The Manning Foundation along with C2C Journal, Institute for Liberal Studies, Juno News, Generation Screwed, and Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy are pleased to sponsor the 3^rd Annual Patricia Trottier and Gwyn Morgan Student Essay Contest

Undergraduate Canadian students are invited to submit an essay (between 1,500 and 2,500 words) addressing a current political, cultural or economic topic broadly consistent with the tenets of classical liberalism and Western civilization which include the principles of free markets, democratic governance, individual liberty, reason, personal responsibility and freedom of conscience and expression. In the spirit of open inquiry and free expression the contest encourages essays that challenge conventional orthodoxies.

This year, $6,000 in prize money will be split amongst five students with the top essay receiving $2,500. The five students will also receive books provided by sponsors. The top three winners will additionally be awarded: 1) the opportunity to work with a professional editor and have their essays published in C2C Journal along with channels supported by sponsoring organizations; 2) an invitation to be interviewed on the cable news program On Second Street (hosted on The News Forum) and profiled on Juno News; 3) automatic enrollment in Freedom Week hosted by the Institute for Liberal Studies (summer 2026 at McGill University in Montreal, date TBA) and; 4) registration fee and travel voucher to attend the 2026 Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference (Spring 2026 in Ottawa, date TBA). 

Deadline for online submission is midnight November 2, 2025. For full contest details please click here.

Applicants are encouraged to read winning essays from the 2023 contest here and the 2024 contest here.