Vass Bednar, Denise Hearn, and MPP Shane Joy Named Hunter Prize Finalists | The Hub
September 6, 2025 | The Hub has announced the 10 finalists for the third annual Hunter Prize for Public Policy, which awards $50,000 in cash prizes聽for bold ideas to address Canada鈥檚 stalled GDP per capita growth and improve living standards.
Current Master of Public Policy student Shane Joy聽was selected for his proposal to create a Canadian Productivity Commission, an independent body that would analyze national productivity trends, assess sectoral performance, and advise on reform opportunities. His idea is aimed at tackling Canada鈥檚 long-term productivity challenges.
Also among the finalists are Vass Bednar and Denise Hearn, the 2024 Max Bell School of Public Policy Economics Lecturers, recognized for their joint proposal calling for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to competition policy.
Chosen from nearly 250 submissions, finalists will publish their proposals in the coming weeks, with the winner to be announced in November.
