Trent University Professor and Canada research chair in Canadian Studies, Bryan D. Palmer, was recently honoured for receiving an Honourable Mention in the Canadian Historical Association’s annual John A. Macdonald Prize, an award granted to the best book published in Canadian History. Professor Palmer’s University of Toronto Press-published Canada’s 1960s: The Ironies of Identity in a Rebellious Era was one of five books shortlisted for the 2010 prize, and one of two studies to receive an Honourable Mention.
As a result of the Macdonald Prize award, Professor Palmer was recently invited by Canada’s History Society to participate in its Third Annual Forum, held at the National Archives of Canada on 18 November 2010. Canada’s History Society and its magazine Canada’s National History, formerly The Beaver, promotes the teaching of history and public awareness of Canada’s past. It honours teachers at the elementary and secondary school levels and students who have won prizes in essay competitions that address the meaning of history, as well as academics and other writers who have made noteworthy contributions to understanding Canadian history.
Moderated by award-winning broadcaster, Don Newman, this year’s Forum addressed the complexities of national identity in the modern world, the contested nature of historical interpretation, and the difficulties associated with establishing a historical curriculum in public education systems. The Forum produced lively discussions among academics, innovative history teachers, and policy makers. Professor Palmer was pleased to be a part of the debates and exchanges of views and to participate in an important initiative to develop appreciation of the importance and relevance of Canada’s past. He was especially gratified to be able to talk to teachers who have pioneered imaginative ways of translating the significance of the past to young students.
The Forum was followed by a variety of awards recognitions on Parliament Hill, hosted by the speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Peter Milliken; at Rideau Hall, hosted by His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, governor general of Canada; and at the Museum of Civilization, where the master of ceremonies was Dick Pound, former chancellor of McGill University and a past vice-president of the International Olympic Committee. Professor Palmer’s Macdonald Prize achievement was recognized at the Rideau Hall and Museum of Civilization ceremonies. “It was quite nice to be on Parliament Hill in a capacity other than that of protester,” he commented with a smile.
Renowned as one of Canada’s leading figures, nationally and internationally, in the fields of labour and social history, Professor Palmer has a distinguished record of scholarly publication, which includes a dozen books and scores of journal articles, review essays, and other contributions. A public intellectual who speaks regularly to trade union and other advocacy groups, Professor Palmer has been cited in a Supreme Court of Canada decision on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its relation to collective bargaining. He recently produced an expert witness affidavit that addressed the right to dissent and protest in a democratic society. It was filed in relation to court proceedings arising out of the arrest and detention of those protesting the G-8/G-20 Summit meetings in Toronto in June 2010.
Posted on Friday, November 26, 2010.