Balsillie Prize finalists raise uncomfortable questions for policy makers and citizens

Balsillie Prize for Public Policy finalist Stephen J.A. Ward.

The four finalists for the Balsillie Prize for Public Policy include books on domestic violence, irrational politics, corporate consolidation and precious metals in a greening world.

The purse for the annual Canadian prize funded by businessman Jim Balsillie jumps $10,000 this year to $70,000 for the winner, with $7,500 (up from $5,000) going to the other finalists.

The nominated authors include Vancouver’s Vince Beiser, whose Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future is published by Riverhead Books. In its citation, the jury noted that the book “raises essential considerations and uncomfortable questions for policymakers and citizens alike,” and that it invites them to walk a tightrope, “balancing