Literary Awards and Author Recognitions for Canadian Authors

Canada boasts a vibrant literary landscape, rich with diverse voices and extraordinary storytelling. Literary awards and author recognitions play a crucial role in spotlighting exceptional Canadian authors and their contributions to the literary world. From prestigious national awards to regional honors, these accolades celebrate the creativity and dedication of writers across the country. In this blog, we’ll delve into the various literary awards available to Canadian authors, exploring their significance, the categories they encompass, and how they help elevate and recognize outstanding literary achievements in Canada.

Winning a literary award or gaining recognition can offer numerous advantages, including increased visibility and credibility, financial support, expanded readership and sales, and enhanced opportunities for publication and translation. For many authors, securing an award is a personal milestone, representing validation and acknowledgment of their hard work, creativity, and dedication to their craft. However, it’s important to note that receiving a literary award does not guarantee a long-term successful writing career. Some authors may find that the impact of an award on their career is minimal.

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Whether you’re seeking a book award or author recognition for personal or professional reasons, we’ve compiled a list of literary awards for Canadian authors below. We hope you’ll find opportunities that resonate with you and support your literary journey.

We have previously covered literary awards in America, literary awards in Australia, and literary awards in the UK. Since many Canadian authors also publish their books in other countries, many of these awards may pertain to you as well. Give them a look once you’ve finished checking out the Canadian literary awards.

Literary Awards and Author Recognitions for Canadian Authors

1. Arthur Ellis Award

The Arthur Ellis Award is a prestigious Canadian literary prize awarded annually by the Crime Writers of Canada. It recognizes excellence in crime writing across various categories, including novels, short stories, and non-fiction. Named after the pseudonym for Canada’s official hangman, the award celebrates outstanding contributions to the mystery and crime fiction genre.

3. Atlantic Book Awards

The Atlantic Book Awards are a collection of annual literary prizes to recognize and promote excellence in Atlantic Canadian writing and publishing. These awards encompass a variety of categories, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature. They aim to highlight the unique literary voices and stories from the Atlantic provinces of Canada, celebrating both emerging and established authors. These awards are presented during the Atlantic Book Awards Festival. This festival includes author readings, panel discussions, and book signings, providing an opportunity for readers to engage with authors and for authors to promote their work.

4. Aurora Awards

5. Banff Mountain Book Festival

The Banff Mountain Book Festival, part of the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, is an international event that celebrates literature and media related to mountain culture, adventure, and the environment. It includes the Banff Mountain Book Competition, which awards prizes in various categories such as mountain literature, guidebooks, and adventure travel. The festival attracts writers, adventurers, and readers from around the world, promoting high-quality mountain literature and fostering a global community of mountain enthusiasts.

6. BC and Yukon Book Prizes

The BC and Yukon Book Prizes celebrate the achievements of British Columbia and Yukon authors, illustrators, and publishers. These annual awards include multiple categories such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature, aiming to highlight the rich literary culture of the region. The prizes promote the appreciation of local literature and support the literary community in BC and Yukon.

7. Blue Metropolis Violet Prize

The Blue Metropolis Violet Prize is awarded annually as part of the Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival. It honors excellence in LGBTQ literature, recognizing authors whose work explores LGBTQ themes and contributes to the visibility and understanding of the LGBTQ community. This prize aims to celebrate diversity and promote LGBTQ voices in literature.

8. Borealis Prize: The Commissioner of Yukon Award for Literary Contribution

The Borealis Prize is awarded to individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to the Yukon literary community. It recognizes those who have supported, promoted, or produced literature in the Yukon, celebrating their efforts to enhance the literary landscape of the region.

9. Brenda Strathern Writing Prize

The Brenda Strathern Writing Prize is awarded annually to an emerging Alberta writer with a manuscript in progress. Established in memory of Brenda Strathern, the prize supports and encourages emerging writers by providing financial assistance and recognition. It aims to foster new talent and help writers complete their manuscripts, contributing to the literary scene in Alberta.

10. Bressani Award

The Bressani Award, named after Italian-Canadian poet Pier Giorgio Di Cicco, recognizes outstanding literary work by Italian-Canadian authors. Presented biennially (once every two years), the award celebrates contributions in various genres, including poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. It aims to promote Italian-Canadian culture and heritage through literature, highlighting the diverse voices within this community.

11. Burt Award for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Literature

The Burt Award for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Literature recognizes and supports Canadian Indigenous authors. This annual award celebrates outstanding literary works by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit writers, aiming to provide readers with access to culturally relevant stories. The prize also supports the distribution of winning titles to young readers across Canada, fostering a love of reading and promoting Indigenous literature.

12. C.P. Stacey Prize

The C.P. Stacey Prize is awarded for distinguished contributions to Canadian military history. Named after historian Charles Perry Stacey, the prize recognizes excellence in scholarly works that enhance the understanding of Canada’s military history. It aims to promote rigorous historical research and writing in this field, honoring works that contribute significantly to the historiography of Canadian military affairs.

13. Canada Reads

Canada Reads is an annual “battle of the books” competition organized by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). A panel of celebrity advocates each champions a Canadian book, and through a series of debates, they vote to eliminate titles until one book is declared the winner. The winning book gains national exposure and increased sales, while the competition itself sparks conversations about Canadian literature and its societal themes, promoting reading and literacy across the country.

14. Canadian Jewish Book Awards

The Canadian Jewish Book Awards recognize outstanding works of Jewish literature in Canada. These awards honor authors who explore Jewish themes, history, and culture in various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature. They aim to promote Jewish literature, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage the exploration of Jewish identity through storytelling.

15. Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book Award

The Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book Award recognizes exceptional Canadian young adult literature. The award celebrates books that engage and inspire young readers, offering compelling narratives and relatable characters. It aims to promote reading among teens and highlight the contributions of Canadian authors to young adult literature.

16. Carol Bolt Award

The Carol Bolt Award is presented annually by the Playwrights Guild of Canada to recognize the best play by a member that has premiered in the past year. Named after renowned Canadian playwright Carol Bolt, the award celebrates outstanding contributions to Canadian theater, supporting playwrights and encouraging the production of new and innovative works.

18. CBC Literary Prize

The CBC Literary Prize is a prestigious competition organized by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, celebrating excellence in short fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. The competition is open to emerging and established writers across Canada. Winners receive a cash prize, publication on CBC Books, and significant national exposure, helping to launch and advance literary careers.

19. Commonwealth Writers’ Prize

Commonwealth Writers is an organization that runs various initiatives to support and promote writers from Commonwealth countries, including Canada. It offers opportunities such as writing workshops, competitions, and publications, aiming to develop and showcase diverse voices from across the Commonwealth. The organization emphasizes storytelling as a means to foster understanding and connections between different cultures. The prize is awarded in two categories: Best Book and Best First Book.

20. CSFFA Hall of Fame Trophy

The CSFFA Hall of Fame Trophy is awarded by the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association (CSFFA) to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the Canadian speculative fiction community. This award recognizes authors, editors, and other contributors who have had a lasting impact on the genre, celebrating their achievements and dedication to the field.

21. Danuta Gleed Literary Award

The Danuta Gleed Literary Award is presented annually by the Writers’ Union of Canada to recognize the best debut collection of short fiction by a Canadian author. Named in memory of writer Danuta Gleed, the award celebrates emerging talent and excellence in short story writing. Winners receive a cash prize, providing financial support and encouragement for their future literary endeavors.

22. Dayne Ogilvie Prize

The Dayne Ogilvie Prize is awarded annually by the Writers’ Trust of Canada to an emerging Canadian writer from the LGBTQ+ community who demonstrates literary promise. The prize includes a cash award and aims to support and promote LGBTQ+ voices in Canadian literature, providing recognition and encouragement to authors early in their careers.

23. Doug Wright Award

The Doug Wright Award honors excellence in Canadian cartooning and comics. Named after pioneering Canadian cartoonist Doug Wright, the award recognizes outstanding achievements in graphic storytelling. It celebrates the unique and diverse voices within the Canadian comics community, providing recognition and support to creators in this vibrant and evolving art form.

24. Edna Staebler Award

The Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction is an annual Canadian literary award presented by Wilfrid Laurier University. It honors the best creative non-fiction book by a Canadian author that features a Canadian locale and/or significance. The award aims to encourage and recognize excellence in non-fiction writing, providing a cash prize and enhancing the visibility of the winning author’s work.

26. First Nations Literary Awards

The First Nations Literary Awards celebrate the literary achievements of Indigenous authors in Canada. These awards recognize excellence in various literary forms, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama, created by First Nations writers. The goal is to honor Indigenous voices, promote cultural heritage, and support the growth and development of Indigenous literature.

27. Flash Fiction Awards

The Flash Fiction Awards recognize outstanding short stories, typically under 1,000 words, by Canadian authors. These awards celebrate the art of concise storytelling, encouraging writers to explore and excel in this challenging literary form. Winners receive recognition and may have their work published, providing opportunities for exposure and career advancement.

28. Forest of Reading

The Forest of Reading is a Canadian reading program and award initiative organized by the Ontario Library Association. It aims to encourage reading among children, young adults, and adults by offering various award categories, including fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels. The program engages readers across the country, who vote for their favorite books, promoting literacy and a love for reading.

29. Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award

The Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award is a prestigious international literary prize awarded to the best short story collection. Canadian authors are eligible for this award, which aims to recognize and promote excellence in short story writing on a global scale. The award provides significant recognition and a substantial cash prize, enhancing the winner’s literary reputation.

30. Fresh Fish Award

The Fresh Fish Award is a Canadian literary prize for emerging writers in Newfoundland and Labrador. It recognizes the best unpublished manuscript by a writer who has not yet published a book. The award aims to support and encourage new literary talent, providing a cash prize and publication opportunities to help launch the winner’s literary career.

31. Geoffrey Bilson Award

The Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People is presented annually by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. It honors the best work of historical fiction for young readers by a Canadian author. The award aims to promote interest in history among young readers and recognize authors who excel in bringing historical events and characters to life in their stories.

32. Gerald Lampert Award

The Gerald Lampert Award is presented annually by the League of Canadian Poets to recognize the best first book of poetry published by a Canadian author. Named in honor of Gerald Lampert, a poet and arts administrator, the award aims to support emerging poets and celebrate their contribution to Canadian literature. Winners receive a cash prize, providing encouragement and recognition.

33. Giller Prize

The Giller Prize is one of Canada’s most prestigious literary awards, celebrating the best in Canadian fiction. Established by Jack Rabinovitch in memory of his wife, literary journalist Doris Giller, the prize is awarded annually to the author of the best Canadian novel or short story collection. The award includes a substantial cash prize and significant media attention, greatly enhancing the winner’s literary career.

34. Golden Pen Lifetime Achievement Award

The Golden Pen Lifetime Achievement Award is an international literary award recognizing an author’s outstanding body of work and significant contribution to literature. Canadian authors are eligible for this award, which celebrates a lifetime of literary excellence. The award highlights the recipient’s enduring impact on the literary world, providing recognition and honoring their lifelong dedication to writing.

35. Goodreads Choice Awards

The Goodreads Choice Awards are annual literary awards presented by Goodreads, an online community of readers. These awards recognize the best books of the year in various categories, based on votes from Goodreads members. Canadian authors are eligible for these awards, which offer significant exposure and recognition within the global reading community. Winning or being nominated can enhance an author’s visibility and broaden their readership.

36. Governor General’s Literary Awards

The Governor General’s Literary Awards, often referred to as the Governor General’s Awards, are among the most prestigious literary awards in Canada. Established in 1936, these awards recognize excellence in Canadian literature across various categories, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. Winners receive a cash prize and national recognition, contributing to their literary reputation and career advancement.

• Governor General’s Award for English-Language Children’s Illustration
  • This category of the Governor General’s Literary Awards honors the best illustrations in children’s books published in English by Canadian authors and illustrators. The award celebrates artistic excellence and creativity in children’s literature, providing recognition and a cash prize to the winning illustrator.
• Governor General’s Award for English-Language Children’s Literature
  • This award recognizes the best English-language children’s book by a Canadian author. Part of the Governor General’s Literary Awards, it celebrates excellence in writing for young readers. The winner receives a cash prize and national recognition.
• Governor General’s Award for English-Language Drama
  • This category honors the best English-language play or drama by a Canadian playwright. The award includes a cash prize and national recognition, supporting the development of Canadian drama and encouraging playwrights to create compelling theatrical works.
• Governor General’s Award for English-Language Fiction
  • This award celebrates the best English-language novel or short story collection by a Canadian author. It recognizes literary excellence and contributes to the winner’s national reputation. The award includes a cash prize and significant media attention.
• Governor General’s Award for English-Language Non-Fiction
  • This award honors the best English-language non-fiction book by a Canadian author. It recognizes exceptional writing in non-fiction genres, including memoirs, biography, history, and essays. The winner receives a cash prize and national recognition.
• Governor General’s Award for English-Language Poetry
  • This category of the Governor General’s Literary Awards recognizes the best English-language poetry collection by a Canadian poet. It celebrates excellence in poetry and provides a cash prize and national recognition to the winning poet.

37. Griffin Poetry Prize

The Griffin Poetry Prize is an international and Canadian poetry award established in 2000 by businessman and philanthropist Scott Griffin. It recognizes the best books of poetry published in English. The prize has two categories: International and Canadian. The Canadian category honors the best poetry collection by a Canadian author, providing a substantial cash prize and significant recognition, thereby promoting excellence in poetry and encouraging poets to continue their work.

38. Harbourfront Festival Prize

The Harbourfront Festival Prize is awarded annually at the International Festival of Authors (IFOA) in Toronto. It recognizes individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the literary arts, through their writing, mentoring, or support of authors. The recipient is awarded a cash prize and is honored for their influence and dedication to the literary community.

39. Herman Voaden Playwriting Competition

The Herman Voaden Playwriting Competition, established in 1997, celebrates excellence in playwriting in Canada. It honors the legacy of Canadian playwright Herman Voaden and aims to encourage the development of Canadian theatre. The competition awards cash prizes to the top entries.

40. Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction

The Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction is one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for non-fiction writing. It recognizes the year’s best non-fiction book by a Canadian author, providing a significant cash prize and national recognition. This award supports excellence in non-fiction writing and helps authors gain wider readership and critical acclaim.

41. Innis-Gérin Medal

The Innis-Gérin Medal is awarded by the Royal Society of Canada for a distinguished and sustained contribution to the literature of the social sciences, including human geography and social anthropology. This prestigious award highlights the recipient’s impact on Canadian scholarship and society, offering recognition and enhancing their academic reputation.

42. International Dublin Literary Award

The International Dublin Literary Award, formerly known as the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, is one of the richest literary prizes in the world. It is awarded annually for a novel written in or translated into English. Canadian authors are eligible, and the award provides significant international recognition and a substantial cash prize, promoting the winning author’s work on a global scale.

43. International Human Rights Arts Movement Awards

The International Human Rights Arts Movement (IHRAM) recognizes works of art, including literature, that address human rights issues. Canadian authors who focus on human rights themes in their writing are eligible for these awards. IHRAM provides recognition and support to authors whose works contribute to the awareness and advocacy of human rights.

44. International PEN Literary Awards

The International PEN Literary Awards are a set of prestigious awards given by PEN International, a worldwide association of writers. These awards celebrate literary excellence in various genres and recognize works that promote freedom of expression. Canadian authors are eligible, and winning an International PEN award enhances their international standing and promotes their commitment to literary and social justice.

45. International Rubery Book Award

The International Rubery Book Award is an independent book award open to authors worldwide, including Canadians. It recognizes excellence in self-published and independently published books across various genres. Winners receive a cash prize and international recognition, which can significantly boost an author’s visibility and credibility in the literary market.

46. J. M. Abraham Poetry Award

The J. M. Abraham Poetry Award, part of the Atlantic Book Awards, recognizes the best book of poetry by an Atlantic Canadian author. This award celebrates literary excellence in poetry, offering a cash prize and regional recognition. It supports and encourages poets from the Atlantic provinces, helping to promote their work and contribute to the vibrant literary culture in the region.

47. Jan Michalski Prize for Literature

The Jan Michalski Prize for Literature is an international literary award established in 2009 by the Jan Michalski Foundation. It recognizes outstanding works of fiction and non-fiction from around the world, including those by Canadian authors. The prize includes a significant cash award and aims to promote literature that contributes to a better understanding of the world.

48. Jeanne Córdova Prize

The Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction is awarded annually by the Lambda Literary Foundation. It celebrates the work of lesbian/queer-identified women and nonbinary writers. The prize honors Jeanne Córdova’s commitment to lesbian and queer communities and includes a cash award to support the recipient’s writing.

49. Jerusalem Prize

The Jerusalem Prize is awarded biennially at the Jerusalem International Book Forum. It honors writers whose work explores the freedom of the individual in society. Canadian authors who have made significant contributions to literature that promotes human freedom are eligible. The prize includes a cash award and international recognition.

50. Jim Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists’ Prize

The Jim Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists’ Prize is awarded annually by the Lambda Literary Foundation. It recognizes mid-career LGBTQ novelists who have made significant contributions to LGBTQ literature. The prize includes a cash award and acknowledges the authors’ ongoing impact on the literary landscape.

51. John Glassco Translation Prize

The John Glassco Translation Prize is awarded annually by the Literary Translators’ Association of Canada. It recognizes excellence in literary translation by a translator in the early stages of their career. The prize includes a cash award and promotes the art of translation in Canada.

52. Journey Prize

The Journey Prize, officially known as The Writers’ Trust of Canada/McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize, is awarded annually for the best short story published by an emerging writer in a Canadian literary magazine. The prize includes a significant cash award and aims to support and encourage new Canadian writers.

53. Judith A. Markowitz Award

The Judith A. Markowitz Award for Emerging LGBTQ Writers is awarded annually by the Lambda Literary Foundation. It recognizes LGBTQ writers who show exceptional talent and promise. The award includes a cash prize and aims to support and promote the work of emerging LGBTQ authors.

54. Kobzar Literary Award

The Kobzar Literary Award is a biennial Canadian literary award presented by the Shevchenko Foundation. It recognizes outstanding literary works that reflect, explore, and celebrate Ukrainian Canadian themes. The award includes a cash prize and aims to promote the Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage.

55. Lambda Literary Awards

The Lambda Literary Awards, or “Lammys,” are presented annually by the Lambda Literary Foundation. They recognize outstanding LGBTQ literature in various categories, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more. Canadian authors are eligible, and the awards offer significant recognition and promotion within the LGBTQ literary community.

56. Lane Anderson Award

The Lane Anderson Award is an annual Canadian award that recognizes excellence in science writing. It is presented in two categories: adult and young readers. The award includes a cash prize and aims to promote interest in science and technology through engaging and accessible writing.

58. Lee Hochul Literary Prize for Peace

The Lee Hochul Literary Prize for Peace is awarded annually to writers whose works promote peace and human rights. Canadian authors are eligible if their works focus on themes of peace. The prize includes a cash award and aims to encourage literature that contributes to global peace efforts.

59. Leslie Feinberg Award

The Leslie Feinberg Award for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Writers is presented by the Lambda Literary Foundation. It honors the legacy of Leslie Feinberg and recognizes outstanding literary works by transgender and gender-nonconforming writers. The award includes a cash prize and aims to support and promote trans and gender-nonconforming voices in literature.

60. Lorne Pierce Medal

The Lorne Pierce Medal is awarded by the Royal Society of Canada for distinguished and significant achievement in imaginative or critical literature written in either English or French. It is awarded biannually and includes a medal, honoring outstanding contributions to Canadian literature.

63. Mastera Literary Award

The Mastera Literary Award honors outstanding literary works, including those by Indigenous authors. It is awarded annually and recognizes excellence in various literary genres, promoting cultural heritage and diversity in Canadian literature.

65. Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award

67. Matt Cohen Award

The Matt Cohen Award is presented by the Writers’ Trust of Canada and celebrates a Canadian writer’s lifetime achievement in literature. It includes a cash prize and recognizes writers who have dedicated their lives to the craft of writing, contributing significantly to Canadian literature.

68. McNally Robinson Awards:

McNally Robinson Booksellers, an independent bookstore chain, sponsors several literary awards that recognize and celebrate Canadian authors, particularly those from the Prairies. They are known for their support of local authors and the literary community, providing a platform for writers to gain recognition and readership. Here is a complete list of McNally Robinson-sponsored awards:

1. McNally Robinson Book of the Year Award: Awarded to the best book published by a Manitoba author in any genre.
2. McNally Robinson Aboriginal Book of the Year Award: Recognizes outstanding literary work by an Indigenous author.
3. McNally Robinson Children’s Book of the Year Award: Awarded to the best children’s book by a Manitoba author.
4. McNally Robinson Book for Young People (Older Category): Awarded to an outstanding book for young readers in the older age category
5. McNally Robinson Emerging Writer Award: Given to a new and upcoming author from Manitoba.
6. McNally Robinson People’s Choice Award: Awarded based on votes from the public, celebrating a Manitoba author’s work.
7. Prairie Fire Press – McNally Robinson Short Fiction Contest: A contest recognizing the best short fiction written by a Manitoba author.

69. Milton Acorn People’s Poetry Award

The Milton Acorn People’s Poetry Award honors the legacy of Canadian poet Milton Acorn. It is awarded annually to a Canadian poet whose work exemplifies Acorn’s spirit and commitment to social justice. The award includes a cash prize and celebrates passionate and socially engaged poetry.

70. Monica Hughes Award

The Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy is presented by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. It recognizes excellence in science fiction and fantasy writing for young readers by Canadian authors. The award includes a cash prize and promotes imaginative literature for youth.

71. Newfoundland and Labrador Book Awards

The Newfoundland and Labrador Book Awards recognize the best works by authors from Newfoundland and Labrador. Presented in several categories, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, the awards celebrate the province’s literary talent and include cash prizes and plaques.

72. Norma Fleck Award

The Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction is awarded annually by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. It recognizes the best non-fiction book for children by a Canadian author, promoting excellence in informational books for young readers.

73. Pat Lowther Award

The Pat Lowther Award is presented annually by the League of Canadian Poets. It recognizes the best book of poetry published by a Canadian woman in the preceding year. The award includes a cash prize and celebrates excellence in poetry by women.

74. Percy Janes First Novel Award

The Percy Janes First Novel Award is given annually as part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Book Awards. It recognizes the best unpublished first novel manuscript by a Newfoundland and Labrador author. The award includes a cash prize and encourages emerging writers.

75. PMC Indigenous Literature Awards

The PMC Indigenous Literature Awards celebrate excellence in Indigenous literature in Canada. They recognize works by Indigenous authors that reflect Indigenous cultures, traditions, and experiences. The awards include cash prizes and promote Indigenous storytelling.

76. Prix Anne-Hébert

The Prix Anne-Hébert is awarded annually to a Canadian author for the best first work of fiction written in French. Named after the esteemed Quebec writer, the award includes a cash prize and aims to encourage new literary talent in Francophone literature.

77. Prix Athanase-David

The Prix Athanase-David is one of Quebec’s most prestigious literary awards, presented annually by the Quebec government. It honors a Quebec author for their lifetime contribution to Quebec literature. The award includes a medal and a significant cash prize.

78. Prix du Cercle du livre de France

The Prix du Cercle du livre de France is awarded annually to a Canadian author for an outstanding work of fiction written in French. It includes a cash prize and is aimed at promoting French-language literature in Canada.

79. Prix Ringuet

The Prix Ringuet, awarded by the Académie des lettres du Québec, recognizes the best work of fiction by a Quebec author. It includes a cash prize and celebrates literary excellence in Quebec.

80. Quebec Writers’ Federation Awards

The Quebec Writers’ Federation Awards are presented annually to recognize the best works of literature by Quebec writers. Categories include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature. The awards include cash prizes and aim to promote literary talent in Quebec.

81. RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers

The RBC Bronwen Wallace Award is presented annually to a Canadian author under the age of 35 for a first book of poetry or short fiction. Sponsored by RBC and named after poet Bronwen Wallace, the award includes a cash prize and aims to support emerging literary talent.

82. ReLit Awards

The ReLit Awards recognize excellence in Canadian independent literature. They are given annually for books in three categories: fiction, poetry, and short fiction. The awards focus on works published by small, independent presses and celebrate emerging voices in Canadian literature.

83. Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize

The Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize is awarded annually for the best Canadian novel or collection of short stories. It is presented by the Writers’ Trust of Canada and includes a cash prize. The award aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in Canadian fiction.

84. ROOM Magazine Awards

The ROOM Magazine Awards are given annually for outstanding contributions to Canadian literature in various categories, including poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. The awards celebrate emerging and established writers published in ROOM Magazine, a Canadian literary journal.

85. Salon du livre de Toronto

The Salon du livre de Toronto is an annual book fair and literary event that includes various awards. It celebrates French-language literature in Canada and provides a platform for authors and publishers to showcase their work to a broader audience.

86. Scotiabank Giller Prize

The Scotiabank Giller Prize is one of Canada’s most prestigious literary awards, presented annually for the best Canadian fiction. The award includes a significant cash prize and aims to celebrate and promote excellence in Canadian literature.

87. Shaughnessy Cohen Award

The Shaughnessy Cohen Award for Political Writing is given annually to the best Canadian book on a political subject. It includes a cash prize and recognizes outstanding contributions to political discourse and analysis in Canada.

88. Stephen Leacock Award

The Stephen Leacock Award is presented annually for the best Canadian humorous book. Named after the famed Canadian humorist Stephen Leacock, the award includes a cash prize and celebrates excellence in humor writing.

89. Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour

The Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour is awarded annually for the best work of humorous fiction by a Canadian author. The award, named after Stephen Leacock, includes a cash prize and recognizes outstanding achievements in comedic writing.

90. Sunburst Award

The Sunburst Award is given annually for the best Canadian works of fantasy and science fiction. The award includes a cash prize and aims to recognize and celebrate excellence in speculative fiction.

91. TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award

The TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award is presented annually to the best Canadian children’s book published in English. The award includes a significant cash prize and recognizes outstanding achievements in children’s literature.

92. Thomas Head Raddall Award

The Thomas Head Raddall Award is given annually for the best work of fiction set in Atlantic Canada or by an Atlantic Canadian author. The award includes a cash prize and aims to promote literature that reflects the region’s unique culture and history.

93. Trillium Award

The Trillium Award is presented annually to the best work of literature by an Ontario author, in both English and French. The award includes cash prizes for both categories and celebrates excellence in literature produced in Ontario.

94. Vicky Metcalf Award for Children’s Literature

The Vicky Metcalf Award for Children’s Literature is awarded annually to a Canadian author for a body of work in children’s literature. The award includes a cash prize and recognizes long-term contributions to the field of children’s literature in Canada.

95. Vine Awards for Canadian Jewish Literature

The Vine Awards for Canadian Jewish Literature celebrate outstanding works in Jewish literature by Canadian authors. These awards recognize fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that reflect Jewish themes, culture, or history, with a focus on both emerging and established voices in the field.

96. Winterset Award

The Winterset Award is presented annually for the best work of literature by a Newfoundland and Labrador author. The award recognizes excellence in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, with a focus on works that reflect the unique culture and experiences of the region.

97. Wright Awards

The Wright Awards, also known as the Wright Family Foundation Awards, honor exceptional Canadian authors in various categories, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The awards aim to recognize and promote outstanding contributions to Canadian literature.

98. Writers Guild of Alberta

The Writers Guild of Alberta is an organization that supports and advocates for writers in Alberta. It presents annual awards to recognize achievements in various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. The Guild also provides resources and professional development opportunities for its members.

99. Writers’ Trust of Canada Awards

The Writers’ Trust of Canada presents several awards to recognize excellence in Canadian literature. These awards include the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, and the Writers’ Trust of Canada Fellowships. They aim to celebrate outstanding achievements in fiction, non-fiction, and other literary forms.

100. Writers’ Trust Distinguished Contribution Award

The Writers’ Trust Distinguished Contribution Award is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant impact on Canadian literature. This award recognizes a lifetime of achievement and contributions to the literary community, honoring those who have shaped and enriched Canadian literature.

101. Writers’ Trust Engel/Findley Award

The Writers’ Trust Engel/Findley Award is given annually to a Canadian writer for a significant body of work that has made a notable impact on Canadian literature. This award celebrates a writer’s career achievements and contribution to the literary landscape.

Did we miss any Canadian literary awards? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy writing!