What Is 2016 Governor General's Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Governor General's Awards honored excellence in Canadian literature, arts, and sciences, with 14 awards presented in December 2016 across categories like fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Key Facts

14 awards were given in 2016 across literary, artistic, and academic fields
Winners received $25,000 each and a medal from Governor General David Johnston
The awards ceremony took place on December 1, 2016, in Ottawa
Fiction winner was Madeleine Thien for her novel 'Do Not Say We Have Nothing'
The awards have been presented annually since 1937

Overview

The 2016 Governor General's Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in Canadian creative and scholarly work across literature, visual arts, and academic research. Administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, these prestigious honors are among the highest recognitions in the country’s cultural landscape.

The awards are divided into multiple categories, with winners selected by independent peer assessment committees. The 2016 edition highlighted diverse voices and groundbreaking works that contributed significantly to national discourse and artistic excellence.

Fiction: Madeleine Thien won for Do Not Say We Have Nothing, a novel exploring Chinese cultural revolution and family legacy, published by McClelland & Stewart.
Poetry (English): Kamal Al-Solaylee received the award for Intolerable: A Memoir of Extremes, a powerful reflection on identity and family in the Middle East.
Non-Fiction: Charlotte Gray was honored for Canada: A Story of Challenge and Courage, a sweeping historical narrative published by HarperCollins.
Drama: Hannah Moscovitch won for Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, a critically acclaimed play that premiered at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre.
Youth Literature: JonArno Lawson’s Down in the Bottom of the Bottom of the Box earned top honors, showcasing innovative poetic storytelling for young readers.

How It Works

The Governor General's Awards follow a rigorous selection process involving expert juries and administrative oversight by the Canada Council. Each category is judged independently, ensuring fairness and recognition of merit across disciplines.

Term: Winners receive a $25,000 cash prize, a specially commissioned medal, and national recognition. The award is considered a career milestone for Canadian creators.
Jury Selection: Independent juries of five experts in each field review submissions, with jury members appointed by the Canada Council based on their professional standing.
Eligibility: Works must be originally written in English or French and published in Canada between January 1 and December 31, 2016, to qualify.
Categories: Awards are given in seven literary fields, plus visual and media arts, with two separate streams for English and French works.
Submission Volume: Over 1,400 entries were submitted in 2016 across all categories, reflecting high national engagement and competitive standards.
Ceremony: Governor General David Johnston presided over the awards ceremony at Rideau Hall on December 1, 2016, in a formal recognition event.

Comparison at a Glance

Award categories and winners in 2016 are compared below with prize amounts and publishing details.

Category	Winner	Work	Prize	Language
Fiction	Madeleine Thien	Do Not Say We Have Nothing	$25,000	English
Poetry	Annick MacAskill	Murmurations	$25,000	English
Non-Fiction	Charlotte Gray	Canada: A Story of Challenge and Courage	$25,000	English
Drama	Hannah Moscovitch	Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes	$25,000	English
Youth Literature	JonArno Lawson	Down in the Bottom of the Bottom of the Box	$25,000	English

The table highlights the diversity of genres recognized in 2016, with each winner contributing uniquely to Canadian cultural expression. French-language counterparts were also awarded separately, maintaining linguistic equity in national honors.

Why It Matters

The 2016 Governor General's Awards reinforced the value of artistic and intellectual contributions to Canadian identity. By spotlighting works that address complex social, historical, and personal themes, the awards elevate public discourse and encourage future creativity.

National Recognition: Winning authors often see a significant increase in book sales and media coverage, boosting public engagement with Canadian literature.
Cultural Preservation: Works like Thien’s novel help document historical events and diasporic experiences, enriching Canada’s multicultural narrative.
Support for Artists: The $25,000 prize provides critical financial support, enabling creators to pursue future projects without immediate commercial pressure.
Encouraging Diversity: The 2016 winners reflect growing inclusion of immigrant voices and underrepresented perspectives in mainstream literary circles.
Educational Impact: Awarded books are frequently adopted in university and high school curricula, influencing how Canadian history and literature are taught.
International Visibility: Success in these awards often leads to translation deals and global recognition, enhancing Canada’s soft power abroad.

By honoring excellence and innovation, the Governor General's Awards continue to shape Canada’s cultural legacy and inspire future generations of artists and scholars.