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THE CENTRE FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT  HUNTER PRIZE

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Application Deadline: August 3rd, 2026

LOCATION: Canada

The Hunter Prize for Public Policy aims to shake up Canadian policymaking by marshalling fresh ideas, energy, and voices to take on a clearly-defined “wicked problem” and improve the economic and social well-being of Canadians. The Hunter Prize is an initiative of the Centre for Civic Engagement. The Hub is the project’s media partner.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Problem:

A “wicked problem” is an issue or challenge that is difficult to solve for three reasons: (1) it involves interconnected economic, cultural, and social factors, (2) it tends to be long-term in nature, and (3) its possible solutions can be contentious due to entrenched thinking and interests.

A wicked problem currently hampering Canada’s long-term economic prospects is the decline in entrepreneurship and business dynamism.

How does this work?

Entrants are asked to consider our topic and challenge below, then provide a short synopsis of their policy proposal. All entries will be adjudicated by an esteemed panel of judges, including Jeff Adamson, Bram Belzberg, Zita Cobb, Lucy Hargreaves, and Charles Lammam. The judges will select 10 finalists to further refine and develop their ideas before vying for $50,000 in cash prizes and the chance to translate their idea into actionable public policy. The Hunter Prize submission period is open until August 2, 2026.

Submissions are limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals on refugee, student, or work visas.

Canadian citizens living abroad can apply.

Entries can be made in English or French.

Rules and Expectations:

Initial submissions should be 1,500 words or less. Entry directions will be provided on the submission form.

If your initial submission is selected as one of ten finalists, you will be asked to produce a longer-form policy proposal (approximately 2,500-3,000 words) that further develops and refines your idea, including cost estimates, implementation plans, etc. Finalists will also be asked to produce an op-ed-style article in support of their proposal to be published at TheHub.ca.

Figures and tables cannot be included in the initial submission. However, if selected to be a finalist, figures and tables can be included in the longer-form papers.

Submissions can be co-authored, and the details of all authors should be included in the submission. Any potential winnings will be split among authors.

The Hunter Prize will only accept one submission per author.

    BENEFIT:

    The Hunter Prize will include $50,000 in prizes to be awarded.

    The winner will receive a cash prize of $25,000 to translate their idea into public policy. The runner-up will receive a $5,000 prize. Those placing 3 through 10 will receive prizes of $2,500.

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    Opportunities

    HRDAP 2025: APPLY NOW FOR ISHR’S HYBRID TRAINING FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

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    Application Deadline: 10 January 2025, midnight CET (Geneva Time)

    LOCATION: Switzerland

    Are you a human rights defender keen to use the UN to push for change at home? If so, apply for the 2025 edition of ISHR’s flagship training, the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP)!

    ELIGIBILITY:

    Mandatory distance learning course: 14 April – 8 June 2025 (part time)

    In-person course in Geneva: 10- 20 June 2025 (full time) 

    The course equips human rights defenders with the knowledge and skills to integrate the UN human rights system into their existing work at the national level in a strategic manner and provides an opportunity for participants to prepare for and engage in advocacy activities at the UN with the aim to effect change back home.  

    Course requirements In order to complete HRDAP25 and receive a certification, participants will be required to:

    Complete approximately 5/6 hours of work per week, which includes completing prereading resources, such as ISHR Academy modules and e-learnings.

    Take part actively and consistently in live webinars, Q&A sessions and forum discussions held online.

    Be present and actively participate during the in-person session and prepare in advance necessary requirements.

    Attend and participate in individual and group coaching sessions, which will be held via videoconference and in-person.

    Develop and submit a set of personal advocacy objectives by submitting short individual assignments every 2 weeks, as well as a final submission at the end of the course which will outline the defender’s “Advocacy Roadmap” (i.e theory of change).

    Prepare some advocacy tools/documents to support advocacy activities in Geneva.

    Defenders will complete a 10-week hybrid learning programme, online and offline, which will include: 

    Accessing the HRDAP Platform, where they can complete e-learning courses on each key UN human rights mechanism and on advocacy strategies, and access interactive learning materials and case studies on the ISHR Academy 

    Taking part in live Q&A sessions with human rights experts 

    Receiving a continuous personalised advocacy support and coaching in order to develop concrete advocacy objectives to make strategic use of the international human rights system taking into account the local context

    Building networks around the world, and learning from peers from a range of regions working on a range of human rights issues

    Applying their knowledge to case-studies scenarios and enhancing their advocacy toolbox according to their specific needs (elevator pitch, SMART recommendations…)

    Receiving support and advocacy accompaniment to conduct activities during the 59th and 60th Human Rights Council sessions and other relevant opportunities. 

    BENEFIT:

    Full scholarships cover the whole cost of 4000 CHF, whilst partial scholarships may cover either the 1000 CHF tuition fee. Scholarships will be attributed at ISHR’s discretion, based on your need assessement.

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