What Is 1936 Governor General's Awards

Overview

The 1936 Governor General's Awards marked a pivotal moment in Canadian cultural history, representing the first formal recognition of literary excellence at the national level. Established under the patronage of Governor General the Lord Tweedsmuir, who was himself a noted author, the awards aimed to promote Canadian literature during a time when domestic voices were often overshadowed by British and American works.

Administered by the Royal Society of Canada, the 1936 awards honored books published in 1935 across three categories: fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. These awards laid the foundation for what would become Canada’s most prestigious literary honors, evolving over decades into a symbol of national artistic achievement.

• 1936 was the first year the Governor General's Awards were officially presented, setting a precedent for future literary recognition in Canada.
• The awards honored books published during 1935, establishing a tradition of recognizing works from the prior year.
• Only three categories existed at the time: fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, reflecting the core genres of literary expression.
• Lord Tweedsmuir, Governor General from 935 to 1940, played a key role in founding the awards and was an advocate for Canadian cultural identity.
• The Royal Society of Canada managed the selection process until 1957, when the Canada Council for the Arts took over administration.

How It Works

The original structure of the Governor General's Awards was modest compared to today’s expansive format, with a limited number of categories and a small pool of recognized authors. The selection process was academic in nature, relying on expert judgment rather than public voting or sales figures.

• Term: The awards recognized books published in the previous calendar year. For the 1936 ceremony, only works from 1935 were eligible, a practice that continues today.
• Jury Selection: Panels appointed by the Royal Society of Canada evaluated submissions based on literary merit, originality, and national significance, without public input.
• Categories: Only three genres were honored initially—fiction, non-fiction, and poetry—unlike the 14 categories seen in modern ceremonies.
• Winners: Each winner received a medal and national recognition; there was no cash prize in 1936, unlike later years.
• Eligibility: Authors had to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, ensuring the focus remained on domestic literary contributions.
• Publication Requirement: Books had to be published by a Canadian press or have significant Canadian distribution to qualify for consideration.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1936 awards differ significantly from today’s Governor General's Literary Awards in scope, structure, and reach. The following table highlights key contrasts.

While the 1936 awards were groundbreaking for their time, today’s version reflects a more inclusive, diverse, and financially supported literary landscape. The expansion into French-language categories and the addition of youth literature, translation, and illustrated books illustrate how the program has evolved.

Why It Matters

The 1936 Governor General's Awards were more than a ceremonial gesture—they represented a deliberate effort to cultivate a distinct Canadian literary voice. By honoring domestic authors, the awards helped shift cultural focus toward homegrown talent and inspired future generations of writers.

• The awards elevated Canadian identity in literature, encouraging authors to explore national themes and regional experiences.
• Winning brought national visibility, helping authors like Bertram Brooker gain critical attention and broader readership.
• They laid the foundation for future literary institutions, including the Canada Council for the Arts, established in 1957.
• The 1936 model influenced later awards such as the Scotiabank Giller Prize and the Winterset Award.
• They contributed to the professionalization of writing in Canada, making authorship a more viable career path.
• By recognizing poetry and non-fiction equally with fiction, the awards validated diverse forms of literary expression.

Today, the Governor General's Literary Awards remain a cornerstone of Canada’s cultural infrastructure, tracing their origins directly back to the pioneering 1936 ceremony. That year’s modest beginning has grown into a national tradition that continues to shape Canadian literature.