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Tuesday, October 21, 2025

“Waterloo Author Wins 2025 CBC Nonfiction Prize”

Waterloo, Ontario-based author Laura MacGregor clinched the prestigious 2025 CBC Nonfiction Prize with her compelling narrative titled “The Invisible Woman.” The award comes with a $6,000 grant from the Canada Council for the Arts and a two-week writing retreat at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. MacGregor’s winning piece was featured on CBC Books for readers to enjoy.

For those seeking more literary opportunities, the 2026 CBC Short Story Prize is currently open for submissions until November 1 at 4:59 p.m. ET. Writers are invited to submit original, unpublished short stories of up to 2,500 words.

MacGregor, an accomplished writer, former academic, and mother of three sons, one of whom grappled with severe disabilities and complex medical demands for twenty years, embarked on a personal journey. Following her son’s passing in 2020, she delved into The Writer’s Studio (SFU) to find solace through writing.

Her remarkable contributions include numerous scholarly articles on parenting a disabled child and co-editing “Disrupting Stories and Images of Church,” slated for publication by Bloomsbury in 2026. The 2025 CBC Nonfiction Prize winner and finalists were carefully chosen by a panel consisting of Zoe Whittall, Danny Ramadan, and Helen Knott.

MacGregor’s winning entry, “The Invisible Woman,” resonates with audiences as it delves into the challenges and emotions of caring for a medically fragile child, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The narrative sheds light on the unspoken struggles and sacrifices made by caregivers to nurture their loved ones.

In her reflective piece, MacGregor draws parallels between her experiences and an art piece she encountered in Austria, emphasizing the invisible yet vital role of caregivers in society. Her poignant storytelling captures the essence of caregiving, love, and resilience.

Joining the ranks of esteemed writers who have claimed CBC Literary Prizes, MacGregor expressed gratitude for the recognition and the platform to share her profound narrative. The award not only validates her storytelling prowess but also acknowledges the significance of narratives that amplify the voices of caregivers and highlight the intricacies of caregiving.

Accompanying MacGregor are the other finalists: Rachel Foster from Vancouver, Jennifer McGuire from Owen Sound, Lena Palacios from Montreal, and Crystal Semaganis from Bear Island, Ontario, each receiving a $1,000 prize from the Canada Council for the Arts.

The longlisting process involved a meticulous assessment by a group of knowledgeable editors and writers from across Canada, who reviewed over 1,300 submissions. The rigorous selection process ensures that exceptional literary works receive the recognition they deserve.

As the literary landscape continues to evolve, the CBC Literary Prizes remain a beacon for writers across Canada. For those eager to explore further writing competitions, the CBC offers a diverse array of opportunities, including the upcoming 2026 CBC Short Story Prize, the 2026 CBC Nonfiction Prize opening in January, and the 2026 CBC Poetry Prize in April.

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