Here are all the Winners of 2026

First Place: The Good Boy by Amy Lewis-Garrett 

Second Place: Lydia's Slippers by Mara Barbra Nanaman

Third Place: Knead by Abby Lacey 

Honorable Mentions:

An Offering by Mark Loggie 

My Part by Bronwyn Smith

Rescuing Summer by Jon Holt

First Place 2026

Congratulations to Amy Lewis-Garrett. She was awarded first prize in the Julia Stewart Memorial Short Story Contest this year for her story The Good Boy.

Today is the day!

The judges are meeting today to narrow down our shortlist and select the finalists. Just like last year, this will be a difficult task. We have all been so impressed with the quality and creativity of the stories that were submitted. We want to encourage all of the entrants to keep writing.

Finalists will be revealed at the Awards Gala on September 26. Here is the shortlist in alphabetical order:

An Offering

Ghost Wood

Going Home

Knead

Lydia's Slippers

My Part

Rescuing Summer

The Divinity Clause

The Good Boy

These Things Happen

Awards Gala

Come celebrate the winning stories at our Awards Gala.

Tickets are free but there is limited seating.

Click here to: RESERVE A TICKET

Donations to MS Canada will be accepted at the door, or you can send your donation as an e-transfer to jsmcontest@gmail.com

 

Deadline July 5

 The deadline is in 5 days. Read the submission guidelines here:

https://www.jsmcontest.ca/p/2026-submission-guidelines.html

Message from MS Canada

There is one month until the deadline of the Julia Stewart Memorial Short Story Contest. All entry fees will be matched by the sponsor, Cedar Valley Investments, and donated to MS Canada. They sent us this message remembering Julia:

“Julia was a bright light in our work together -- giving herself generously in wisdom, spirit and time. As a beloved friend to many in the MS community, she touched the lives of many with her optimism, passion, and love for life. 

After having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004, she became heavily involved with MS Canada mission work. As an active member of the Government Relations team, she was a veteran of Day-on-the-Hill advocacy campaigns and was a part of the successful advocacy work that resulted in the federal government’s decision to extend the Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.

She was a MS Walk participant for 15+ years and a strong advocate for access to treatment and support for the newly diagnosed.  In 2021, Julia became Vice Chair of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation’s (MSIF), People With and Affected by MS Expert Group. She became a member of MS Canada’s Board of Directors in 2023.”

FAQ: Eligibility

Unpublished authors aged 16 and older who reside in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia are eligible for this contest. Winners who are under the age of majority in their province of residence must have a parental release form signed in order to collect prize money.

6. Can I enter the contest if I am a previous winner?

Yes, but please wait at least one year before entering again.

7. Can someone who is turning 16 the same year as the contest enter?

The person submitting a story to the contest must be 16 years of age on the date the prizes are awarded, which will normally be on the last Saturday in September.

Please keep in mind that this is and adult writing contest.