Don Kerr: new Poet Laureate of Saskatchewan

"Don Kerr of Saskatoon is the new Poet Laureate of Saskatchewan. Kerr's term will begin January 1, 2011 and will run until December 31, 2012. The official inauguration will take place on January 10, 2011 at Government House at 7:00 p.m. Don Kerr is a poet, dramatist, fiction and non-fiction writer living in Saskatoon. Kerr has published nine books of poetry, with the most recent, The Dust of Just Beginning, being shortlisted for the 2010 Saskatchewan Book Awards. His plays have been produced at the 25th Street Theatre and at the Greystone. He has had extensive editorial experience and on the boards of Coteau Books and NeWest Press, as press editor for books of poetry and politics, and has been a mentor to emerging writers on Grain. The selection committee is enthusiastic in their recommendation of Kerr. They note not only the skill of his poetry, but also his work in the literary community: 'He is devoted to the province of Saskatchewan and celebrates the place and the people through many of his writings. Kerr has received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and has dedicated himself to the history of his city and his province.' Kerr is the fourth person to hold the title of Poet Laureate; his three predecessors were Glen Sorestad (2000—2004), Louise B. Halfe (2005—2006), and Robert Currie (2007-2010)