Shortlist announced for 2026 Al and Eurithe Purdy Poetry Prize

The Al Purdy A-frame Association (APAFA) has announced the shortlist 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 shortlisted titles are Out of the Ordinary by Tom Wayman (Harbour Publishing) and I Would Like to Say Thank You by Joseph Dandurand (Nightwood Editions), alongside:

Parade of Storms by Evelyn Lau (Anvil Press)
Wellwater by Karen Solie (House of Anansi Press)
On The News that Sagittarius A* Grows Hungrier by Nicola Vulpe (Guernica Editions)

Selected by jurors Susan Musgrave, Sid Marty, and A.F. Moritz, the books reflect the range and originality of poetry being produced in Canada today. Sid Marty, recipient of the inaugural prize in 2024 for Oldman’s River, offered these generous words about the award and this year’s submissions:

“The Al and Eurithe Purdy Poetry Prize has already earned the respect of some of Canada’s most distinguished poets, and we were pleased to receive so many worthy submissions. This made narrowing so many wonderful entries to a shortlist of five onerous. It’s been a pleasure to read--but a pain to judge--so many excellent books. Thank you for honouring us with your books.”

The winner will be announced on April 21, 2026, marking the 26th anniversary of Al Purdy’s passing. The $10,000 prize, established in 2024 by Eurithe Purdy, honours the most outstanding new poetry book published by an established Canadian poet who has published five or more poetry books, celebrating literary excellence and the enduring legacy of Al Purdy.