An award-winning Stratford poet is calling on Canadians from coast-to-coast to put pen to paper in a show of patriotism.
Heidi Sander launched the "Canada is our poem prize" contest on Tuesday, the same day U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, outraging Canadians. The move has fired up an often understated love of country in Canadians and Sander is optimistic this contest will prompt people from all walks of life to reflect on the unique nation they call home.
"At times of uncertainty, we need to hear voices from coast to coast," said Sander, who won Prime Number Magazine’s 2021 international poetry award. "Through poetry we can understand ourselves, ignite conversations, and build bridges. It’s my hope that this initiative promotes solidarity, and that Canada will forever be our poem.”
Sander added her goal is to hear from as many Canadians as possible about what Canada means to them.
The original poems can be about anything quintessentially Canadian, such as maple syrup or hockey. Submissions are to be no longer than two pages in length. While there is a $10 entry fee, financial assistance is available to those who need it.
The deadline to submit a poem is July 30.
The winning entry will be awarded a $1,000 prize and one-year access to Sander's multimedia online Pathways to Poetry course. As well, the top 200 poems will be featured in an anthology published by Blue Moon Publishers in 2025.
