Rewarding talented Canadians who have mastered the art of poetry

Latner Griffin Writers’ Trust Poetry Prize

Highlights

Guidelines Prize History

Prize

Winner $60,000

Presentation

Learn more about the Writers' Trust Awards

Questions? Contact:

Devon Jackson, Associate Program Director
djackson@writerstrust.com

About the Prize

The $60,000 Latner Griffin Writers' Trust Poetry Prize is awarded annually to a Canadian poet in mid-career who has published at least three collections of poetry that demonstrate mastery of the art. Poets will be recognized for a remarkable body of work and for their anticipated future contributions to Canadian poetry. All eligible poets will be considered, there is no age restriction, and no submission process.

The winner is selected by a three-member, independent judging panel and is announced annually at the Writers’ Trust Awards. The prize is generously supported by The Albert and Temmy Latner Family Foundation and Scott Griffin.

2025 Winner

Bren Simmers

Jury Citation

“Bren Simmers is a poet and the author of five books, including the poetry collections Hastings-Sunrise, If, When, and The Work, which was nominated for a Governor General’s Literary Award. Her writing often examines community, environment, and connection to place. Simmers has also received awards from Arc Poetry Magazine, the CBC Literary Prizes, and the Federation of BC Writers, and her work has been widely anthologized. She lives in Prince Edward Island.” —2025 Latner Griffin Poetry Prize jury (Jenna Butler, rob mclennan, and Chimwemwe Undi)