The Montreal Economic Institute awards its 2013 economic education prizes

Montreal, Tuesday, December 17, 2013 — The Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) has awarded its two annual economic education prizes, each including a $3,000 grant, to George Jonas, bestselling author and National Post columnist, and Joanne Marcotte, author, documentary filmmaker and blogger.

Every year since 2006, the Montreal Economic Institute has recognized two journalists, television/radio show hosts, bloggers, commentators, reporters or columnists (one English speaking and one French speaking) who, through their work, show a special understanding of the economic consequences of public policies. The MEI appreciates the crucial role played by the media in the transmission of ideas and knowledge.

Ms. Marcotte and Mr. Jonas were awarded the prizes for their respective bodies of work. Both are active participants in public life in Quebec and Canada through the mass media, social networks and the publication of literary works.

It should be noted that Mr. Jonas decided to donate his grant to a Ugandan journalist, Mr. Andrew Mwenda. Mr. Mwenda is the founder of The Independent, a current affairs magazine. He was recognized by Foreign Policy Magazine as one of the 100 most influential thinkers in the world, and he has given a TED Talk on Africa and entrepreneurship.

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The Montreal Economic Institute is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit research and educational organization. Through its publications, its media presence and its conferences, the MEI stimulates debate on public policies in Quebec and across Canada by proposing wealth-creating reforms based on market mechanisms. It accepts no government funding.

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Interview requests: Mariam Diaby, Director of Communications, Montreal Economic Institute / Tel.: 514-273-0969 ext. 2231 / Cell.: 514-668-3063 / Email: mdiaby@iedm.org