The Fiddlehead, one of Canada's longest-running literary journals, administers the Ralph Gustafson Prize for Best Poem as part of its annual poetry contest. The prize carries a cash award of $2,000 CAD and is adjudicated by a rotating panel of distinguished poets. This year's judges are Farah Ghafoor, Fawn Parker, and Patricia Young. Ghafoor is the author of Shadow Price (House of Anansi, 2025), a CBC Best Book of the Year and finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award, among other honors. Parker and Young bring further critical and creative expertise to the jury. The contest is open to all poets, with no restriction on career stage or geographic location, though the award is denominated in Canadian dollars. Submissions are accepted via Submittable until 11:59 pm Pacific Time on December 1, 2026, or by mail with a postmark of the same date. A fee of $50 CAD is required for entry. The winner receives $2,000 CAD; additional details regarding publication or further prizes are not specified in the provided information. The Fiddlehead's commitment to poetry is longstanding, and this prize underscores its role in recognizing exceptional single poems. The jury's collective aesthetic—ranging from Ghafoor's lyrical and politically engaged work to Parker's and Young's respective contributions—suggests an openness to diverse voices and forms. Poets are encouraged to submit their strongest work, understanding that the contest is a competitive venue for serious literary achievement.