Submissions are now open for the 2026 version of the University of Lethbridge’s ‘Bridge Prize’ — and jury members have been selected.
This latest edition marks the fourth cycle of the contest, which has gained the attention of some of the country’s top writers.
Among those is Ian Williams, the author of seven books of fiction, poetry and nonfiction. Williams’ book, ‘Reproduction’, won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2019. He will headline this edition of the Bridge Prize’s main jury.
“The competition features some of Canada’s most accomplished writers and thinkers,” says Dr. Harold Jansen, librarian and dean of the School of Liberal Education at the U of L, which presents the ‘Bridge Prize’. “These established and emerging writers represent a cross-section of Canada, as well as genres of writing.”
Due to the popularity of the event, the 2026 cycle will see a larger prize pot and updated structure. For the first time, the top story written by an undergraduate student and the top story written by a graduate student will each receive $5,000.
Additionally, one finalist in each category will win $1,000.
“Writing is alive and well in Canada and with each awarding of the ‘Bridge Prize’ we see stronger and stronger submissions,” notes Jansen. “It truly has become a national literary competition, with each province represented by really outstanding young writers.”
Initiated by U of L alumnus Terry Whitehead, with support of the School of Liberal Education, the first prizes were awarded in 2020.
Contest entry is open to all students attending colleges and universities in Canada. Since its debut, the competition has seen over 1,000 stories submitted and over $30,000 in prize money distributed. Submissions are accepted until January 26, 2026.
More information, including how to submit your work, is at the Bridge Prize webpage.
