Duties and nomination

The role of Ontario's Poet Laureate

The Poet Laureate’s responsibilities are to:

promote art and literacy in Ontario
celebrate Ontario and its people
raise the profile of Ontario poets
raise public awareness of poetry and of the spoken word
act as a spokesperson for literature in general and poetry in particular
provide a focal point for the expression of Ontario culture and heritage through the literary arts

Some of the activities the Poet Laureate may be involved with include:

writing poetry, occasionally for use in the Legislature if called upon by the Speaker or the Lieutenant Governor
visiting schools, presenting or arranging poetry readings and assisting with writing workshops or other activities
advising the Legislative Library regarding the collection of the Library and acquisitions that may enrich its cultural holdings

This is a two-year appointment with an annual honorarium of $20,000. There is also a travel and administrative allowance.

Becoming Ontario's Poet Laureate

Who can become Ontario's Poet Laureate?

The Poet Laureate’s main residence must be in Ontario. They must have lived in Ontario for at least six months of the past year.

They must have published at least one volume of poetry within the last 10 years or be able to show that their work over the years has brought honour to their self and to Ontario.

How does someone become Ontario's Poet Laureate?

The Poet Laureate will be selected by a panel that includes:

the Speaker, who shall also serve as the chair of the panel,
the Ontario Legislative Librarian,
two members of the Province of Ontario Council for the Arts who have knowledge of literary activity in Ontario, jointly selected by the Speaker and the Ontario Legislative Librarian, and
the current Poet Laureate of Ontario

The panel may interview all shortlisted candidates.

The Poet Laureate can also be appointed by the House if there is a unanimous vote by all MPPs present during the vote.

How long can someone be Ontario’s Poet Laureate?

The term of office is two years, or until a successor is appointed.