The Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP) is delighted to announce that Jack David, founder and publisher at ECW Press, is the recipient of the 2026 President’s Award. ACP is also pleased to report that journalist and longtime champion of Canadian literature Steven Beattie has been presented with an honorary lifetime membership in the association. This year’s awards will be presented in conjunction with ACP’s Spring Conference, taking place in Victoria from May 26–27, 2026.
In 1974, Jack David founded Essays on Canadian Writing, a scholarly journal. In 1979, he and Robert Lecker began publishing books as ECW Press, and Jack has never stopped; ECW has since become one of the largest and most acclaimed trade publishers in Canada. His achievements at ECW and contributions to independent publishing were recognized when he became the inaugural recipient of the Janice E. Handford Award for small press publishing. Throughout his career, Jack has also been an important voice and advocate within the publishing industry. He has served on countless boards, including ACP and the Ontario Book Publishers Organization, and has three times been chair of the Literary Press Group of Canada. Alongside his publishing work, Jack taught English literature and publishing for 25 years at Centennial College. In recognition of his longstanding contributions to publishing education and mentorship, a scholarship for the Humber Polytechnic publishing program has been named in his honour. Jack has also played a significant role as a mentor to emerging publishers and industry professionals, generously sharing his knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for publishing over the course of his career.
Steven Beattie is currently the mastermind behind That Shakespearean Rag: A Blog About Books and Reading, a space for his insightful literary criticism, including news and commentary on the Canadian publishing world. Before that, he spent more than twelve years as Reviews Editor at Quill & Quire. At a time when dedicated space for literary criticism and book coverage in Canadian media continues to shrink, Steven’s work has remained an essential and enduring contribution to Canada’s literary culture. His sharp mind, diligent reporting and criticism, and unwavering enthusiasm for Canadian literature and publishing are unparalleled. In addition to his work at That Shakespearean Rag and Quill & Quire, Steven has written for The Globe and Mail, The Walrus, and Toronto Star, among many other publications.
“Jack and Steven have each made an extraordinary contribution to Canada’s publishing and literary landscape,” said Alana Wilcox, President of ACP. “Jack’s leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to mentoring others have influenced generations of publishers and helped shape the independent publishing sector as we know it today. Steven’s criticism and reporting have brought care, intelligence, and visibility to Canadian writing for decades, helping readers and the industry alike engage more deeply with Canadian books. ACP is proud to recognize their remarkable work and lasting impact.”
The President’s Award is awarded to ACP members who have made a significant contribution to the Canadian publishing industry and to ACP. Honorary lifetime membership in ACP is presented to an individual or group who is not a member of ACP, but has made a significant contribution to the association and to the Canadian publishing industry.
For more information, contact:
Alana Wilcox, President
Association of Canadian Publishers
president@canbook.org