Partnership Award

Background

The Partnership Award was initiated in 2004, and is sponsored by The Word Guild. It is presented periodically by The Word Guild to an individual or organization who has shown exceptional support and encouragement for Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. Previous winners have included a Canadian Christian book publisher; the publishers of two Canadian Christian newspapers; and a writer/editor/literary agent whose publishing industry career spanned more than 50 years.

Partnership Award 2009

The 2009 Partnership Award was presented to Brian C. Stiller for his invaluable contribution to the Canadian Christian writing community. Stiller was surprised with the award June 19, 2009, as he delivered a keynote address at the association's annual national conference, Write! Canada, in Guelph, Ont. Stiller had recently retired from a 14-year tenure as president and CEO of Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto.

Stiller was founder and editor-in-chief of Faith Today, one of Canada's top Christian periodicals, during his tenure as president of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (1983-1996).

Stiller has exemplified excellence in his communication skills, his use of mass media, and his advocacy that Christians understand and effectively interact with contemporary culture. Through publishing a national magazine, hosting several television series, authoring 10 books, public speaking, and acting as a frequent media commentator, Stiller developed a national profile as a voice for Canadians of biblical faith.

Partnership Award 2008

The 2008 Partnership Award was presented to the faith-based arts organization Imago, for its invaluable assistance in allowing The Word Guild to operate under the umbrella of Imago during its first six years. Imago accepted TWG as one of its projects starting in January 2002, thus giving a start-up organization credibility and the ability to offer charitable tax receipts for donations. The award was accepted by Imago’s executive director John Franklin.

Learn more about Imago, a unique organization promoting the development of Canadian Christians in the performing and visual arts. Imago partners with established and beginning artists through the birth, growth and realization of their artistic vision.

^{Photo shows John Franklin (L), executive director of Imago, being presented with the Partnership Award at the Gala on June 11, 2008 by Les Lindquist, chair of the board of Christian Info Canada and by N. J. Lindquist, co-founder of The Word Guild.}

Partnership Award 2007

The 2007 Partnership Award was presented to Leslie H. Stobbe, a writer/editor/literary agent who has retained his Canadian citizenship and interest in helping Canadian writers while working for more than 40 years in a variety of roles in the publishing industry in the USA.

^{Photo shows Les Stobbe (L) being presented with the award by N. J. Lindquist, co-founder of The Word Guild.}

Partnership Awards 2005

Partnership Award co-winners Johanne Robertson (L) and Monica Leis (R), co-publishers of the monthly Christian newspaper Maranatha News, and Fazal Karim Jr., (center), publisher of the monthly Christian newspaper The Christian Herald.

Johanne Robertson and Monica Leis

Partnership Award winners Johanne Robertson (L) and Monica Leis (R), co-owners and
publishers of Maranatha News.

Fazal Karim, Jr.

Partnership Award winner Fazal Karim Jr., owner and publisher of The Christian Herald.

Partnership Award 2004

The first Partnership Award was presented to Castle Quay Books Canada and its founder and president, Larry N. Willard. At the time, Castle Quay Books was an imprint of Augsburg Fortress Publishers Canada. As of 2007, Castle Quay Books became an independent Canadian book publisher. Castle Quay Books has sponsored the Best New Canadian Christian Author contest since its inception in 2003.