Georgette LeBlanc named Canada's new parliamentary poet laureate

GeorgetteLeBlanc, from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., has been named Canada's new parliamentary poet laureate.

LeBlanc, who grew up inBaie Sainte-Marie, N.S., becomes the eighth poet to hold the position, after George Elliott Clarke's two-year term ended Dec. 31, 2017.

"What a delight it is to accept this appointment as parliamentary poet laureate! It is a true honour," LeBlanc said in a statement.

A finalist for the 2014 Governor General'sLiterary Award for poetry, LeBlanc has also written for theatre, television and musical projects.

She was appointed by the Speaker of the Senate, George Furey and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Geoff Regan, on the recommendation of a selection committee.

"LeBlanc's narrative poetry is widely recognized for highlighting the richness of written and spoken Acadian French. She has played a key role in making poetry known to a new generation of readers and authors," Regan said in a statement.

Fureydescribed her asa "rising star in the Canadian poetry community."

"She is a truly gifted storyteller and I am confident she will bring a new voice and dynamism to the role of Parliamentary Poet Laureate," Furey said.

The position of parliamentary poet laureate was created in 2001 in an attempttodrawattention to the reading and writing of poetry in Canada.

Those holding the position are required to write poetry that can be used on special state occasions and sponsored poetry readings. Poets are also expected to advise the parliamentary librarian on the library's cultural collection.