Writing at the Centre: A Sketch of the Canadian History

Abstract

This contribution to our national discussion on writing studies and writing centres takes the long view, seeing recent events—reorganisations, reclassifications—as a chapter in the history of writing centres in Canada. It is a long view, but neither as long nor as broad as it could be, for it is tethered to my own career in writing studies: this is what I have seen, from institutional positions I have occupied, and from scholarly positions I have taken. I hope others will extend this slender timeline with further episodes and comment, and with corrections, challenge, and inquiry. I offer some preliminary analyses of the forces and trends at work in the history—and future—of writing centres in Canada, hoping others with bring further and deeper analyses to the story.