His works are daring and experimental, Canadian to the core and infused with humour, irony and wit. An innovative poet, novelist and critic, he has made invaluable contributions to Canadian literature. A former professor of English at Simon Fraser University, he has been a beloved teacher and mentor to generations of young writers. He also served as founding editor of the magazines Tish and Imago and is a long-time supporter of small Canadian publishers. He is the recipient of two Governor General's Literary Awards and is our first Parliamentary Poet Laureate.