The following statement was read today by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Today, in this Honourable House, I would like to congratulate the 2020 winner of the BMO Winterset Award, Eva Crocker. Ms. Crocker has won the award for her book “All I Ask”.

“All I Ask” was one of 23 works by Newfoundland and Labrador authors submitted by publishers countrywide. The story is a bold and bracing exploration of what it’s like to be young in a time when everything and nothing seems possible.

Mr. Speaker, the BMO Winterset Award celebrates excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador writing.

The award honours the memory of Sandra Fraser Gwyn – a St. John’s-born social historian and prize-winning author who passionately promoted a national awareness of the province’s arts.

Her husband, journalist and fellow author Richard Gwyn, O.C., established the award in 2000, and named it after the historic house Sandra grew up in on Winter Avenue in St. John’s.

Considered one of Atlantic Canada’s richest literary prizes, the annual award is $12,500, while the finalists each receive $3,000.

The other two finalists for this year’s award are Bridget Canning for “Some People’s Children” and Andrea Procter for “A Long Journey: Residential Schools in Labrador and Newfoundland.”

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members in this Honourable House to join me in congratulating Eva Crocker, on winning the BMO Winterset Award as well as the finalists, Bridget Canning and Andrea Procter.

Thank you.