Photo of Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip by Flickr user Moyia Misner-Pellow. Used with a Creative Commons licence.

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A bill introduced by the Windsor-Tecumseh MPP in memory of Gord Downie has passed first reading with unanimous consent.

New Democrat Percy Hatfield re-introduced poet laureate legislation Thursday afternoon trying to created Ontario’s first poet laureate position. The act names the position after Kingston artist, musician and activist Gord Downie, the late frontman of the Tragically Hip.

“Gord Downie was a poet, a singer and advocate for Indigenous issues,” Hatfield said. “Our country celebrated with the Tragically Hip knowing it was his last tour when he fell ill last year. It’s only fitting that we dedicate an Ontario Poet Laureate in his name.

“It’s also imperative to ensure that our country’s art and artists are well-preserved in our cultural fabric and remembered and celebrated accordingly,” he said.

Canada, Toronto, Windsor, Brantford, Mississauga and Sudbury all have a poet laureate, along with other places in Ontario.

This is the third time Hatfield is pushing the legislation through the house. The legislation reached second reading earlier this year, however, the Liberal government at the time failed to take any action before the Legislature was dissolved for the election.

“Downie viewed Canada through a distinctly poetic lens, and I believe this is a beautiful way to honour him, to mark his legacy, and to ensure he’s remembered through the generations that come,” said Hatfield.

Downie had a rare form of brain cancer which prompted a final tour for the band and a summer of national bonding. He died at the age of 53 in October.

The role of poet laureate includes writing poetry, visiting schools, presenting or arranging poetry readings, and assisting with writing workshops or other activities. The poet laureate would also advise the legislative library regarding its collection and acquisitions.