John Steffler facts for kids
John Steffler (born November 13, 1947) is a Canadian writer known for his poetry and novels. He held an important role as the Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate from 2006 to 2008. This means he was chosen to be the official poet for the Canadian Parliament, sharing poetry and promoting reading across the country.
About John Steffler
John Steffler was born in Toronto, Ontario, on November 13, 1947. He grew up in the countryside near a town called Thornhill. He loved learning and went to university, earning a special degree in English from the University of Toronto in 1971. Later, he earned another degree in English from the University of Guelph in 1974.
After his studies, John Steffler became a teacher. He taught at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College from 1975 until 2006. Besides teaching, he also worked as a "writer-in-residence" at different universities, including the University of New Brunswick, the University of Guelph, and Concordia University. A writer-in-residence is like a visiting expert who helps other students and writers improve their skills. He also led writing workshops, helping people learn how to write better stories and poems.
In 2006, John Steffler moved from Newfoundland and lived in Montreal for a few years. Until 2019, he divided his time between Montreal and a rural area in Ontario. He lives there with his wife, who is also a poet, named Susan Gillis.
What is a Parliamentary Poet Laureate?
The Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate is a special role in Canada. The person chosen for this job acts as a champion for poetry and literature across the country. They write poems for important national events, help promote Canadian writing, and encourage people to read and enjoy poetry. John Steffler held this important position for two years, from 2006 to 2008. It's a way to celebrate Canadian culture and the power of words.
