Ottawa, March 21, 2009 - For the past nine years, World Poetry Day--created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)--has highlighted the importance of poetry in all its forms and in all languages.
In Canada, poetry owes its acclaim to the excellent work of both established and up-and-coming poets who, throughout history, have created works of words and ideas. This day offers a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the vitality of our arts scene and the talent of those who use the spoken word or the pen to explore our heritage, and to share with us their thoughts, their view of the world, and their dreams.
It is also thanks to the publishers who believe in this art, the teachers who hand down this literary heritage, and the readers who partake in it, that poetry continues to be a recognized and appreciated form of expression.
The promotion of linguistic diversity is also at the heart of this special day. In Canada, we understand the importance of enhancing the status of our languages, and our linguistic duality is an undeniable asset. The coexistence of the English and French languages allows Canada to take its place among societies with knowledge-based economies. World Poetry Day gives us the opportunity to highlight Canada's commitment to promoting our linguistic duality.
World Poetry Day brings us closer to poetry, and I invite all Canadians to take the time to enjoy a poem today in their language of choice.
Information: Stephanie Rea
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
stephanie.rea@pch.gc.ca
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