Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 Canada Reads longlist features 15 books that showcase the diversity and breadth of Canadian literature.
- The longlist includes a range of genres, from romance and memoir to historical fiction and horror.
- The five panellists and the five books they will champion will be revealed on January 22.
- The 2026 Canada Reads debate will air from April 13 to 16 on CBC TV, CBC Radio, and other platforms.
- The longlist includes authors who have previously been recognized for their work, including Billy-Ray Belcourt, Iryn Tushabe, and Loghan Paylor.
Introduction to Canada Reads
Canada Reads is a annual literary debate that brings together five Canadian celebrities to champion one book that they believe all Canadians should read. The debate, which will air from April 13 to 16, 2026, on CBC TV, CBC Radio, and other platforms, is a celebration of Canadian literature and its power to inspire, connect, and grow communities. This year’s longlist features 15 books that showcase the diversity and breadth of Canadian literature, ranging from hockey romance and memoir to historical fiction and horror.
The 2026 Longlist
The 2026 Canada Reads longlist includes a range of genres and authors, from established writers like Billy-Ray Belcourt and Iain Reid to debut authors like Liann Zhang and Jinwoo Park. The list includes books that explore themes of identity, community, and social justice, as well as books that offer a glimpse into the human experience. Some of the notable books on the longlist include A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt, which explores modern queer and Indigenous experiences, and Everything Is Fine Here by Iryn Tushabe, which tells the story of a young woman’s struggle to come to terms with her sister’s sexuality in a hostile culture.
Author Profiles
The authors on the longlist come from a range of backgrounds and have a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. Billy-Ray Belcourt, for example, is a writer and academic from Driftpile Cree Nation in Alberta, while Iryn Tushabe is a Ugandan Canadian writer and journalist based in Regina. Other authors on the list include Kaleb Dahlgren, a survivor of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, and Rachel Phan, a writer and journalist who reflects on her experience growing up as the daughter of Chinese immigrants in a small town.
Canada Reads History
Canada Reads has a rich history, dating back to 2002 when the first debate was held. Over the years, the debate has featured a range of notable Canadians, including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Olympians like Donovan Bailey and Clara Hughes, and actors like Paul Sung Hyung-Lee and Jay Baruchel. The debate has also launched the careers of several authors, including Kate Beaton and Michelle Good, and has helped to promote Canadian literature to a wider audience.
Accessibility and Submissions
The Canada Reads books are available in a range of formats, including audio, braille, and large print, through organizations like the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS). The CBC Nonfiction Prize is also accepting submissions until March 1, 2026, and offers a range of prizes, including $6,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts and a two-week writing residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Conclusion
The 2026 Canada Reads longlist is a celebration of Canadian literature and its power to inspire, connect, and grow communities. With its diverse range of genres, authors, and perspectives, the longlist offers something for every reader. Whether you’re interested in romance, memoir, historical fiction, or horror, there’s a book on the list that’s sure to capture your imagination. The debate, which will air from April 13 to 16, 2026, is a must-watch for book lovers and anyone interested in Canadian literature and culture.
