Black Canadian author, writer and teacher Ian Williams will chair the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize jury, announced on Jan. 24.

The $100,000 prize is the biggest in Canadian literature. Williams won in 2019 for his much-acclaimed novel, “Reproduction.”

His previous books include the essay collection “Disorientation,” the poetry collection "Personals," and the short story collection "Not Anyone's Anything."

He is currently a professor at the University of Toronto and previously completed his PhD at the school.

2023 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Giller Prize. Books published between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023, will be eligible for the 2023 prize. The longlist, shortlist, and winner will be announced in the fall.

Other jurors include Sharon Bala, Brian Thomas Issac, Rebecca Makkai and Neel Mukherjee. Moreover, Kobo and Audible are listed as sponsors.

The 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize submission period has begun. The 2023 submission package, which includes the most recent information, is available at scotiabankgillerprize.ca.

For works released between Oct. 1, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2023, the initial submission date is Feb. 17, 2023.

Founder Jack Rabinovitch established the prize in honour of his late wife, Doris Giller, in 1994. Rabinovitch died in 2017 at the age of 87, according to the CBC.

Black leader on labour issues joins Calgary’s business board

Alberta’s first Black college president is joining the Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, announced Jan. 18.

Dr. Misheck Mwaba, president and CEO of Bow Valley College, will serve a three-year term.

“I look forward to working closely with the board on strategic initiatives to address the evolving needs of the Calgary business community,” Mwaba said in a statement. “As president and CEO of Bow Valley College, I am acutely aware of the urgent need to develop and retain a world-class, talented workforce, nurture a diversified economy, and grow our digital ecosystem. I am keen to connect with Chamber of Commerce members and business owners to support their success and entrepreneurial spirit.”

A champion of the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) philosophy, with a focus on micro-credentials, reskilling, and upskilling, he has been recognized by his peers, government task forces on labour, and think tanks.

The Zambian-born development engineer has contributed to research findings for Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, Algonquin College, Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Zambia.

He is the recipient of an Alberta Newcomer Recognition Award in career and academics and has earned a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

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