We are very saddened at Austin Clarke’s passing at the age of 81 on June 26, 2016. This is an enormous loss, first and foremost for Clarke’s family and community but also to the wider world of outstanding Canadian literature.
Alistair MacLeod served tirelessly as a Giller Prize juror in 2000, 2004 and 2009. His intimate understanding of writerly craft and his collegial regard for his fellow literary craftspersons distinguished his time and decisions made with fellow jurors.
As we mourn the loss to Canada and to the literature of short story artist extraordinaire Mavis Gallant, we can rejoice at the wealth of acclaimed and award-winning work – not just short stories, but novels, plays and essays – and the innumerable vivid reading experiences with which she has left readers, Canadian and worldwide.