The province of Ontario has officially introduced a new poet laureate role named after Gord Downie, the late singer of the Tragically Hip.
A bill dubbed the Poet Laureate of Ontario Act in Memory of Gord Downie passed into legislature yesterday (December 12). Members of Downie's family were present to watch the vote.
The bill was initially introduced back in 2017 by Windsor-Tecumseh NDP representative Percy Hatfield.
The federal government, as well as some other provinces, already have poet laureate positions established. The role is to promote art and literacy within the jurisdiction.
In addition to his music with the Hip, Downie released a book of poetry titled Coke Machine Glow in 2001.
He also famously released The Secret Path — a multimedia project including an album, an accompanying illustrated book and a TV special.
Downie passed away in 2017 at the age of 53 from glioblastoma.
A bill dubbed the Poet Laureate of Ontario Act in Memory of Gord Downie passed into legislature yesterday (December 12). Members of Downie's family were present to watch the vote.
The bill was initially introduced back in 2017 by Windsor-Tecumseh NDP representative Percy Hatfield.
The federal government, as well as some other provinces, already have poet laureate positions established. The role is to promote art and literacy within the jurisdiction.
In addition to his music with the Hip, Downie released a book of poetry titled Coke Machine Glow in 2001.
He also famously released The Secret Path — a multimedia project including an album, an accompanying illustrated book and a TV special.
Downie passed away in 2017 at the age of 53 from glioblastoma.
