What Is 2017 Governor General's Awards

Overview

The 2017 Governor General's Awards recognized outstanding achievements in Canadian literature, arts, and academic non-fiction. Administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, these prestigious honors highlight the nation’s most impactful creative and scholarly contributions each year.

Announced between September and November 2017, the awards spanned 14 distinct categories, split evenly between English and French language works. Each winner was celebrated for originality, quality, and influence within their field, from fiction and poetry to translation and children’s literature.

• Seven English-language categories included Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (Text), Young People’s Literature (Illustrated Books), and Translation.
• Seven French-language categories mirrored the English divisions, ensuring bilingual recognition across Canada’s literary landscape.
• Winners received $25,000, while each finalist was awarded $1,000, supporting artists and authors financially and professionally.
• The Canada Council for the Arts has managed the awards since 1959, continuing a tradition that began in 1937 under Governor General Lord Tweedsmuir.
• Jury panels of three experts independently assessed submissions in each category, ensuring impartial and rigorous evaluation of all entries.

How It Works

The Governor General's Awards process involves submission, jury review, shortlisting, and public announcement of winners. Publishers and authors submit eligible works, which are then assessed by independent juries appointed by the Canada Council.

• Submission Window: Books must be published between June 1 of the previous year and May 31 of the award year; for 2017, this meant works published from June 1, 2016, to May 31, 2017, were eligible.
• Jury Selection: Each category features a jury of three literary professionals, including writers, critics, or academics, chosen for their expertise and impartiality.
• Shortlist Announcement: Finalists—typically five per category—were revealed in September 2017, generating public interest and media coverage.
• Winner Selection: Juries deliberate after the shortlist is announced, selecting one winner per category based on artistic merit, originality, and impact.
• Award Ceremony: Winners were formally honored in November 2017 at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, in Ottawa.
• Prize Distribution: Each winner received $25,000, with finalists receiving $1,000, funded by the Canada Council and private sponsors.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2017 Governor General's Awards across selected categories:

This structured approach ensures recognition across diverse literary forms and linguistic communities. The 2017 awards emphasized inclusivity, with Indigenous voices like Katherena Vermette gaining national acclaim. The bilingual nature of the awards reinforces Canada’s official language duality and cultural diversity.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Governor General's Awards play a critical role in shaping Canada’s cultural identity and supporting its creative community. By spotlighting excellence, the awards elevate underrepresented voices and encourage literary innovation across the country.

• Indigenous representation was strengthened in 2017, with Katherena Vermette winning for her poetry, highlighting reconciliation through art.
• Authors gain national visibility, often leading to increased book sales, speaking engagements, and international recognition.
• Translation awards bridge linguistic divides, promoting cross-cultural understanding between English and French Canadian communities.
• Schools and libraries frequently adopt winning titles, integrating award-winning works into educational curricula.
• The $25,000 prize provides crucial financial support, enabling writers to focus on future creative projects without immediate economic pressure.
• Historical continuity since 1937 underscores the awards’ role in preserving and evolving Canada’s literary heritage.

Ultimately, the 2017 Governor General's Awards celebrate not just individual achievement, but the collective strength of Canadian storytelling, scholarship, and artistic expression.