Role
According to the laureate's official Web site: "The Poet's role is to encourage and promote the importance of literature, culture and language in Canadian society. Federal legislators created the position in 2001 to draw Canadians' attention to poetry, both spoken and written, and its role in our lives." The Parliament of Canada Act states that the laureate may: The position comes with an annual stipend of $20,000, up to $13,000 in travel expenses annually, a budget for administrative expenses and translation/adaptation into Canada's second official language. ==Selection criteria==
Selection criteria
In order to be chosen for the position, a poet must have: • contributed to the cultural and literary community • produced written or oral work reflecting Canada • be an accomplished literary artist who has influenced other artists • a substantial record demonstrating literary excellence ==Poets laureate==