Discover the 2025 Governor General's Literary Awards Finalists

"The books selected as 2025 Governor General's Literary Awards finalists motivate readers of all ages to dream, discover and immerse themselves in captivating stories. Each of these literary works offers distinct perspectives on Canada and the world with the power to deepen connections between people, build communities and imagine a better future for all. The Canada Council for the Arts is honoured to celebrate the unique Canadian voices represented in these incredible literary works." — Michelle Chawla, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts

OTTAWA, ON, 21/10/2025 (informazione.news - comunicati stampa - editoria e media)

"The books selected as 2025 Governor General's Literary Awards finalists motivate readers of all ages to dream, discover and immerse themselves in captivating stories. Each of these literary works offers distinct perspectives on Canada and the world with the power to deepen connections between people, build communities and imagine a better future for all. The Canada Council for the Arts is honoured to celebrate the unique Canadian voices represented in these incredible literary works."
— Michelle Chawla, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts

Following a rigorous process, the peer assessment committees convened by the Canada Council have selected 70 books published in Canada over the last year as the 2025 finalists.

About the GGBooks

English-language 2025 finalists (Seven categories)

Fiction

Poetry

Drama

Non-fiction

Young People's Literature – Text

Young People's Literature – Illustrated Books

Translation (from French to English)

French-language 2025 finalists (Seven categories)

Fiction

Poetry

Drama

Non-fiction

Young People's Literature – Text

Young People's Literature – Illustrated Books

Translation (from English to French)

Makeup of the 2025 English-language peer assessment committees

Fiction:  Carol Bruneau, Bridget Canning, Conor Kerr
Poetry:  Tammy Armstrong, Katia Grubisic, Kevin Irie
Drama: Kanika Ambrose, Sharon King-Campbell, Bruce McKay
Non-fiction:  Kevin Chong, Norma Dunning, Adrienne Gruber
Young People's Literature – Text: Wayne Arthurson, Susin Nielsen, Karen Rivers
Young People's Literature – Illustrated Books:  Dawn Baker, Matthew Forsythe, Bridget George
Translation (from French to English): Bilal Hashmi, Dimitri Nasrallah

Makeup of the 2025 French-language peer assessment committees

Fiction:  Daniel Grenier, Ayavi Lake, Sophie Létourneau
Poetry:  Chantal Ringuet, Patrick Roy, Ouanessa Younsi
Drama: Jean-Philippe Baril Guérard, Pénélope Bourque, Émilie Monnet
Non-fiction:  Marie-Pier Lafontaine, Guylaine Massoutre, Melchior Mbonimpa
Young People's Literature – Text:  Lula Carballo, Mathieu Fortin, François Gilbert
Young People's Literature – Illustrated Books:  Katia Canciani, Lyne Gareau, Samuel Parent
Translation (from English to French):  Arianne Des Rochers, Émilie Laramée, Paul Ruban

Mark your calendars

The 14 winning books will be announced on November 6, 2025. For more information, visit: ggbooks.ca.

About the Canada Council for the Arts

The Canada Council for the Arts mandate is to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts. Through its grants, services, prizes, initiatives, and payments, the Canada Council supports a dynamic and diverse arts and literary scene. These activities generate a meaningful economic, cultural and social impact for over 2,000 communities in all parts of the country and beyond. The investments and leadership of the Council help advance public engagement in the arts from coast to coast to coast while also contributing to the international recognition of artists and arts organizations from Canada. 

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