Laurentian at Georgian and the University Partnership Centre (UPC) sponsored the inaugural James Reaney Memorial Conference at the Barrie Campus in October 2009.

The Canadian Poet as Critic and Critic as Poet was a celebration of the spoken word that featured readings, discussions, debates, a luncheon, and the chance to watch the poets face their critics, and the critics face their poets.

This unique event was a public showcase for Canadian poetry that united nine of the country’s best poets with critics and panels moderated by current and former Laurentian University and Laurentian at Georgian students.

James Reaney (pictured) was a Canadian English professor, poet, playwright, novelist, storyteller, musician and visual artist. He was also the recipient of a number of honorary doctorates and the Order of Canada, a member of the Royal Society of Canada and winner of three Governor General’s awards.