The five books shortlisted for the second annual $60,000 Balsillie Prize for Public Policy explore a range of subjects that impact the daily life of Canadians, from smart cities and medical assistance in dying to public inquiries in an age of reconciliation and policing.

The Balsillie Prize recognizes nonfiction books that advance policy discussions about social, political, economic, and cultural topics that are relevant to Canadians. It is funded by tech entrepreneur Jim Balsillie as part of his commitment to supporting Canadian literature.

Each finalist receives $5,000. The shortlisted books were chosen from 53 titles submitted by 31 publishers. This year’s jury is comprised of author and physician Samantha Nutt, policy expert Taki Sarantakis, and digital strategist Scott Young.

The finalists are:

• Dream States: Smart Cities, Technology, and the Pursuit of Urban Utopias by John Lorinc (Coach House Books)
• The Last Doctor: Lessons in Living from the Front Lines of Medical Assistance in Dying by Jean Marmoreo and Johanna Schneller (Viking Canada)
• Canadian Policing: Why and How It Must Change by Kent Roach (Delve Books)
• How the World Really Works: The Science Behind How We Got Here and Where We’re Going by Vaclav Smil (Viking)
• Reconciling Truths: Reimagining Public Inquiries in Canada by Kim Stanton (UBC Press)

The winner will be announced at a private dinner at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto on November 29.