Celebration of the Nation's Table
Governor General’s Award in Celebration of the Nation’s Table
The Governor General’s Award in Celebration of the Nation’s Table recognizes and celebrates the outstanding efforts of Canadians in improving the quality, variety and sustainability of all elements and ingredients of our nation’s table.
The idea of the award was first proposed in 2006 by His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond at Cuvée, in Niagara. It was then discussed in a series of cross-Canada consultations with people working in all aspects of the nation’s table: farmers, chefs, cheese makers, researchers, culinary festival organizers, tea makers, teachers, students, hospitality professionals, writers, sommeliers, fishers, hunters and winemakers. Their feedback and enthusiasm were integral to the development of the award.
The award highlights the connection from farm to table and reinforce the bonds between all members of our society. It is based on values rather than sales figures, tasting notes, competition medals or critics’ reviews, and are intended to reach out to Canadians across the country and inspire them to think differently about what they buy, eat and drink.
Awards are presented to individuals and groups who inspire, teach and delight us with their contributions to the nation’s table, those with a passion for what links us together as Canadians… the cultural exchange that takes place around tables right across this country.
The nomination and adjudication process is overseen by an advisory committee of experts from across the country. There are five award categories that recognize achievement in creativity and innovation, education and awareness, leadership, mentorship and inspiration, and stewardship and sustainability. A sixth category, youth, recognizes a young person with potential to inspire peers to become contributors to the nation’s table.
Each award recipient receives a lapel pin and a framed certificate bearing the heraldic shield of the Governor General’s Award in Celebration of the Nation’s Table.
Creativity and Innovation
Recognizing those who have contributed original and distinct ideas, products, techniques or creations to the nation’s table that are imaginative and forward-thinking
Education and Awareness
Recognizing those who have raised awareness and increased our collective knowledge of the nation’s table to the enrichment of all
Leadership
Recognizing those who have led their peers, colleagues and fellow citizens to build stronger communities connected to the nation’s table in all its aspects
Mentorship and Inspiration
Recognizing role models and those who inspire their peers and fellow Canadians about the ways in which we think about, appreciate and participate in the nation’s table
Stewardship and Sustainability
Recognizing the fundamental role of the gatekeepers and caretakers of the nation’s table in safeguarding our environment, food security and health
Youth
Recognizing young Canadians who have shown immense potential to improve the quality, variety, awareness and sustainability of the nation’s table through creativity, innovation, inspiration, leadership and stewardship
