The Trust created the Griffin Poetry Prize with the aim of helping to introduce contemporary collections of poetry to the public's imagination. Originally, the award was two annual prizes of CAD$40,000 each, for collections of poetry published in English during the preceding year. One prize for a living Canadian poet, the other to a living poet from any other country, which could include Canada. Qualified judges are selected annually by the Trustees and the prizes awarded in April/May each year. In April 2005, Scott Griffin increased the amount of the prize for each of the two winners to CAD$50,000.
Eligible collections of poetry must have been published between January 1 and December 31 of the prior year. Submission must come from the publishers only.
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Lifetime Recognition Award (presented by the Griffin trustees) to Robin Blaser
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Lifetime Recognition Award (presented by the Griffin trustees) to Tomas Tranströmer
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Lifetime Recognition Award (presented by the Griffin trustees) to Ko Un