Two days before its opening, the Montreal Book Fair announced Monday the creation of a literary prize bearing the name of Janette Bertrand. It will be delivered for the first time in 2024.

The new literary distinction will reward “books which use the power of words in favor of openness to others and inclusion”, specifies the press release released on Monday. The announcement cites gender equality, women’s autonomy and the fight against gender-based violence as examples of societal issues that will be considered for the award.

Whether in the media or in her books, Janette Bertrand has always wanted to open the door to difference and worked for the emancipation of women. This award and its recipients will echo her commitment “towards inclusiveness and her belief that every individual can contribute to advancing the cause of women”.

Janette Bertrand will be signing at the Book Fair on Friday and Saturday, the day she will also participate in a round table with Innu poet Joséphine Bacon. She is also the subject of a documentary entitled Janette Bertrand, at the dawn of being a centenary, which will be broadcast on January 4, 2024 on ICI Télé.