Canada's New Poet Laureate

Canada's Government has selected their next poet laureate.

The poet laureate post was created in 2001 through a bill introduced by Senator Jerry Grafstein, who said he wanted to improve the level of debate in the House of Commons.

The selection committee was encouraged to alternate the position between English and French-language poets.

Inspired by the tradition of British and American poet laureates, Canada's poet laureate doesn't have any specific obligations, but Michel's new duties may include writing poetry for official ceremonies, hosting or sponsoring poetry readings and advising the parliamentary librarian, whose department oversees the poet laureate post.

I am forced to credit the Canadian government for having established this post. Much of what happens in this world happens because of money and politics. But, where is the art?

In 2003, the Canadian Government cut a whole lot of arts funding which resulted in a lot of theatre and live performance groups to scramble for money or close up shop. Some of what was cut has been restored since destroying the arts in a country is not a good move.

I find it quite sad that the arts are not able to survive financially. The arts are much more important than business in a lot of ways. We are not creatures of corporate culture - we are people who thrive on the world as a whole. It is a sad thing to know that some arts have been perverted and lifted above others.

Anyway, enough about that. You should all check out the Poet Laureatewebsite!