The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is proud to present the Freedom to Read Award as part of the celebration of Freedom to Read Week across Canada in February of each year. The award recognizes work in support of freedom of expression.
Previous winners have included author Lawrence Hill for his response to the threat to burn his novel The Book of Negroes, Quebec writer Charles Montpetit for his tireless work to help preserve the freedom to read and write in this country, Janine Fuller of Little Sisters bookstore in Vancouver for her ongoing challenges to Canada's ability to ban books at the border, and Toronto lawyer Clayton Ruby for his many years of working to fight censorship.
2025 Freedom to Read Award Winner
The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is pleased to announce that poet and courageous presenter Bänoo Zan is the recipient of the 2025 Freedom to Read Award. Read the full press release here. Watch a recording of Bänoo offering remarks on winning this year’s award, as presented by TWUC CEO, John Degen:

Celebrate Freedom to Read Week
Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. As of 2024, Freedom to Read Week entered a new phase led by Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, and the Ontario Library Association in partnership with the Book and Periodical Council. Learn more.
Freedom to Read Award Winners
- 2025: Bänoo Zan
- 2024: Brandi Morin
- 2023: Farzana Doctor
- 2022: Anjula Gogia
- 2021: David A. Robertson
- 2020: Ivan Coyote
- 2019: Jael Richardson and the Festival of Literary Diversity
- 2018: Gary Geddes
- 2017: Deborah Campbell
- 2016: Mohamed Fahmy
- 2015: Ron Brown
- 2014: Eric Marshall and Chris Turner
- 2013: Patsy Aldana
- 2012: Lawrence Hill
- 2011: John Raulston Saul
- 2010: Alan Borovoy
- 2009: Nancy Fleming
- 2008: Derek Finkle
- 2007: Evie Freedman
- 2006: Charles Montpetit
- 2005: Wendy Lill
- 2004: Peter Carver
- 2003: Clayton C. Ruby
- 2002: Janine Fuller
- 1999: Senator Lorna Milne
- 1997: Nicky Drumbolis
- 2025: Bänoo Zan
- 2024: Brandi Morin
- 2023: Farzana Doctor
- 2022: Anjula Gogia
- 2021: David A. Robertson
- 2020: Ivan Coyote
- 2019: Jael Richardson and the Festival of Literary Diversity
- 2018: Gary Geddes
- 2017: Deborah Campbell
- 2016: Mohamed Fahmy
- 2015: Ron Brown
- 2014: Eric Marshall and Chris Turner
- 2013: Patsy Aldana
- 2012: Lawrence Hill
- 2011: John Raulston Saul
- 2010: Alan Borovoy
- 2009: Nancy Fleming
- 2008: Derek Finkle
- 2007: Evie Freedman
- 2006: Charles Montpetit
- 2005: Wendy Lill
- 2004: Peter Carver
- 2003: Clayton C. Ruby
- 2002: Janine Fuller
- 1999: Senator Lorna Milne
- 1997: Nicky Drumbolis