Toronto, November 21 2023 - The Legislative Assembly of Ontario is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for Ontario’s second Poet Laureate.

The Poet Laureate reports to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as an Officer of the Assembly. Responsibilities include writing poetry, promoting art and literacy in the province, celebrating Ontario and its people, and raising the profile of Ontario poets.

Nominations are open until January 15, 2024. Nominees must have a primary residence in Ontario and have resided in the province for at least six months during the 12 months preceding the selection. They must also have published at least one volume of poetry within the last 10 years or must demonstrate that their body of work has brought honour to themselves and to Ontario.

“I would like to thank Mr. Randell Adjei, Ontario’s first Poet Laureate, for his dedication to the role,” said the Hon. Ted Arnott, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, in acknowledging the start of nominations for a new candidate for the position. “He has been an inspiration to many and has showcased the rich diversity and creativity of the people of Ontario through his poetry.”

Passed by Ontario's Legislature in December 2019, the Poet Laureate of Ontario Act (In Memory of Gord Downie) honours the late lead singer of The Tragically Hip, whose poetic lyrics touched the hearts of Canadians from coast to coast. A native of Kingston, Ontario, Downie passed away in October 2017.

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For further information, please contact:

Eileen Lewis
Legislative Librarian and Director
416-325-6294
PLnominations@ola.org