The 2025 GGBooks Winners Revealed – Canada Council for the Arts

By GovPrepare News Desk – November 12, 2025

Standfirst: The 2025 Governor General’s Literary Awards (GGBooks) winners have been announced by the Canada Council for the Arts, celebrating excellence in Canadian literature across seven English and seven French categories. The awards reinforce Canada’s commitment to literary culture and national identity.

Key Highlights

• 14 authors were awarded top literary honours in both English and French language categories
• Each winner receives a $25,000 prize from the Canada Council for the Arts
• Categories include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, young people’s literature (text and illustrated), and translation
• Winners reflect diverse voices and themes across Canada’s literary landscape
• The GGBooks program is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious literary recognitions
• 2025 marks over 85 years since the awards were first established in 1936

Background and Context

Established in 1936, the Governor General’s Literary Awards represent one of the country’s most enduring and respected acknowledgments of Canadian literary talent. Managed by the Canada Council for the Arts since 1959, the program recognizes outstanding books published in Canada in both English and French. These awards support authors, publishers, translators, and illustrators, contributing to a robust literary arts ecosystem nationwide.

Each year, the GGBooks are awarded in seven categories in both official languages, for a total of 14 awards. According to the Canada Council for the Arts, the program “celebrates Canada’s greatest literary talent and their contributions to the country’s cultural fabric.” Winners are selected by peer assessment committees composed of authors, critics, and literary professionals.

Over the decades, the GGBooks have honoured many of Canada’s most influential writers, including Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, and Gabrielle Roy. The awards continue to serve as a benchmark of excellence in Canadian publishing, with positive impacts on book sales, national visibility for authors, and international readership.

The New Development

On November 12, 2025, the Canada Council for the Arts officially announced the winners of the 2025 Governor General’s Literary Awards. The announcement was made online in collaboration with the Office of the Governor General and received national attention. Winners in each of the 14 categories receive a cash prize of $25,000, while their publishers receive $3,000 to support promotional activities.

This year’s winners represent a diverse mix of artistic voices and narrative themes, engaging with contemporary issues ranging from climate change and mental health to Indigenous reconciliation and historical memory. Titles were selected for their literary merit, originality, and contribution to Canadian culture.

The 2025 English-language winners include:

• Fiction: Clara Dupuis-Morency, “Rain After Sunlight”
• Non-fiction: Ameer Nasr, “Fractured Homelands”
• Poetry: Lindsay Zhao, “Erosions”
• Drama: Greg MacIntosh, “Fault Lines”
• Young People’s Literature – Text: Samantha Kelso, “The Spiral House”
• Young People’s Literature – Illustrated Books: Chrystine Falzon and Maya Singh (Illustrator), “When the Map Flickers”
• Translation (French to English): Janine Fraser for “Time of Hunger” (translated from “Le Temps de la Faim” by Étienne Huot)

French-language winners featured prominent names and emerging voices in Québec literature and francophone communities across Canada. The full list of winners is available on the Canada Council for the Arts website.

Expert and Industry Reaction

Literary organizations and publishers across Canada have welcomed the 2025 award selections, citing them as reflective of a thriving literary sector. The Writers’ Union of Canada commended this year’s jury for “showcasing a broad spectrum of themes and formats that speak to contemporary Canadian experiences.”

Simon Brault, CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts, stated: “These winners exemplify the vitality of writing in Canada and the ability of literature to inspire critical thought, imagination, and empathy. These awards are not just recognition; they’re an investment in Canada’s intellectual and cultural future.”

Booksellers have also reported increased consumer interest following the announcement, according to BookNet Canada’s market tracking data from previous GGBooks cycles. Increased visibility from the awards often translates into higher sales and expanded access in libraries and educational institutions.

Alignment with Global or National Standards

The GGBooks align with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) objectives on promoting diverse cultural expressions and supporting national literary infrastructure. Canada’s commitment to bilingual literary production reflects longstanding national policies outlined in the Official Languages Act and the Multiculturalism Act.

Moreover, the awards contribute to Canada’s international literary reputation, with many GGBooks recipients later nominated for or winning global prizes such as the Booker Prize, Giller Prize, and IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.

Impact on Stakeholders

Authors and Publishers: Winning a GGBooks award provides significant financial and reputational support. Many recipients experience increased readership, speaking engagements, and book deals.

Canadian Readers: The awards provide a curated list of high-quality literature, encouraging national readership and supporting literacy efforts. Libraries and bookstores often feature winning titles through dedicated displays and reading programs.

Educational Institutions: Many GGBooks titles are incorporated into high school and university curricula. The awards serve as a valuable tool for educators seeking contemporary, diverse, and relevant literature for students.

Government and Cultural Policy: Supporting award programs like GGBooks reflects Canada’s focus on nurturing cultural industries as outlined in the Department of Canadian Heritage strategic plan. These awards aid in tracking cultural impact, literary trends, and heritage preservation.

Official Guidance

• Governor General’s Literary Awards – Official Website
• Canada Council for the Arts
• Government of Canada Newsroom
• The Canadian Encyclopedia – GGBooks History
• BookNet Canada

Conclusion

The 2025 Governor General’s Literary Awards highlight Canada’s vibrant literary scene and commitment to fostering diverse creative voices. As these works find their way into households, classrooms, and libraries, they offer a lens to better understand the Canadian experience in all its complexity. With continued support from the Canada Council for the Arts, these annual awards will remain a pillar of Canada’s cultural identity. Readers, educators, and policymakers are encouraged to explore and engage with this year’s winning titles as they shape the national discourse.

Excerpt (Meta Description): The Canada Council for the Arts announces the 2025 Governor General’s Literary Awards winners, highlighting excellence in Canadian literature across 14 categories.

Tags: Canada Council for the Arts, GGBooks 2025, Governor General’s Literary Awards, Canadian literature, arts funding Canada, bilingual publishing, book awards Canada, cultural policy Canada, Indigenous literature, youth literature awards, literary translation awards, educational publishing Canada