Welcoming Alex Tétreault as Greater Sudbury's Eighth Poet Laureate

Freelance cultural worker and communicator, Alex Tétreault is Greater Sudbury’s eighth Poet Laureate. The francophone theatre creator was born and raised in Sudbury and is known for his activism in the queer community and his social issues column in Le Voyageur.

As a graduate of Laurentian University’s French Theatre and Political Science programs, he has served on several theatre and cultural boards over the years and appeared on stages in Sudbury, Toronto and Ottawa. Currently, he serves as President of Theatre Action, an arts service organization catering to Ontario’s francophone theatre community. Alex’s play, Nickel City Fifs, in collaboration with Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario has won several awards and is slated for publication in Fall 2024, with a tour across Ontario scheduled for early 2025.

“I am thrilled to welcome Alex Tétreault as Greater Sudbury's eighth Poet Laureate,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “Greater Sudbury's vibrant arts and culture scene is a testament to our city's creativity and resilience, and we are confident that Alex will further enrich our community's artistic landscape through this prestigious role. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Kyla Heyming for her service as outgoing Poet Laureate and for helping to inspire future generations of artists and poets in Greater Sudbury."

During his two-year term as Poet Laureate, Alex will lead virtual and in-person events devoted to writing and performance of all kinds, in both English and French. He plans to collaborate with local groups and organizations to help inspire the community to play with words. Alex will also serve as an advocate for Greater Sudbury's vibrant arts and culture sector and champion its members however he can.

“Greater Sudbury’s Poet Laureate is an important part of our community’s rich cultural fabric,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Greater Sudbury Public Library Board. “We look forward to seeing what contributions Alex makes which build upon the impactful projects and initiatives of past Laureates.”

Selection of Greater Sudbury’s eighth Poet Laureate was announced at the Main Library on Monday, June 10. Alex Tétreault was selected by a committee that included past Poet Laureates Kyla Heyming, Kim Fahner and Vera Constantineau, Vice President of Sudbury Arts Council Judi Straughan and French teacher from Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon Kristine Lescault.

The role of Greater Sudbury’s Poet Laureate addresses a strategic priority of Council to strengthen community vibrancy through programs that support the artistic, cultural and creative expression of local citizens and groups.