What Is 1973 Governor General's Awards

Overview

The 1973 Governor General's Awards recognized outstanding Canadian literary works published during the previous year. Administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, these awards are among the country’s most prestigious literary honors, celebrating excellence in both English and French language writing.

That year marked a significant moment in Canadian cultural history, with prominent authors receiving national acclaim. The awards ceremony took place on December 20, 1973, at Rideau Hall, hosted by Governor General Jules Léger, who presented the medals and $1,000 prize to each winner.

• Five main categories were awarded: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and translation, reflecting the breadth of Canadian literary output.
• Margaret Atwood won the English fiction award for her novel *The Edible Woman*, a feminist satire that became a landmark in Canadian literature.
• Al Purdy received the English poetry award for *Rooms for Rent: 1950–1970*, a collection showcasing his rugged, introspective style.
• Pierre Berton won the non-fiction award for *The Invasion of Canada, 1775–1776*, a meticulously researched historical narrative.
• Each winner received a medal from the Governor General and a cash prize of $1,000, a substantial sum at the time.

How It Works

The Governor General's Awards follow a rigorous selection process involving juries, publishers, and Canada Council oversight. Each category is judged independently, with finalists announced before the winners are revealed.

• Term: The awards are given annually for books published in the preceding calendar year. Eligibility requires Canadian citizenship or permanent residency of the author.
• Jury Selection: Independent juries of three literary experts are appointed for each category, ensuring impartial and informed decision-making.
• Submission Process: Publishers submit up to three titles per category, with over 200 books typically entered each year.
• Judging Criteria: Works are evaluated on literary merit, originality, and contribution to Canadian culture and identity.
• Finalists: Shortlists of three to five nominees per category are announced in October, generating public and media interest.
• Award Ceremony: Winners are honored at Rideau Hall in December, a tradition that began in the 1950s and continues today.
• Prize Value: In 1973, the cash prize was $1,000, significantly lower than today’s $25,000, adjusted for inflation.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1973 Governor General's Awards with the current format, highlighting key changes over five decades:

While the core structure remains consistent, the financial value of the awards has increased dramatically. The 1973 prize of $1,000 equates to roughly $6,500 today with inflation, still far below the current $25,000. The inclusion of Indigenous languages and digital submissions in recent years reflects evolving standards.

Why It Matters

The 1973 awards played a pivotal role in elevating Canadian voices during a formative era for national literature. Recognition from the Governor General helped authors reach broader audiences and cemented their place in literary history.

• Margaret Atwood’s win boosted her international profile, leading to a career that would redefine Canadian fiction.
• Al Purdy’s poetry award validated a distinctly Canadian voice in a genre often dominated by American and British poets.
• Pierre Berton’s historical work brought scholarly attention to early Canadian military history and colonial dynamics.
• The awards helped establish a national literary canon, encouraging publishers to invest in Canadian authors.
• Winning an award often led to increased book sales and translations, expanding global reach.
• The 1973 ceremony reinforced the cultural role of the Governor General as a patron of the arts.

Today, the Governor General's Awards remain a benchmark of excellence, building on the legacy of early winners who shaped Canada’s literary identity.