2026 Alberta Book Publishing Awards Winners Announced

The Book Publishers Association of Alberta (BPAA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Alberta Book Publishing Awards. These awards celebrate the essential role Alberta book publishers play in championing local voices and telling Alberta’s Story.

The awards gala was hosted at the Matrix Hotel in Edmonton, and delegates from across Canada gathered to celebrate the achievements of Alberta’s book publishing industry.  This year, a total of 16 awards were presented, including two Lifetime Achievement in Alberta Publishing Awards and the Mel Hurtig Publisher of the Year Award. 

The Lifetime Achievement in Alberta Publishing Award was presented to two recipients: Kathy Killoh of Athabasca University Press and Jean Poulin, founder of Les Éditions Duval. Kathy was honoured for her steadfast leadership and enduring contributions to open access publishing, and Jean was recognized for his decades-long career, including his role in founding the groundbreaking Alberta publishing house Les Éditions Duval. Together, these awards celebrate two individuals whose lasting legacies have positively shaped Alberta’s book publishing industry.

Freehand Books was the recipient of the Mel Hurtig Publisher of the Year Award. They were recognized for publishing fresh, creative, and award-winning titles and exemplifying excellence and innovation in their work. 

Congratulations to all of the winning and shortlisted publishers, authors, and designers!