MONTREAL, Dec. 7, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ – The Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) presented its two annual Economic Education Prizes, each accompanied by a $3,000 cash award, to journalist Sean Silcoff and columnist Michel Hébert.

Mr. Silcoff has been covering business news for nearly twenty years for Canadian newspapers and magazines. Since 2012, he has been a journalist for The Globe and Mail. His articles for that newspaper on the negative effects of corporate subsidies and the consequences of the welfare state have earned him this recognition. Sean Silcoff’s analyses help Canadians have a clearer understanding of political and economic issues.

As a political columnist for Le Journal de Québec for over fifteen years, Mr. Hébert rigorously examines the exorbitant costs of certain public policies, and especially how the incessant demands of pressure groups contribute to public finances spiralling out of control. By shining a light on basic facts that are too often ignored, his columns help to enrich the debate.

Every year since 2006, the MEI has recognized two journalists, television or radio hosts, bloggers, commentators, media personalities or columnists (one francophone and one anglophone) who, through their work, demonstrate an exceptional understanding of the economic consequences of public policies. The MEI values the crucial contribution of the media in the dissemination of ideas and knowledge.

The Montreal Economic Institute is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit research and educational organization. Through its studies and its conferences, the MEI stimulates debate on public policies in Quebec and across Canada by proposing wealth-creating reforms based on market mechanisms.