Deadline: 02-Aug-2026
The Hunter Prize for Public Policy encourages fresh and innovative policy ideas to address clearly defined “wicked problems” affecting the economic and social well-being of Canadians. The prize offers a total funding pool of $50,000, including $25,000 for the winner and additional awards for the runner-up and finalists ranked third through tenth. Eligible participants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, visa holders, refugees, students, workers, and Canadian citizens living abroad.
Overview
The Hunter Prize for Public Policy is designed to encourage new thinking in public policymaking.
The prize supports bold, practical, and well-explained ideas that address complex policy challenges and improve the economic and social well-being of Canadians.
The initiative is led by the Centre for Civic Engagement, with The Hub serving as the media partner.
Purpose of the Prize
The purpose of the Hunter Prize for Public Policy is to identify and support innovative policy proposals that respond to clearly defined “wicked problems.”
The prize encourages diverse voices, fresh perspectives, and practical ideas that can improve public policy in Canada.
It is intended for participants who can present a clear problem, propose a strong policy solution, and explain how that solution could be implemented.
Key Focus Areas
The prize focuses on public policy innovation, wicked problems, economic well-being, social well-being, Canadian public policy, new policy ideas, diverse voices in policymaking, civic engagement, practical policy solutions, implementation planning, cost considerations, and public-facing policy communication.
What Is a “Wicked Problem”?
A “wicked problem” is a complex social or economic challenge that is difficult to solve because it involves many causes, stakeholders, trade-offs, and possible solutions.
In public policy, wicked problems often require new thinking because traditional approaches may not fully address the issue.
Examples of wicked problems may include challenges related to affordability, productivity, housing, health systems, social mobility, employment, inequality, demographic change, or other complex issues affecting Canadians.
For this prize, applicants should clearly define the problem they want to solve and explain why their proposed policy response is practical, original, and relevant.
Prize Amount
The Hunter Prize for Public Policy offers a total cash prize pool of $50,000.
The prize structure includes:
- $25,000 for the winner
- $5,000 for the runner-up
- $2,500 each for participants ranked third through tenth
Co-authored submissions are allowed, and any prize money awarded to a co-authored entry will be shared among the contributors.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible participants include:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents of Canada
- Individuals holding refugee status
- Individuals holding student visas
- Individuals holding work visas
- Canadian citizens residing abroad
Applicants may submit entries in either English or French.
Each author may submit only one entry.
Co-Authored Submissions
Co-authored submissions are allowed.
If a co-authored submission wins a prize, the award amount will be shared among the contributors.
Co-authors should ensure that their submission presents one clear policy idea and follows the required word limits and format.
Why It Matters
Public policy shapes economic opportunity, social well-being, public services, and the daily lives of Canadians.
Many policy challenges are difficult because they involve complex systems and competing priorities. The Hunter Prize for Public Policy creates space for new voices and innovative ideas that may not always emerge through traditional policymaking channels.
By supporting concise policy proposals, detailed policy papers, and publication-ready articles, the prize helps translate ideas into practical public debate.
Submission Process
The prize uses a staged submission process.
Applicants begin with a short policy synopsis. Selected participants then develop their idea into a longer policy paper and an op-ed style article.
Stage 1: Initial Submission
Initial submissions must be no more than 1,500 words.
The submission should present a concise synopsis of a policy proposal.
It should clearly explain:
- The wicked problem being addressed
- Why the problem matters for Canadians
- The proposed policy solution
- The expected economic or social benefit
- Why the idea is innovative or practical
- Who would be affected by the policy
- How the proposal could improve public outcomes
Stage 2: Finalist Policy Paper
Selected finalists will be required to expand their idea into a detailed policy paper.
The policy paper must be between 2,500 and 3,000 words.
This expanded paper should include:
- A deeper explanation of the problem
- Evidence supporting the proposal
- Policy design details
- Implementation planning
- Cost considerations
- Expected benefits
- Risks or trade-offs
- Practical next steps
Stage 3: Op-Ed Style Article
Finalists must also prepare an op-ed style article suitable for publication.
The op-ed should communicate the core idea in a clear, persuasive, and accessible way for a wider public audience.
It should explain why the policy idea matters and why decision-makers or the public should take it seriously.
Stage 4: Final Review
Final submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges.
The judges will select ten finalists for the next stage of development and prize consideration.
How to Prepare a Strong Submission
Applicants should focus on clarity, originality, and practical policy value.
Step 1: Choose a Clearly Defined Wicked Problem
Select a complex problem that affects the economic or social well-being of Canadians.
The problem should be specific enough to address within a policy proposal.
Avoid choosing a topic that is too broad, vague, or impossible to explain in 1,500 words.
Step 2: Explain Why the Problem Matters
Show why the issue is important for Canada.
This section should explain:
- Who is affected
- What the consequences are
- Why current approaches may be insufficient
- Why action is needed
Step 3: Present a Clear Policy Solution
Describe the proposed policy response in direct and simple language.
The solution should be practical, original, and connected to the problem.
Applicants should explain what government, institutions, or other actors would need to do.
Step 4: Show Expected Impact
Explain how the proposal could improve economic or social well-being.
This may include benefits such as:
- Better public services
- Stronger economic outcomes
- Improved social inclusion
- Reduced inequality
- Increased opportunity
- More effective governance
- Better long-term public outcomes
Step 5: Consider Implementation and Costs
Even in the initial synopsis, applicants should show awareness of implementation.
Strong proposals should consider:
- Who would implement the policy
- What resources may be needed
- Potential costs
- Barriers to implementation
- Risks or trade-offs
- How success could be measured
Step 6: Write Clearly for Policy and Public Audiences
The submission should be easy to understand.
Avoid unnecessary jargon. Use direct language, short paragraphs, and clear logic.
A strong policy idea should be understandable to both expert reviewers and interested members of the public.
Tips for a Strong Entry
A strong submission should be concise, evidence-aware, and solution-focused.
Applicants should:
- Define the wicked problem clearly
- Focus on one strong policy idea
- Explain why the issue matters now
- Show how the proposal improves Canadian well-being
- Include practical implementation thinking
- Address cost considerations where relevant
- Make the idea understandable to a general audience
- Use evidence without overloading the submission
- Ensure the proposal is original and realistic
- Follow the word limits carefully
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid submitting entries that are too broad or unclear.
Common mistakes include:
- Choosing a problem that is not clearly defined
- Offering general commentary instead of a policy proposal
- Submitting more than one entry per author
- Exceeding the 1,500-word limit for initial submissions
- Not explaining how the policy would be implemented
- Ignoring cost considerations
- Failing to connect the proposal to Canadian economic or social well-being
- Using overly academic or technical language
- Not showing what makes the idea innovative
- Submitting a proposal with weak logic or unclear benefits
FAQ
1. What is the Hunter Prize for Public Policy?
The Hunter Prize for Public Policy is a prize that encourages innovative policy ideas to address clearly defined wicked problems and improve the economic and social well-being of Canadians.
2. Who organizes the prize?
The prize is an initiative of the Centre for Civic Engagement, with The Hub serving as the media partner.
3. How much funding is available?
The total prize pool is $50,000. The winner receives $25,000, the runner-up receives $5,000, and participants ranked third through tenth receive $2,500 each.
4. Who can apply?
Eligible participants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, individuals holding refugee, student, or work visas, and Canadian citizens residing abroad.
5. Can submissions be written in French?
Yes. Submissions may be written in either English or French.
6. Are co-authored submissions allowed?
Yes. Co-authored submissions are allowed, and prize winnings will be shared among the contributors.
7. What is required in the first submission?
The initial submission must be no more than 1,500 words and should present a concise synopsis of a policy proposal addressing a clearly defined wicked problem.
Conclusion
The Hunter Prize for Public Policy offers an important opportunity for individuals to contribute fresh ideas to Canadian public policy. With a $50,000 prize pool and a focus on wicked problems, the prize supports practical proposals that can improve economic and social well-being in Canada. Applicants should submit a clear, concise, and innovative policy idea that explains the problem, presents a workable solution, and shows how the proposal can create meaningful public value.
For more information, visit Centre for Civic Engagement.
