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The jury, led by former prime minister Kim Campbell, say they selected John from a pool of candidates submitted by the public because of his massive musical success and the way he leverages his fame to advocate for the greater good. 

Campbell says in a written statement that John was an early champion for LGBTQ+ rights and awareness of the AIDS epidemic, at a time when such causes were not popular. 

In the statement, John says he's "awestruck and honoured" to receive the award, as he has long admired the "virtuosity" of the late ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥ pianist. 

John will receive the award at a special gala presentation in Toronto in the fall. He will also choose a protégé to receive $25,000 from the foundation. 

Other Glenn Gould Prize laureates include Leonard Cohen, Yo-Yo Ma, Philip Glass and Alanis Obomsawin. 

This report by ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥was first published March 20, 2025.