Longlist announced for 2026 Al and Eurithe Purdy Poetry Prize

The Al Purdy A-frame Association has announced the longlist for the 2026 Al and Eurithe Purdy Poetry Prize, recognizing a range of distinguished voices in contemporary Canadian poetry and celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Canada’s most iconic poets.

Among the longlisted titles are Out of the Ordinary by Tom Wayman (Harbour Publishing) and I Would Like to Say Thank You by Joseph Dandurand (Nightwood Editions).

Established in 2024 by Eurithe Purdy, the $10,000 prize honours the most outstanding new poetry book published by an established Canadian poet who has published five or more collections. The award aims to highlight literary excellence while showcasing the continued strength and diversity of Canadian poetry.

The shortlist will be announced on April 2, 2026, with the winner to be revealed on April 21, 2026, marking the 26th anniversary of Al Purdy’s passing.

Jurors for this year’s prize include previous winners Sid Marty and A.F. Moritz, alongside acclaimed poet Susan Musgrave. Reflecting on the longlist, Musgrave noted the vitality and range of voices represented among this year’s selections.

Both Wayman and Dandurand bring distinct perspectives to their latest collections. Wayman’s Out of the Ordinary explores the intersections between everyday life and larger global forces, while Dandurand’s I Would Like to Say Thank You continues his powerful poetic engagement with themes of trauma, love, grief, and community, grounded in Kwantlen storytelling traditions.