Clio Health Names Klick Health 'Independent Agency of the Year' for Third Consecutive Year
Article content
Agency also wins 25 Clios after receiving three prestigious D&AD Awards and making history at The One Show in May
Article content
NEW YORK & TORONTO — Klick Health was celebrated by the Clio Health Awards last night as 'Independent Agency of the Year' for the third straight year. Klick also took home 25 trophies for its work, including five Gold, nine Silver, and 11 Bronze, and Executive Creative Director Jillian Baum was honored as a 2025 Clio Health Champion. Today's news comes on the heels of Klick taking home three D&AD Awards and making history as the first health agency ever to be named an Agency of the Year by The One Show.
Article content
'We are humbled to receive this three-peat Independent Agency of the Year and so many Clio Health Awards,' said Klick Health Chief Creative Officer Rich Levy. 'We are also grateful to see our work continuing to be recognized by the world's leading creative and advertising juries, and credit our team with always thinking outside of the box to create purpose-driven campaigns that impact people's lives for the better.'
'Klick Health continues to raise the bar with creative that not only captures attention but genuinely moves people,' said Emily Seal, Executive Director, Clio Health. 'Their winning work this year, from the emotional resonance of Love Captured and Forget Everything, to the cultural ingenuity of The Trial, reflects a deep commitment to storytelling that drives meaningful impact.'
Article content
'
Article content
The Trial
Article content
' explores the haunting reality of abortion bans by drawing chilling parallels between the 17th-century Salem witch hunts and today's political attacks on reproductive rights. Created for All* In Action Fund, and produced in collaboration with Taking Over and Golden Hum, the short film was awarded one Gold, seven Silver, and six Bronze Clios.
Article content
The experiential, dual-screen short film ' Love Captured ' helps people spot the hidden signs of human trafficking. Told in parallel narratives, the film seems to center on a romantic escape, only to reveal synchronized hidden-camera footage and a chilling portrayal of manipulation and control. Klick partnered with Magma and Jamute on the campaign for global anti-trafficking organization The Exodus Road, which won two Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze Clios.
Article content
'The Steamboat Willie Story' puts the spotlight on the world's most famous 96-year-old (and recently retired) spokesmouse to help Brazilian non-profit Retiro dos Artistas retirement home and their retired actor and artist residents. Klick partnered with Lightfarm Studios and Jamute on the film, which was lauded with two Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze Clio.
Article content
For Dementia South Africa, Klick created 'Forget Everything,' an out-of-home campaign that challenges the common assumption that dementia only affects the elderly. The powerful poster series, shot by renowned photographer Ale Burset, brings more visibility to young onset dementia and took home two Bronze Clios.
Article content
Klick's full list of Clio Health Awards
Article content
INDEPENDENT AGENCY OF THE YEAR
CLIO HEALTH CHAMPION: Jilian Baum
GOLD: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Digital / Mobile & Social Media Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Copywriting
GOLD: Love Captured – The Exodus Road – Digital / Mobile & Social Media Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – User Interface – UI
GOLD: Love Captured – The Exodus Road – Digital / Mobile & Social Media Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – User Experience – UX
GOLD: Steamboat Willie – Retiro dos Artistas – Design Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Animation
GOLD: Steamboat Willie – Retiro dos Artistas – Design Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Art Direction
SILVER: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Public Relations (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Public Affairs & Policy
SILVER: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Film (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – 61 Seconds to Five Minutes
SILVER: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Direct (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Film
SILVER: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Creative Use of Data (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Visualization
SILVER: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Creative Strategy (Health Awareness & Advocacy)
SILVER: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Branded Entertainment & Content (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Film – Scripted
SILVER: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Health Equity (Health Awareness & Advocacy)
SILVER: Love Captured – The Exodus Road – Digital / Mobile (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Microsite
SILVER: Steamboat Willie – Retiro dos Artistas – Design Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Image Creation
BRONZE: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Social Media (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Social Video
BRONZE: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Social Media (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Use of Talent/Influencers
BRONZE: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Integrated (Health Awareness & Advocacy)
BRONZE: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Film Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Copywriting
BRONZE: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Film Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Cinematography
BRONZE: The Trial – All* In Action Fund – Direct (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Social Media
BRONZE: Forget Everything (Fan) – Dementia SA – Print & Out of Home Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Photography
BRONZE: Forget Everything (Home) – Dementia SA – Print & Out of Home Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Photography
BRONZE: Love Captured – The Exodus Road – Experience / Activation (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Digital / Mobile & Social Media
BRONZE: Love Captured – The Exodus Road – Creative Use of Media (Health Awareness & Advocacy)
BRONZE: Steamboat Willie – Retiro dos Artistas – Film Craft (Health Awareness & Advocacy) – Animation
Article content
About Klick Health
Article content
Klick Health
Article content
is the world's largest independent commercialization partner for life sciences, focused on hacking the boundaries of health by developing, launching, and supporting life sciences brands to achieve their full potential. The agency provides best-in-class marketing and advertising, media strategy and purchasing, medical affairs and medical communications, value and market access services, as well as enterprise omnichannel enablement among its specialized offerings. Klick's client service is rooted in deep medical and scientific understanding, enabled by nearly 250 post-graduate, in-house medical experts; unrivaled decision sciences capabilities; and innovative, results-driven creative.
Article content
One of the most-awarded advertising agencies on the planet, Klick was named 2024 Clio Health Independent Agency of the Year, London International Awards Global (and Regional) Independent Health & Pharma Agency of the Year, as well as Cannes Lions #2 Healthcare Agency and #2 Healthcare Network for the second year running. Cannes Lions also recognized Klick as the 2024 #3 Independent Agency of the Year. In 2024, Klick won over 140 top creative honors, including the coveted Cannes Lions Innovation Grand Prix, and eight agency distinctions from the most respected advertising awards shows. Klick has also been ranked a Best Managed Company, Great Place to Work, Best Workplace for Women, Best Workplace for Inclusion, Best Workplace for Professional Services, Most Admired Corporate Culture, and a FORTUNE Best Workplace in Advertising.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Contacts
Article content
Article content
Article content
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Post
33 minutes ago
- National Post
Wayne Gretzky, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in attendance as Oilers beat Panthers in Game 4
There was bad blood at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. Article content Not just on the ice. Article content Pop superstar Taylor Swift and boyfriend Travis Kelce were among the celebrities that flocked to Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday to watch Game 4 of the final — with the 'Bad Blood' singer seen holding hands with Kelce as they headed to their seats. Article content Article content Article content And they were in attendance for a thrilling game. Edmonton came from down three goals in the first period to win it 5-4 in overtime, tying the series 2-2. Article content Kelce, a Super Bowl-winning tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is a known hockey fan along with his brother Jason Kelce. And ever since Swift and Kelce began their high-profile romance in 2023, the 14-time Grammy Award winning singer has been known to pop in on big sporting events — including the last two Super Bowls — and cause an excited frenzy for fans. Article content There were rumblings ahead of Thursday's game that the couple might attend the final. Article content A helicopter landed near Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, ahead of the game. The VIP entrance to the area was also closed off and the media elevator was not available to be used for a period of time before pregame warmups began. Article content Article content The pair was shown on the television broadcast during the first period of the game. Article content Swift recently announced that she regained control over her entire body of work. In a lengthy note posted to her official website, Swift said that all the music she's ever made now belongs to her after she has purchased her catalog of recordings — originally released through Big Machine Records — from their most recent owner, the private equity firm Shamrock Capital. Article content Article content Other celebs in attendance included former Miami Dolphins star defensive end Jason Taylor, who banged the drum before the game, and hockey great Jaromir Jagr. Miami Heat captain Bam Adebayo was joined by former Heat captain Udonis Haslem on the drum on Monday. Article content Article content
National Post
an hour ago
- National Post
Cybin Provides Corporate Update and Highlights Positive Regulatory Signals for Psychedelic Therapeutics
Article content Article content – Patient dosing is underway in the Phase 3 CYB003 PARADIGM program in Major Depressive Disorder ('MDD') with expected combined enrollment of approximately 550 participants across three studies (APPROACH™, EMBRACE™, and EXTEND) – Article content Article content – Partnerships with Osmind and Thermo Fisher Scientific strengthen the Company's commercialization and manufacturing capabilities – Article content – Positive regulatory signals from U.S. Agencies amid expanding media coverage could expedite regulatory pathways across Cybin's clinical-stage pipeline – Article content TORONTO — Cybin Inc. (NYSE American:CYBN) (Cboe Canada CA:CYBN) (' Cybin ' or the ' Company '), a clinical-stage breakthrough neuropsychiatry company committed to revolutionizing mental healthcare by developing new and innovative next-generation treatment options, today provided a corporate update. Article content 'It is especially gratifying that at a time when we are advancing our clinical pipeline programs, with our lead program CYB003 in Phase 3 development, the path toward approval and eventual commercialization of psychedelic therapeutics is gaining clarity,' said Doug Drysdale, Chief Executive Officer of Cybin. 'With our expanded intellectual property portfolio, and a number of key partnerships in place, we believe our rigorous research and novel clinical approach can lead to a transformation in how mental health disorders are treated. Now is the time to address the mental health crisis, and we are encouraged by recent sentiment in favor of expediting the regulatory review process for product candidates in development.' Article content Continued to expand its strategic clinical site partnership ('SPA') program in support of the Phase 3 PARADIGM program. The SPA program is designed to facilitate collaboration among sites, enhance efficiency in trial operations, and improve overall site performance. Partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific, a world-class manufacturing partner, to provide U.S.-based manufacturing for the CYB003 program. Cybin broadened its existing strong relationship with Thermo Fisher Scientific to include the development of both the drug substance and drug product capsules for CYB003. Partnered with Osmind, a leading service provider to psychiatry practices in the U.S., with the objective of accelerating commercial preparation for clinical-stage pipeline. Osmind advances psychiatry through technology and services to bring innovative mental health treatments to patients in need. Cybin will leverage Osmind's 800-clinic network, point-of-care software, and real-world data to support commercial preparation for its clinical-stage pipeline. Continued to expand intellectual property portfolio with two additional U.S. patents supporting lead programs CYB003 and CYB004, bringing the total to over 90 granted patents and over 230 pending applications. The recently issued patents are as follows: U.S. patent 12,291,499 includes pharmaceutical compositions and oral dosage forms within the CYB003 program with expected exclusivity until 2041. U.S. patent 12,318,477 is expected to provide exclusivity until 2040 and includes claims to novel formulations of DMT and deuterated isotopologues for intramuscular ('IM') injection, including CYB004. Article content Positive Regulatory Signals and Evolving Acceptance of Potential Therapeutic Value of Psychedelics Article content Recent statements and hiring decisions by senior U.S. Health and Human Services ('HHS') and FDA officials, in addition to ongoing signs of bipartisan congressional support, suggest an improved forward regulatory environment for psychedelic medicine and therapies, including the potential for accelerated approval pathways. Article content The Company believes that these developments, together with increased political recognition and public understanding of the science underpinning these programs, have the potential to expedite regulatory pathways and reduce overall risk across its clinical portfolio. Highlights include: Article content In a recent interview, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary stated that psychedelic-drug review is a 'top priority' and promised an 'expeditious and rapid review' of clinical data. 1 Article content Drug-policy lawyer, Matthew Zorn, has joined HHS as Deputy General Counsel to work on psychedelics policy. He previously challenged the government on matters such as allowing research on cannabis for veterans with PTSD, preventing tryptamines from being scheduled, and fighting for patient access to psilocybin under Right to Try laws. 2 Article content Navy-SEAL-turned-Congressman Morgan Luttrell recently urged the GOP to 'embrace' compounds such as psilocybin, MDMA and ibogaine to help veterans with PTSD. 3 Article content President Trump's new pick for surgeon general, Dr. Casey Means, wrote in a recent book that people should consider guided-psychedelic therapy. 4 Article content On June 19, 2025, Doug Drysdale will speak in a panel discussion focused on the regulatory landscape and next steps for potential commercialization, at the Psychedelic Science 2025 Conference taking place June 16-20, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. The panel details are as follows: Article content Panel Title: Article content Date and Time: Article content About Cybin Article content Cybin is a late-stage breakthrough neuropsychiatry company committed to revolutionizing mental healthcare by developing new and innovative next-generation treatment options to address the large unmet need for people who suffer from mental health conditions. Article content With promising proof-of-concept data, Cybin is working to change the mental health treatment landscape through the introduction of intermittent treatments that provide long lasting results. The Company is currently developing CYB003, a proprietary deuterated psilocin analog, in Phase 3 studies for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder and CYB004, a proprietary deuterated N, N-dimethyltryptamine molecule in a Phase 2 study for generalized anxiety disorder. The Company also has a research pipeline of investigational, 5-HT-receptor focused compounds. Article content Founded in 2019, Cybin is operational in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Ireland. For Company updates and to learn more about Cybin, visit or follow the team on X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. Sources Article content NewsNation, 'FDA Commissioner Says Research on Psychedelic Treatment 'Top Priority',' interview with FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, video posted May 16, 2025, (accessed June 9, 2025). Politico, 'A Psychedelics Hire at HHS,' newsletter article, published May 28 2025, (accessed June 9 2025). The Wall Street Journal, 'Lawmaker 'Reborn' Through Psychedelic Therapy Wants the GOP to Embrace It,' news article, published May 17 2025, (accessed June 9 2025). The Associated Press, 'Trump Surgeon General Pick Praised Unproven Psychedelic Therapy, Said Mushrooms Helped Her Find Love,' news article, published May 14 2025, (accessed June 9 2025). Fox News. 'Trump Administration Exploring Potential Benefits of Psychedelic Treatments.' America's Newsroom, correspondent Alexandria Hoff, broadcast June 5 2025. Video clip, 1:58. Article content Certain statements in this news release relating to the Company are forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, 'forward-looking statements') and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as 'may', 'should', 'could', 'potential', 'possible', 'intend', 'estimate', 'plan', 'anticipate', 'expect', 'believe' or 'continue', or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Company's plans to enroll participants and add additional clinical sites for the PARADIGM program; regulatory statements that suggest an expedited regulatory pathway for Cybin programs; the anticipated approval and commercialization of CYB003 and CYB004; the ability to accelerate commercial preparation of clinical-stage programs through the Company's partnership with Osmind; and the Company's plans to engineer proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens for mental health conditions. Article content These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the psychedelics market; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for growth; political, social and environmental uncertainties; employee relations; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions in the markets where the Company operates; implications of disease outbreaks on the Company's operations; and the risk factors set out in each of the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2024 and the Company's annual information form for the year ended March 31, 2024, which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. Article content Cybin makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about Cybin's proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding psilocin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Rigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. If Cybin cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on Cybin's performance and operations. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Investor & Media: Article content Article content Gabriel Fahel Article content Article content Chief Legal Officer Article content Article content Cybin Inc. Article content Article content Article content Article content
CBC
2 hours ago
- CBC
24 Canadian books that represent fatherhood for Father's Day 2025
This Father's Day (June 15), check out 24 Canadian books of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and more that share the stories of fathers and father-like figures. The Loom by Andy Weaver The Loom is a collection of lyric poems about the author's experiences after becoming a father of two young boys at age 42. Andy Weaver's life now is filled with restlessness, noise and stickiness that come with two small children — and so this book reflects on his unique journey to parenthood with humour and hard truths. Weaver's poetry collections include Were the Bees, Gangson and This. Weaver is an associate professor of creative writing, contemporary poetry, and poetics at York University in Toronto. Dear Da-Lê by Anh Duong Written for his daughter, Anh Duong tells his previously untold story as a child during the Vietnam War and a refugee in Iran in the late 1970s. Compelled by his daughter's involvement in student protests, in Dear Da-Lê, he decides that it's finally time to share his journey to ending up in Canada in 1980. Duong is a Calgary-based writer. He was born in Thua-Thien Hue, Vietnam and moved to Iran in the 1970s. He worked for years as an engineer in the petroleum industry after his 1980 arrival to Canada. Invisible Prisons by Lisa Moore and Jack Whalen In Invisible Prisons, told through the prose of author Lisa Moore, Jack Whalen shares the violence and abuse he experienced as a child at a St. John's boarding school for four years. Despite the pain he endured, he found love and satisfaction as a husband and father. After hearing about what happened to him, his daughter promised to become a lawyer to help him seek justice — and that's just what she did. Now, Whalen's case is part of a lawsuit that is before the courts. Moore is a Newfoundland-based writer. Her books include February, which won Canada Reads 2013 when it was defended by Trent McClellan; Caught, which was a finalist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2013 and was made into a miniseries for CBC television; the YA novel Flannery and the short story collection Something for Everyone, which was on the longlist for the 2018 Scotiabank Giller Prize. Mandeep's Cloudy Days is a picture book about a young girl who is deeply missing her father, who has to be away from their home during the week for his job as a truck driver. Mandeep and her dad love spending time together, performing Bhangra shows and having cha parties. When he's not around Mandeep finds it difficult to be happy. Mandeep's Cloudy Days explores the complex emotions of being separated from the people we love and how we can find moments of happiness and light amongst the more difficult times. Mandeep's Cloudy Days is for ages 4-7. Kuljinder Kaur Brar is a writer and an elementary school teacher. Her first picture book, My Name Is Saajin Singh, was selected for the first edition of CBC Kids Reads. She is based in Abbotsford, B.C. Samrath Kaur is a queer, American-born Punjabi illustrator based in Boston, MA. She illustrated the picture book My Name Is Saajin Singh, written by Kuljinder Kaur Brar. Favourite Daughter by Morgan Dick In Favourite Daughter, when Mickey's estranged father dies, she's left a considerable fortune. There's a stipulation, however: Mickey must attend therapy sessions before she can access the money. Things get complicated when it's revealed that her new therapist is a sister who she's never met — and the two begin sessions without knowing they share a father. Morgan Dick is a writer from Calgary. Her short fiction has appeared in Grain, Geist, CAROUSEL, Cloud Lake Literary, The Prairie Journal, Vagabond City Lit and The Humber Literary Review. How to Share an Egg by Bonny Reichert When Toronto-based journalist Bonny Reichert turned 40, she quit her job and enrolled in culinary school — a life-changing decision that pushed her to explore her relationship with food in writing. This exploration, along with a critical bowl of borscht in Warsaw, led Reichert to writing the memoir, How to Share an Egg, which dives into how food shapes her history as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and shares her dad's story of survival. Bonny Reichert is a journalist and chef based in Toronto. She was formerly an editor at Today's Parent and Chatelaine and has written for The Globe and Mail. She won a National Magazine Award and was on the longlist for the 2020 CBC Short Story Prize. She teaches writing at the University of Toronto. In The Book of Records, Lina grows up in "The Sea," a building that serves as a home for migrants from all over the world, while caring for her sick father. She forms friendships with her fascinating neighbours, including a Jewish scholar exiled for his radical views and a poet from the Tang Dynasty, whose stories captivate her. However, her seemingly perfect life takes a startling turn when her father reveals the true reason they came to live at "The Sea." Madeleine Thien is a short story writer and novelist. She is the author of the novel Do Not Say We Have Nothing, which won the Scotiabank Giller Prize and the Governor General's Award in 2016 and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Thien's debut novel, Certainty, published in 2006, won the Amazon First Novel Award and was a Globe and Mail Best Book. Thien is also the author of Dogs at the Perimeter, which was a Globe and Mail Best Book, and the children's book The Chinese Violin. Her first work of fiction, Simple Recipes, won four awards in Canada and was a finalist for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize. No Jews Live Here explores John Lorinc's Hungarian Jewish family history during the Holocaust, the 1956 Revolution and eventual move to Toronto. It follows Lorinc's grandmother, grandfather and father's experiences with the Nazis. No Jews Live Here uses historical insight and human stories to chart one family's trajectory across cities and cultures. Lorinc is an editor and journalist living in Toronto. His work has appeared in publications including the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, and the Walrus. His books include Dream States: Smart Cities, Technology, and the Pursuit of Urban Utopias and The New City. Lorinc received the 2019/2020 Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy and the 2022 Balsillie Prize for Public Policy. For the Love of a Son by Scott Oake For the Love of a Son is a memoir that explores a father's unconditional love for a son struggling with drugs, addiction and violence. When Canadian broadcaster Scott Oake first held his infant son, Bruce, in his arms, he never imagined that Bruce would become a statistic in the losing battle to opioid abuse. Oake explores the life of his late son and the lasting impact of loving and supporting someone battling substance use disorder. Oake is a sportscaster for CBC Sports, Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada. He is on the Roll of Honour of the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association and appointed a Member of the Order of Manitoba and the Order of Canada. Originally from Sydney, Nova Scotia, Oake started his broadcasting career at Memorial University's campus radio station before spending five decades with CBC. The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman by Niko Stratis The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman is a memoir-in-essays that explores how a love of "dad rock" music helped Niko Stratis come to a better understanding of life, love and the world around them. Stratis was a closeted 20-something trans woman working in her dad's glass shop in the Yukon Territory during the time when "dad rock" bands like Wilco, Radiohead and The National were regular fixtures on the radio and in rock culture circles. The incisive essays in the book examine how Stratis discovered a sense of queer and trans identity and belonging by way of listening to "emotionally available" artists such as Neko Case and Sharon Van Etten within this subgenre. Stratis is a Canadian writer, author and critic from Toronto by way of the Yukon. Her writing has appeared in publications like Catapult, Spin and Paste. Murray Sinclair made his mark on Canadian society as a judge, activist, senator, the chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the co-chair of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry — and he wrote all about it in his memoir Who We Are. The book answers the four guiding questions of Sinclair's life — Where do I come from? Where am I going? Why am I here? Who am I? — through stories about his remarkable career and trailblazing advocacy for Indigenous peoples' rights and freedoms. Initially written as letters to his granddaughter and a collaboration between father and son, Who We Are shares wisdom from generation to generation. Murray Sinclair was a former judge and senator. He died in November, at age 73. Anishinaabe and a member of the Peguis First Nation, Sinclair was the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba and the second appointed in Canada. He served as Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry in Manitoba and as Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He has won awards including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award, the Manitoba Bar Association's Equality Award and its Distinguished Service Award (2016) and has received Honorary Doctorates from 14 Canadian universities. Sara Sinclair is an oral historian of Cree-Ojibwa and mixed settler descent. She teaches at Columbia University and is currently co-editing two anthologies of Indigenous letters. Niigaan Sinclair is a writer, editor, activist and the head of the Department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba. He is the co-editor of Manitowapow: Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water and Centering Anishinaabeg Studies: Understanding the World Through Stories. He won the Peace Educator of the Year award in 2019. He is also the author of the book Wînipêk. Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint? by Tyna Legault Taylor, illustrated by Michelle Dao Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint? is a new picture book where a father teaches his son about traditional food harvesting. When the weather is warm, Joshua and his father love to gather mint together from the shores of Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek in northeastern Ontario. The book also features a glossary and pronunciation guide for the Omushkegomowin (Swampy Cree language) and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) words featured in the story. Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint? is for ages 5 to 8. Tyna Legault Taylor is a member of Attawapiskat First Nation located on the Traditional Territory of the Omushkego James Bay Cree of Treaty 9 in Northern Ontario. She lives in Thunder Bay, Ont. Michelle Dao is an Ontario-based Vietnamese Canadian illustrator, with a background in animation. The Saltbox Olive by Angela Antle Through a series of connected stories spanning past and present, The Saltbox Olive tells the untold story of Newfoundland soldiers in Italy during World War II. The novel begins with Caroline Fisher's quest to figure out why her grandfather burned his brother's wartime letters. Angela Antle is a writer, artist, journalist and documentary filmmaker from St. John's, N.L. Her work has appeared in Riddle Fence and Newfoundland Quarterly, among others. She wrote and directed Gander's Ripple Effect: How a Small Town's Kindness Opened on Broadway, and wrote the documentary Atlantic: What Lies Beneath, which won best documentary awards at the Dublin, Wexford, Nickel and Chagrin Film Festivals. She is currently an interdisciplinary PhD candidate at Memorial University and a member of Norway's Empowered Futures Energy School. Unravel by Tolu Oloruntoba In the poetry collection Unravel, Nigerian Canadian poet Tolu Oloruntoba reflects on themes of identity, belonging and agency by way of poems that fundamentally delve into what it means to be human in today's world. The poems in this collection explore his Nigerian heritage, what it means to be Canadian immigrant, and his experience as a new father. Tolu Oloruntoba is a writer from Nigeria who now lives in Alberta. His first full-length poetry collection, The Junta of Happenstance, won the 2021 Governor General's Literary Award for poetry. He is the founder of the literary magazine Klorofyl and author of the chapbook Manubrium, which was shortlisted for the 2020 bpNichol Chapbook Award. Horsefly is a chilling tale that explores the dangerous consequences of human attempts to manipulate nature. In 1942, Thomas, a young entomologist, was sent to a remote island to work on a secret wartime project involving horseflies as biological weapons. Eight decades later, in 2025, a man turns to his grandfather, whose dementia keeps him trapped in the past, for help in understanding the experiments, because when a swarm of horseflies is unleashed during a heat wave, people are driven into a violent frenzy. 71 Canadian fiction books to read in spring 2025 Mireille Gagné is an author based in Quebec City. She has written books of poetry, short stories and the novel Le lièvre d'Amérique. Pablo Strauss has translated several works of fiction, graphic novels and one screenplay. He was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for translation for The Country Will Bring Us No Peace, Synapses and The Longest Year. His translation of Le plongeur by Stephane Larue (The Dishwasher in English) won the 2020 Amazon First Novel Award. Most recently, he translated Eric Chacour's What I Know About You, which was on the shortlist for the 2024 Giller Prize and the 2024 Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. He lives in Quebec City. Astronautical! by Brooklin Stormie A century after planet Zephyr mysteriously exploded, its people now live on floating chunks of the world. Brothers Max and Lari travel the galaxy with their dad, Captain Cherryhair, delivering goods — until their father is kidnapped by the villainous Cynosure, the Planet Breaker. With the help of some starry ferryboat captains, the brothers set off on a daring rescue mission in Astronautical!. But when Max is injured by a black hole, Lari must step up and take charge for the first time. Can he uncover the secret of Zephyr's destruction, defeat Cynosure and save both his brother, father and their people? Astronautical! is for ages 8-12. Brooklin Stormie is an artist and illustrator from Peterborough, Ont. Dear Dad by Laura Best Ever since Sam's dad was diagnosed with ALS three years ago, going about his regular life as a 14-year-old boy has been next to impossible. In Dear Dad, a young adult novel about a father seeking medical assistance in dying, or MAID, Sam is struggling to be supportive of his father's choice. Exploring the complex and emotional experiences of disability, death and fatherhood, Dear Dad follows Sam as he searches for his way back home. Laura Best is a Nova Scotia-based writer of books for young people and adults. Her other novels include the 2018 Silver Birch Award winner Cammie Takes Flight and her adult book Good Mothers Don't. An Unbalanced Force by Valerie Sherrard An Unbalanced Force follows Ethan Granger, a teenager who's lived a life of wealth and privilege due to his father's mysterious business. After his dad slips up on a work detail, Ethan begins to worry that his dad is lying about the true and nefarious dealings of his job. So, he hires a private eye and sneakily follows his father in a thrilling adventure to reveal well-kept family secrets. Valerie Sherrard is a writer of books for children and teens born in Saskatchewan. She is the author of over 30 books, including Birdspell and Standing on Neptune, a novel written in verse. Sherrard is currently based in Miramichi, New Brunswick. Line Drive to Love by Angel Jendrick Line Drive to Love is a queer coming-of-age novel about a talented softball player stuck between her passion for the sport and a budding romance with a fellow player. Rory wants to be the best pitcher there is but with her father's ALS diagnosis as well as trying to date the charming Shanti she starts to feel overwhelmed. From softball to family to summer romance, can Rory step up to everything on her plate? Angel Jendrick is a writer of romance and poetry currently based in P.E.I. She is also the author of Secret Me. The Sky Above by Marty Gervais The Sky Above is a selection of poems from the perspective of a writer who crafts a story in many forms, be it journalism, photography or poetry. Canadian poet Marty Gervais's book tells everyday stories of being a father, weathering storms and occasionally talking to people like Mother Teresa in a Detroit church basement. Gervais is an Ontario journalist, poet, playwright, historian, photographer and editor. In 2018, he was nominated as the City of Windsor's Poet Laureate Emeritus. He is founder of Black Moss Press, one of Canada's oldest literary publishing firms, and is managing editor of The Windsor Review. This Report is Strictly Confidential is a poetic memoir of writer Elizabeth Ruth's inner life and family dynamics. Within four sections the poet details the life of her aunt who lived in a government residential hospital and reflects on a father she never met. Through the irony and intimacy of the poet's life, secrets come forward and leave lasting effects. Elizabeth Ruth is an author, poet and professor living in Toronto. She is also the author of the novels Semi-Detached, Ten Good Seconds of Silence, Smoke and Matadora. This Report Is Strictly Confidential is her debut poetry collection. Grampy's Chair by Rebecca Thomas, illustrated by Coco A. Lynge The heartwarming picture book, Grampy's Chair, is told from the perspective of a grandfather's favourite chair. The chair keeps an eye on Grampy's granddaughter, affectionately referred to as My Love. Grampy's chair is the perfect spot for My Love to read and play games, and also to curl up on when sick. When Grampy passes away, his chair is moved into storage and it wonders if it will ever see My Love again. Grampy's Chair explores grief, love and the importance of life moments taking place in our favourite spots. Grampy's Chair is for ages 4-7. Rebecca Thomas is a Mi'kmaw poet and children's writer, registered with Lennox Island First Nation. She is a former Halifax Poet Laureate. Her previous books include I place you into the fire, Swift Fox All Along and I'm Finding My Talk. Thomas lives in K'jipuktuk, Mi'kma'ki. Coco A. Lynge is a Greenlandic-Danish Inuit artist. She lives in Denmark. Dad, I Miss You is a picture book that is based on author Nadia Sammurtok's family history of residential school separation. A young boy and his dad each tell their story from their own perspective after the young boy is taken from his family and sent to a residential school. Dad, I Miss You explores loss, reconnection and hope. Nadia Sammurtok is an Inuk writer who lives in Iqaluit. She's written several picture books inspired by Inuit life and stories, including To My Panik, The Owl and the Two Rabbits, and Siuluk: The Last Tuniq. Simji Park is an illustrator and animator from South Korea, currently based in London, England. Mad at Dad by Janie Hao Mad at Dad is a lift-the-flap picture book that explores big feelings and managing anger in healthy ways. A little girl gets mad at her dad, but quickly realises she doesn't like the feeling of being mad, except she doesn't know how to stop it.
