Purdy Prize longlist
March 25th, 2026
The longlist for the 2026 Al and Eurithe Purdy Poetry Prize has been announced, spotlighting a strong group of established poets based in BC. Presented by the Al Purdy A-frame Association, the $10,000 prize recognizes an outstanding new poetry collection by a Canadian poet with an established body of work.
This year’s longlist reflects the depth of BC’s literary community, with all selected authors connected to the province. Among them is Joseph Dandurand, whose collection I Would Like to Say Thank You continues his longstanding contribution to Indigenous literature and storytelling in Canada.
The full longlist, presented in alphabetical order, includes:
- bill bissett, th book uv lost passwords 1 (Talonbooks)
- Marilyn Bowering, Frayed Linens (Exile Editions)
- Joseph Dandurand, I Would Like to Say Thank You (Nightwood Editions)
- Lorne Daniel, What is Broken Binds Us (University of Calgary Press)
- Evelyn Lau, Parade of Storms (Anvil Press)
- Tom Wayman, Out of the Ordinary (Harbour Publishing)
Established in 2024 by Eurithe Purdy in honour of Al Purdy, the prize celebrates literary excellence and the continuing vitality of Canadian poetry. It is awarded annually to an author who has published at least five books of poetry.
The 2026 jury includes Sid Marty, A.F. Moritz, and Susan Musgrave. In a statement, Musgrave emphasized the spirit of the longlist, describing it as a celebration of “ten bold names” and the enduring influence of Purdy’s voice.
The shortlist will be announced on April 2, with the winner revealed on April 21, marking the anniversary of Purdy’s passing.
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