Each year, the CCLET presents a nation-wide high school essay/video contest to commemorate the work of Bernard Chernos. Student entries address pressing and timely civil liberties issues in Canada (often issues the CCLA itself is working on). Entries can be submitted either as essays or as videos for a chance to win cash prizes!
The Bernard Chernos Contest makes a great ready-made assignment for a wide range of high school courses; we also welcome and encourage entries in French!
Contest finalists are selected and judged by volunteers with scholarly and practical expertise in law, education, civil liberties and human rights from across the country.
There will be two sets of winners: essay and video entries will be judged separately.
1st place essay and video: $750
2nd place essay and video: $500
3rd place essay and video: $250
How to Enter:
- CHOOSE YOUR QUESTION: Choose one of the prompts provided for the 2025-26 Bernard Chernos Contest. This year there is one option if you choose to submit an essay and three options if you choose to submit a video.
- CHOOSE YOUR FORMAT: Write 750-1000 word essay or record a 3-4 minute video
- CREATE YOUR ENTRY: Write your essay or record your video! Proof read! Fact check!
- SUBMIT! Submit your essay or video entry
