Candice James

Who is Candice James?

Candice James is a Canadian poet who became the poet laureate of New Westminster, British Columbia in June 2010. James has long been writing poems about New Westminster. She is a Director of The Royal City Literary Arts Society She is also Past President of The Federation of British Columbia Writers a full member of The League of Canadian Poets, creator of the "Poetic Justice" poetry reading group, creator of Slam Central spoken word group and creator of Poetry In The Park. The Spring 1980 Literary Press Group Catalogue published by the Association of Canadian Publishers described her book A Split In The Water as "a first book by a self-taught poet characterized by brilliant imagery drawn from all facets of modern life.".

Re-appointed to a second term as the Royal City's poet laureate. New Westminster city council appointed James to a second term as the city's Poet Laureate, a post she's held since 2010. The Poet Laureate is responsible for creating and presenting poetry and spoken word works to mark special civic events and functions. During her first term as Poet Laureate, James wrote poems for various civic events, including May Day, Remembrance Day and Canada Day celebrations. She also wrote a poem in honour of the city's granting of Freedom of the City designation to HMCS Discovery.