What Is 1967 Governor General's Awards

Overview

The 1967 Governor General's Awards marked a significant year in Canada’s cultural history, honoring outstanding achievements in literature and the arts. These awards, established in 1936 and revitalized in 1959 under the Canada Council for the Arts, recognized Canadian creators whose works were published in English or French during the calendar year.

The 1967 edition celebrated 14 winners across multiple disciplines, including fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and drama. As Canada celebrated its centennial year, these awards highlighted the nation’s growing literary identity and commitment to supporting homegrown talent.

• Margaret Atwood won the Fiction award for her short story collection The Animals in That Country, a pivotal moment in her early career.
• Alfred G. Bailey received the Poetry award for The Wounded Walking, a collection reflecting on human vulnerability and resilience.
• Irving Layton was honored in the same category for A Red Carpet for the Sun, showcasing his bold, expressive style.
• W.H. New won the Drama award for Grain, a play exploring communication and isolation in modern life.
• George Woodcock received the Non-Fiction award for The Crystal Spirit: A Study of George Orwell, a critical biography.

How It Works

The Governor General's Awards follow a rigorous selection process involving expert juries, submission guidelines, and official recognition by Canada’s highest civilian representative.

• Term: The awards are presented annually for books published in the preceding calendar year. Submissions must be in English or French and authored by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Jury Selection: Independent juries of three experts in each genre are appointed by the Canada Council to ensure impartial, high-caliber evaluation.
• Categories: In 1967, awards were given in Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Non-Fiction, with separate English and French divisions later added.
• Submission Process: Publishers submit up to three titles per category, with over 200 entries typically received annually across all genres.
• Prize: Each winner receives a $14,000 honorarium and a specially designed medal presented by the Governor General.
• Announcement: Winners are announced in October each year, with a formal ceremony held in Ottawa or virtually in recent decades.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1967 Governor General's Awards with modern iterations, highlighting key changes over time.

Since 1967, the awards have evolved significantly, adding categories like Young People’s Literature and Translation. The monetary prize has increased, and the process now includes digital submissions and bilingual recognition, reflecting Canada’s diverse literary landscape.

Why It Matters

The 1967 Governor General's Awards were more than just literary honors—they were a cultural milestone during Canada’s centennial year, symbolizing national pride and artistic growth.

• Launched careers: Winning elevated authors like Margaret Atwood to national prominence, influencing future generations of writers.
• Preserved Canadian identity: The awards highlighted uniquely Canadian voices during a year of national self-reflection.
• Encouraged literary excellence: Recognition spurred publishers to invest in high-quality Canadian literature.
• Set a precedent: The 1967 format influenced the modern award structure still used today.
• Promoted bilingualism: Though French categories were limited in 1967, the foundation for future equity was laid.
• Boosted international visibility: Winners gained attention beyond Canada, enhancing the country’s cultural reputation.

Today, the Governor General's Awards remain one of Canada’s most prestigious literary honors, with roots firmly planted in milestones like the 1967 ceremony. They continue to celebrate creativity, diversity, and excellence in Canadian storytelling.