TORONTO, November 26, 2024 – Mississauga native Matthew-Ray Jones— also known as Testament—has been appointed the province’s second Poet Laureate. Selected by an Advisory Committee, he was confirmed unanimously by Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) through a motion passed in the Legislature today. A gifted and disciplined wordsmith, Mr. Jones’ inspiration to write poetry and stories began at age 6 when his mother gifted him a diary. He is an active member of P.E.A.C.E. (People Everywhere Actually Co-existing Equally), an artist collective dedicated to the creative uplifting of children and youth through artistic expression.

“Gord Downie was behind the inspiration for an Ontario Poet Laureate. Just like him, I’m also a father,” Mr. Jones said. “What more could you wish for than to have your art not only inspire younger generations, but light that same fire in your own child? I can’t wait to get started!”

The Poet Laureate of Ontario Act (In Memory of Gord Downie) was introduced by former Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Percy Hatfield and passed in the Legislature in December 2019. It honours the late former lead singer of the popular Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, whose poetic lyrics touched the hearts of Canadians from coast to coast.

“I join all MPPs in congratulating Matthew-Ray Jones on his appointment,” said Speaker Ted Arnott. “I’m certain that he will bring creativity to this role and inspire all of us with his words.”

Reporting to the Speaker, responsibilities of the Poet Laureate include writing poetry, promoting art and literacy in the province, celebrating Ontario and its people, and raising the profile of Ontario poets. For more information about Matthew-Ray and Ontario’s Poet Laureate, please visit the Poet Laureate of Ontario website.

Biographical notes follow.

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Matthew-Ray Jones

Mississauga, Ontario native Matthew-Ray Jones, also known as Testament, is a connoisseur of anything and everything involving words. From poetry, spoken word and emceeing to facilitating, hosting and keynoting, Matthew-Ray has been using his natural speaking abilities to inspire audiences for over 20 years. His mother is his hero. She endured many hardships throughout her life and made sacrifices so that Matthew-Ray could pursue his dreams. She provided him with a diary at age 6 that inspired the artist to start his writing journey through self-expression.

Matthew-Ray has performed and taught nationally from coast to coast in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Nunavut, and British Columbia. He has performed internationally in Venezuela and Italy and has travelled to six continents.

To date, he has recorded three albums and shared the stage with Talib Kweli, Naughty by Nature, Biz Markie, GZA, Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates, DāM-FunK and more. He co-founded an artist collective called P.E.A.C.E. (“People Everywhere Actually Co-existing Equally”) helping people realize they are 'a piece of P.E.A.C.E.' through poetry, HipHop, music, workshops, presentations and trainings. Matthew-Ray has appeared on Breakfast Television, CP24, MuchMusic, MTV and Rogers TV. He has been written about in Exclaim and Eye Weekly magazines plus numerous national and local newspapers and has made various appearances on radio stations.

A father, artist, entrepreneur and revolutionary, Matthew-Ray uses his passion for words, art and life to motivate, inspire and lead. He trusts in the values of peace, love and unity as his guiding principles as he continues to spread his message worldwide.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Poet Laureate of Ontario
Media@ontariopoet.org
 
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