Greg Mercer Won 2026 J.W. Dafoe Book Prize
The author received the award for his debut book, The Lobster Trap, which explores critical issues in the Canadian industry.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Books
Greg Mercer has been awarded the 2026 J.W. Dafoe Book Prize for his debut work, The Lobster Trap. The book provides an examination of the lobster industry, covering complex topics such as climate change, trade wars, and overfishing.
Why it matters
The prize recognizes excellence in literature focused on Canada, the West, or Canadians in international affairs. By highlighting this work, the award brings attention to the intersection of environmental and economic challenges currently facing coastal communities.
The J.W. Dafoe Book Prize carries a $12,000 cash award for the recipient. This marks the first major literary honour for Greg Mercer, who published the work with McClelland & Stewart in August 2025.
The players
Greg Mercer
He is the author of The Lobster Trap and the 2026 winner of the J.W. Dafoe Book Prize.
John Wesley Dafoe
He served as the editor of the Manitoba Free Press and the Winnipeg Free Press.
McClelland & Stewart
This publishing house is responsible for the release of The Lobster Trap.
The details
The Lobster Trap is the first book written by Greg Mercer and investigates the pressures within the lobster fishery. It explores how international trade dynamics and climate change specifically impact the livelihoods of those involved in the sector.
Timeline
August 2025 saw the initial publication of The Lobster Trap.
The 2026 J.W. Dafoe Book Prize was awarded in 2026.
An award presentation event is scheduled for the fall of 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The J.W. Dafoe Book Prize annually honours literature concerning Canada and international affairs. This year's selection continues the legacy of the prize in celebrating works that address significant Canadian societal and economic issues.
Readers interested in the winning work can find The Lobster Trap through major retailers and independent bookstores across Canada. The book offers a detailed look at the industry for those looking to understand the modern challenges of overfishing and trade.
The takeaway
This recognition highlights the importance of investigative literature in capturing the complexities of regional industries. Readers looking to better understand the Canadian lobster sector and its environmental pressures can look to this book as a comprehensive resource.
What happens next
The formal presentation of the 2026 J.W. Dafoe Book Prize is scheduled to occur during an event later in the fall of 2026.
Further reading
For more insights into current literary honours in the region, visit our Books section.
