The Literary Press Group of Canada (LPG) applauds the recent decision of the Griffin Poetry Prize to reinstate its annual $65,000 Canadian Poetry Prize. We thank the Prize’s Trustees for consulting with the community and arriving at this decision, which serves to once again foster interest and acclaim for Canadian poets and their excellent work.

“We’ve always believed that the greatest strength of the Griffin Poetry Prize was its ability to spotlight Canadian poets shoulder-to-shoulder with international ones,” said Lauren Perruzza, Executive Director of the LPG. “We’re absolutely thrilled to see the Canadian Poetry Prize reinstated, so that these incredible, cross-continental conversations in poetry can continue.”

We also welcome the continued existence of the Canadian First Book Prize, which highlights the debut collections of Canadian poets.

We look forward to the next long and shortlists, with stellar international and Canadian poets together under the banner of the Griffin Poetry Prize. Our thanks again to the Prize for their consultation with the community and for bringing this critical component of their annual offering back to life.

For comment:

Lauren Perruzza, Executive Director (lauren@lpg.ca)