each of the $2,000 prizes announced on May 14. For a complete list of longlisted poets see poets.ca/longlist2025.
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More books prize news: the five finalists for the Writers' Trust of Canada Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing have been announced, with subjects ranging from residential schools to health care to the rise and fall of Justin Trudeau and beyond.
The finalists for the $25,000 prize are: Canada's Prime Ministers and the Shaping of a National Identity by Raymond B. Blake; The Prince: The Turbulent Reign of Justin Trudeau by Stephen Maher; Health for All: A Doctor's Prescription for a Healthier Canada by Jane Philpott; The Adaptable Country: How Canada Can Survive the Twenty-First Century by Alasdair Roberts; and The Knowing by Tanya Talaga. The winner will be announced on Sept. 24.
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A trio of book launches are on tap at McNally Robinson Booksellers' Grant Park location over the next week.
University of Manitoba labour studies and sociology professor David Camfield launches his latest, Red Flags: A Reckoning with Communism for the Future of the Left, tonight at 7 p.m.
Camfield traces the history of communism through the U.S.S.R., China and Cuba through to how today's left is needing to reckon with some uneasy truths if a liberatory alternative to capitalism is to come to be. Camfield will be joined by Andrew Loewen and Tami Gadir.
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Ottawa-born former first lady of Iceland Eliza Reid returns to Manitoba to launch her debut work of fiction, Death on the Island.
Set on the remote Westman Islands off Iceland's mainland, an ambassador's wife must unpack how and why her husband's deputy was poisoned at a dinner party. Reid, who also wrote 2022's Secrets of the Sprakkar, will be joined at Sunday afternoon launch, which gets underway at 2 p.m., by former CBC host Shelagh Rogers. She'll also launch Death on the Island in Gimli at the Unitarian Church (76 2 Ave.) today at 3:30 p.m.
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On Friday, Montreal-based Madeliene Thien launches her new novel The Book of Records at 7 p.m., where she'll be joined in conversation by Jenny Heijun Wills.
Thien's new novel is her first in nine years, following her Governor General's Literary Award-winning novel Do Not Say We Have Nothing. In the sprawling The Book of Records, a teen and her ailing father navigate a building called The Sea, which seems exists outside space and time. As migrants come and go, the teen yearns to learn about her past and how she got to The Sea.
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Poets, sharpen your pencils (if you in fact use pencils): the next edition of the Speaking Crow open-mic event takes place Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Saint Boniface Library (131 Provencher Blvd.); those wishing to read should show up early.
This month's featured poet is Ottawa's Christine McNair.
books@freepress.mb.ca
Ben SigurdsonLiterary editor, drinks writer
Ben Sigurdson is the Free Press's literary editor and drinks writer. He graduated with a master of arts degree in English from the University of Manitoba in 2005, the same year he began writing Uncorked, the weekly Free Press drinks column. He joined the Free Press full time in 2013 as a copy editor before being appointed literary editor in 2014. Read more about Ben.
In addition to providing opinions and analysis on wine and drinks, Ben oversees a team of freelance book reviewers and produces content for the arts and life section, all of which is reviewed by the Free Press's editing team before being posted online or published in print. It's part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
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Cision Canada
9 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Sunwing Vacations, Make-A-Wish® Canada and Planet Hollywood Cancun come together to fulfill the wish of an all inclusive vacation experience for 30 children with critical illnesses Français
First ever Group Wish Trip with three great brands takes flight from Montreal on June 12, with wish kids and their families enjoying a tropical escape to Planet Hollywood Cancun MONTREAL, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - On June 12, Sunwing Vacations, Make-A-Wish Canada, and Planet Hollywood Cancun will come together to make wishes come true for children facing critical illnesses. Thirty children, who wished for a tropical escape, along with their families, will experience an unforgettable getaway at Planet Hollywood Cancun in Mexico, creating joyful memories that will last a lifetime. This special wish trip embodies Make-A-Wish Canada's mission to deliver joy, hope, and much-needed rest to families facing extraordinary challenges. "We're so excited to partner with Sunwing Vacations and Planet Hollywood Cancun to launch this first-of-its-kind group wish trip—an experience made even more special by its focus on serving Quebec-based families and other Canadian francophone communities," said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Canada. "From the gate to the resort and all the way back home, we're confident this experience will bring much-needed strength and healing to these wish kids and their families." Departing from Montreal, Canada, the Wish families will enjoy a special Planet Hollywood-branded charter flight experience, featuring caring, bilingual crew, creating a warm and welcoming journey from start to finish. Upon arrival into Cancun, Mexico, the families will be welcomed by Sunwing's trusted local partner, NexusTours, and transported to Planet Hollywood Cancun in style on upgraded private transfers. With every detail designed for star treatment, this all-inclusive resort was chosen for the sense of joy it offers and what it represents for families looking to reconnect, have fun, and create lasting memories together on the pristine shores of Playa Mujeres. "At Blue Diamond Resorts, we're incredibly proud to be part of something so meaningful. Knowing that our Resort plays a role in creating unforgettable memories for these families is a true honor. Planet Hollywood Cancun was built around the magic of storytelling and once-in-a-lifetime experiences and helping bring dreams to life for so many young guests perfectly reflects that spirit," said Jurgen Stutz, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Distribution for Blue Diamond Resorts. Last year, 72 per cent of the wishes Make-A-Wish Canada granted were travel wishes. This highlights the essential role that partnerships with travel organizations play in making these life-changing experiences possible for every eligible child still waiting for their wish to be granted. Sunwing Vacations generously donated the chartered aircraft to make wish travel possible for these 30 families. "At Sunwing Vacations, we believe in the power of travel to uplift, heal, and connect," said Lyne Chayer, Vice President, Sunwing Vacations Group Quebec. "We are incredibly proud to support this first-ever all-inclusive group Wish Trip to Mexico, helping bring joy and cherished memories to children and families who truly deserve a moment of magic. Partnering with Make-A-Wish Canada and Planet Hollywood Cancun on such a meaningful initiative speaks to our shared values of care, compassion, and community." Wishes wouldn't be possible without the dedication and generosity of the Make-A-Wish Canada community. From individual donors to corporate partners, from volunteers to supporters, everyone has the power to help grant wishes. But more support is needed for Make-A-Wish® Canada to achieve their vision of granting the wish of every eligible child. To learn more about the importance, meaning and excitement behind this group wish trip, view this video featuring Meaghan Stovel McKnight talking about the anticipation of the Wish experience: Together, Make-A-Wish Canada, Sunwing Vacations and Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts are proud to help make wishes come true — and are excited to kick off the summer with smiles. Keep an eye on Sunwing's and Make-A-Wish Canada social media channels for all the fun that will be had with Make-A-Wish Canada at Planet Hollywood Cancun. About Sunwing Vacations As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our trusted partner in destination, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit About Make-A-Wish Canada Make-A-Wish Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world's leading children's wish-granting organization. We serve children in every community in Canada, and in 50 countries worldwide. Make-A-Wish Canada has granted more than 40,000 wishes over the past 40 years with 2,011 of them last year alone. For the second year in a row, Make-A-Wish Canada has been named a Great Place to Work and in 2024 was named to the Top 100 Best Workplaces for Giving Back. For more information about Make-A-Wish Canada, visit Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts bring big-screen excitement to some of the most sought-after locales for an all-inclusive experience, where guests can Vacation Like A Star™. 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The Province
11 hours ago
- The Province
Judge dismisses Justin Baldoni's $400M countersuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
The It Ends With Us co-stars have been in a headline grabbing legal feud since 2024 Justin Baldoni's US$400 million countersuit against Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, was dismissed by a federal judge in New York on Monday. Photo by Cindy Ord / Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Justin Baldoni, the It Ends With Us director/star's US$400 million countersuit against Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, was dismissed by a federal judge in New York on Monday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Judge Lewis J. Liman granted the motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties against Lively and Reynolds, which alleged extortion and defamation, as well as the $250 million defamation lawsuit against the New York Times. 'Today's opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively, along with those that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit, including Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane (Lively's publicist) and The New York Times,' Lively's lawyers said in a statement, according to Variety. 'As we have said from Day 1, this '$400 million' lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it. We look forward to the next round, which is seeking attorneys' fees, treble damages and punitive damages.' Lively had sued Baldoni in Federal Court in late December 2024 for sexual harassment and retaliation, alleging that he and It Ends With Us producers launched a smear campaign against her after she complained about conditions on the film. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Baldoni brought the defamation claim against the New York Times, Lively, Reynolds and Sloane, alleging that they had conspired to destroy his career using false allegations. Reynolds was accused in the suit of defaming Baldoni by calling him a 'sexual predator.' The judge found that Reynolds was relying on Lively's version of events, which he had no reason to doubt. A trial on Lively's complaint against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios is set for March 2026. Both Lively and Baldoni are expected to testify. Read More Vancouver Canucks Sports Local News Sports Vancouver Whitecaps
Global News
11 hours ago
- Global News
Justin Baldoni's $400M lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds dismissed
A judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's US$400-million defamation claim against It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds on Monday after finding that her accusations of sexual harassment were legally protected, making them exempt from libel claims. Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni and production company Wayfarer Studios' lawsuit, which also alleged extortion, but allowed him and his legal team to amend the complaint to change the 'allegations relevant to the claims of tortious interference with contract and breach of implied covenant,' with a deadline of June 23. Liman also ruled that Baldoni's claims that Lively stole creative control of the film didn't count as extortion under California law. 'The Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Lively is responsible for any statements other than the statements in her CRD complaint, which are privileged,' Liman wrote in the opinion and order filing, viewed by People . 'The Wayfarer Parties have alleged that Reynolds and [publicist Leslie] Sloane made additional statements accusing Baldoni of sexual misconduct and that the Times made additional statements accusing the Wayfarer Parties of engaging in a smear campaign. Story continues below advertisement 'But the Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Reynolds, Sloane or the Times would have seriously doubted these statements were true based on the information available to them, as is required for them to be liable for defamation under applicable law. 'The Wayfarer Parties' additional claims also fail. Accordingly, the Amended Complaint must be dismissed in its entirety.' The judge also dismissed Baldoni's defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, which had reported on Lively's sexual harassment allegations. Lively's lawyers called the dismissal 'a total victory and complete vindication for Blake Lively, along with those that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit, including Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane and The New York Times.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'As we have said from day one, this '$400 million' lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it. We look forward to the next round, which is seeking attorneys' fees, treble damages and punitive damages against Baldoni, Sarowitz, Nathan, and the other Wayfarer Parties who perpetrated this abusive litigation,' Lively's lawyers said in a statement. Story continues below advertisement Sigrid McCawley, a lawyer representing Lively's publicist Sloane, said, 'Leslie Sloane has consistently said that she never defamed Baldoni or the Wayfarer Parties and she was wrongfully dragged into this lawsuit because the Wayfarer Parties wanted to actively harm Sloane's reputation.' 'Today's decision by the Court makes clear that Sloane did nothing wrong. Sloane stands fully vindicated, and justice has been served,' McCawley added. Baldoni and his legal team have not released a statement following the dismissal of the suit, which was filed in January. Baldoni's suit was seeking at least $400 million for damages that include lost future income. The lawsuit from Baldoni and production company Wayfarer Studios, which also named Sloane as a defendant, came about two weeks after Lively sued Baldoni and several others tied to the film, alleging harassment and a coordinated campaign to attack her reputation for coming forward about her treatment on the set. That lawsuit came the same day that Baldoni sued the New York Times for libel, alleging the paper worked with Lively to smear him. Baldoni's lawsuit, filed in federal court in New York, said the plaintiffs did not want to file the suit, but that Lively 'has unequivocally left them with no choice, not only to set the record straight in response to Lively's accusations, but also to put the spotlight on the parts of Hollywood that they have dedicated their careers to being the antithesis of.' Story continues below advertisement In late March, Lively asked a judge to dismiss Baldoni's countersuit, calling his claims 'vengeful and rambling,' after she filed the lawsuit against him for sexual harassment and retaliation. Lively's lawyers, Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, wrote in papers filed in Manhattan federal court that Baldoni and his production company's claims that they were defamed were a 'profound abuse of the legal process.' 'The law prohibits weaponizing defamation lawsuits, like this one, to retaliate against individuals who have filed legal claims or have publicly spoken out about sexual harassment and retaliation,' the lawyers said. 'The right to seek legal redress and the right of the press to report on it are sacred principles that are protected by multiple privileges, including the litigation and fair report privileges, which are absolute.' Story continues below advertisement Lively's legal team also referred to Baldoni's lawsuit as part of a 'sinister campaign to bury and destroy' her for speaking out about sexual harassment against him. Her lawyers invoked a California law that protects sexual harassment accusers, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed, in response to defamation lawsuits brought on during the #MeToo movement. Lively's lawyers said the law entitles her to claim legal fees and damages from Baldoni once his suit is thrown out. 'In other words, in an epic self-own, the Wayfarer Parties have created more liability for themselves by their malicious efforts to sue Ms. Lively 'into oblivion,'' the motion states. Lively's lawyers added that the Gossip Girl actor 'suffered greatly' by speaking up about Baldoni's alleged harassment. 'The painful reality is that Ms. Lively is not alone in being sued for defamation after speaking up about being sexually harassed at work,' Lively's lawyers said. 'While Ms. Lively has suffered greatly by speaking up and pursuing legal claims, it is important for other people to know that they have protections and that there is a specific law that expressly protects them from being silenced or financially ruined by a defamation lawsuit because they had the courage to speak up.' Story continues below advertisement Baldoni's lawyers were quick to respond to Lively's first attempt to dismiss his lawsuit against her. 'Ms. Lively's recent motion to dismiss herself from the self-concocted disaster she initiated is one of the most abhorrent examples of abusing our legal system,' Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said in a statement. 'Stringent rules are put into place to protect the innocent and allow individuals to rightfully defend themselves. Laws are not meant to be twisted and curated by privileged elites to fit their own personal agenda.' Freedman said at the time that they would 'continue to hold Ms. Lively accountable for her actions of pure malice, which include falsely accusing my clients of harassment and retaliation.' 'Her fantastical claims will be swiftly debunked as discovery moves forward, easily disproved with actual, evidentiary proof,' Freedman said. Lively and Baldoni's trial is currently set to take place in March 2026. — With files from The Associated Press
