2012 Prime of Life Achievement Award

Professor Emeritus (PhD) John Courtney’s career at the University of Saskatchewan (appointment—1968 Political Studies, College of Arts and Science; retirement—2004) is a record of significant scholarly work, superb reputation as a teacher and distinguished contribution to the Canadian public policy process.

He is a world-renowned expert on the fundamental institutions of electoral democracy, with research focus on political parties, the electoral system, and representation. His book, Commissioned Ridings: Designing Canada's Electoral Districts (2001) is widely considered to be the definitive look at Canadian electoral boundaries.

The most notable of his recognition/awards before retirement include: Member of the SSHRC (1986-91); Canadian Studies Writing Award (1987); holder of the Mackenzie King Chair in Canadian Studies at Harvard (1990-91); Killam Research Fellowship (1998-2000); U of S Distinguished Researcher Award (200I).

Recognitions of his achievements following retirement from the U of S include: Earned Doctor of Letters, U of S (2005); Celebrated Alumni Award of College of Arts, University of Manitoba (2007); and U.S.-Canada Fulbright Award, 2008. With David Smith, he edited the Oxford Handbook of Canadian Politics (2010). In 2011, American Political Science Association bestowed on him the Mildred A. Schwartz Lifetime Achievement Award. He served as a member of the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission in 1987 and is again serving as a Commissioner in 2012.