A Private Member’s Bill to honour Gord Downie in a new way is one step closer to becoming law. The MPP from Windsor-Tecumseh, Percy Hatfield, has introduced a bill to create a Poet Laureate for Ontario, and to name the position after the Tragically Hip frontman. A Poet Laureate would promote the expression of Ontario culture and heritage through literary arts. That means writing poetry, visiting schools, and advising the legislative library on its collection.
Norm Miller, the MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, says the bill has been well-received at Queen’s Park and naming it after Downie was a good idea.
Downie died in October at 53-years-old after a battle with brain cancer. The bill to create the position in his honour passed second reading in the legislature last week.