OTTAWA, June 5, 2015
Poetry, a universal form of expression, plays a central role in Canada’s rich literary tradition. Poetry entertains us, moves us and enriches our lives.
The Griffin Poetry Prize Awards, presented every year in a Canadian and an International category, reward outstanding collections of poetry in English. This year’s winners will each receive $65,000.
I would like to congratulate Jane Munro, winner of the Griffin Poetry Prize in the Canadian category for Blue Sonoma.
Congratulations, as well, to Michael Longley, winner of the Griffin Poetry Prize in the International category, for The Stairwell.
I would also like to recognize the other finalists:
Canadian category
Shane Book, for Congotronic
Russell Thornton, for The Hundred Lives
International category
Wang Xiaoni, for Something Crosses My Mind
Wioletta Greg, for Finite Formulae & Theories of Chance
Spencer Reece, for The Road to Emmaus
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I would like to thank the Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry for honouring poets everywhere by presenting these prestigious awards since 2001.
Marisa Monnin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
