2026 Essay Topic Question: "Consider Canada’s proposed Online Harms Act (Bill C-63) and why it created so much controversy with certain groups reacting strongly to its proposals. What would you argue is needed to strike the right balance between protecting youth online and preserving freedom of expression?” Don't forget to follow us on X and LinkedIn! To learn more about past year's celebrations, please visit our Student, Alumni and Community Recognition Awards Dinner archive on our website. Please help circulate this contest widely to high school students and teachers. The School of Public Policy and Administration at York University, and its undergraduate student association, PPASA, invite high school students to submit essays that reflect on "Youth Engagement in Shaping Canada's Future." Eligibility criteria: High school students in grades 10 to 12 are invited to participate. Individual submissions or co-authored essays by up to 3 authors will be considered. The essays should be 500-1000 words (1-2 pages) in length. Process: A group of faculty, current students and alumni from the School of Public Policy and Administration will review the essays and nominate 3 winners. Essays can be submitted below (DOCX or PDF format recommended) no later than Monday, October 5, 2026. Prizes available: The authors of the three highest ranked essays, along with their parent(s) or other designated guest(s), will be invited to the School's annual Student, Alumni, and Community Recognition Awards Dinner taking place on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at York University, Toronto, ON.. The essay winners will also a receive a monetary reward: $200 for the 1st place, $150 for the 2nd place and $100 for the 3rd place. Should you have any questions about this contest, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at lapssppa@yorku.ca or visit our website for more information on our programs, current students and alumni at: https://www.yorku.ca/laps/sppa/ School of Public Policy and Administration | Education for Good Governance | York University | McLaughlin College 119 | 4700 Keele St. | Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
If co-authors attend different high schools, please list them here. If co-authors attend the same high school, please indicate "same as above".