ECW Press founder and publisher Jack David is the recipient of the 2026 Association of Canadian Publishers President’s Award.

Journalist – and former Q&Q reviews editor – Steven W. Beattie has been presented with a lifetime membership in the ACP.

The two awards will be presented in Victoria during the organization’s two-day spring conference on May 26 and 27.

David founded ECW Press more than 50 years ago, and has served as an advocate for the independent Canadian publishing industry on various industry boards and has been chair of the Literary Press Group of Canada three times.

Beattie, who served as reviews editor at Q&Q for more than 12 years, runs That Shakespearean Rag: A Blog About Books and Reading, and continues to contribute to literary criticism and news about the industry in Q&Q and other publications.

The President’s Award is granted to ACP members who have made a significant contribution to the Canadian publishing industry and the ACP. Honorary lifetime membership is presented to an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the industry or the ACP but is not a member of the organization.

“Jack and Steven have each made an extraordinary contribution to Canada’s publishing and literary landscape,” ACP president Alana Wilcox said in a press release. “Jack’s leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to mentoring others have influenced generations of publishers and helped shape the independent publishing sector as we know it today. Steven’s criticism and reporting have brought care, intelligence, and visibility to Canadian writing for decades, helping readers and the industry alike engage more deeply with Canadian books. ACP is proud to recognize their remarkable work and lasting impact.”