The Avie Bennett Chair in Canadian Literature ensures that U of T will always have a distinguished and dynamic scholar able to teach students about Canadian identity and experience through the lens of the country’s greatest works of fiction
Avie Bennett's philanthropic contributions extended well beyond the establishment of the chair. His support for U of T Libraries, including a key contribution to the creation of U of T Mississauga’s Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre in 2006, underscored his dedication to advancing education and providing state-of-the-art resources for academic excellence.
Current Chair:
David Chariandy is Professor and Avie Bennett Chair in Canadian Literature since 2025. Following the appointment of Professor Smaro Kamboureli as inaugural chair from 2013-2025, Professor Chariandy continues to illuminate the role of Canadian literature in shaping global discussions of art, culture, and politics.
The upcoming Avie Bennett Lecture, on February 26th, 2026, is On Complex Stories: Sarah Bernstein and Canisia Lubrin onstage.
Literature Matters:
Explore the depth and impact of Canadian literature through the The Avie Bennett Chair in Canadian Literature's annual lecture series, "Literature Matters." This platform invites esteemed Canadian authors to share their insights on the value of literature and provide a glimpse into their creative process. Join us each year for thought-provoking discussions that illuminate the significance of literature in our cultural landscape.