The 1996 Governor General's Literary Award Winners
Gala Reading

For the fifth year, the National Library hosted the winners of the Governor General's Literary Awards at what has become known as "The Gala" on November 13th, the evening following the presentation of this country's most important literary prizes. As usual, the event was a great success. The capacity crowd offered convincing evidence of both the strong interest in Canadian writers, and the pleasure and excitement felt by those who came to watch, listen and enjoy.

Invariably, the writers are delighted to meet their readers after receiving their awards, and the readers are, if possible, even more delighted: their response is as important to the writers as the critical judgement of their peers.

With us were all the winning authors and illustrators except those who won the two drama awards. They were represented by two local actors, who gave excellent performances. Guylaine Normandin read for Normand Chaurette and John Gordon stood in for Colleen Wagner, and their efforts were warmly received. National Librarian Marianne Scott welcomed everyone, writers, illustrators, and readers, to the Library and Roch Carrier, Director of the Canada Council, spoke on the need for sustained funding for authors.

As always, thanks go to our sponsors: The Canada Council; the Friends of the National Library; the Independents, Ottawa's independent booksellers; and the Travelodge Hotel by Parliament Hill.

You can hear the authors read excerpts from their books, as recorded at the Gala Reading.

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To listen, download your free RealPlayer

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1996 Governor General's Literary Award Winners (in order of appearance)

John Ralston Saul English Nonfiction

Michel Freitag French Nonfiction

Colleen Wagner English Drama

Normand Chaurette French Drama Permission denied.

Paul Yee English Children's Literature (text)

Gilles Tibo French Children's Literature (text)

Eric Beddows English Children's Literature (illustration)

Prize not awarded in 1996 French Children's Literature (illustration)

Linda Gaboriau French Translation

Christiane Teasdale English Translation

Serge Patrice Thibodeau French Poetry

E.D. Blodgett English Poetry

Marie-Claire Blais French Fiction

Guy Vanderhaeghe English Fiction