Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 13, 2004
• Invested on: March 11, 2005

His is one of the most colourful and passionate voices in Canadian literature. A writer whose work has been featured in numerous anthologies and literary journals, John Metcalf is also an editor known for his consistent encouragement and championing of up-and-coming writers. He has compiled dozens of anthologies of Canadian fiction, giving voice for the first time to some of Canada's greatest short story writers. As senior editor at The Porcupine's Quill press, a job he does on a voluntary basis, he continues to bring emerging writers to the fore. Although as a critic he is often blunt, he is nonetheless broadly respected for his dedication to excellence in Canadian publishing.