Editing Governor General's Awards (section)

==Governor General's Award in Celebration of the Nation's Table==
Conceived in 2006 by [[Jean-Daniel Lafond]], husband of Governor General [[Michaëlle Jean]], the Governor General's Award in Celebration of the Nation's Table was created to recognize Canadians—as individuals or in groups—who improved the "quality, variety and sustainability of all elements and ingredients of our nation's table".<ref name=NT>{{cite web| url=http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=13710| last=Office of the Governor General of Canada| author-link=Governor General of Canada| title=Award in Celebration of the Nation's Table| date=23 June 2010| publisher=Queen's Printer for Canada| access-date=2 July 2010}}</ref> Jean and Lafond consulted with many across Canada involved in the production of food products, as well as chefs, organizers of culinary festivals, sommeliers, and more.

The award has six categories: Creativity and Innovation, recognizing those who contributed original, forward-thinking ideas, products, or techniques related to food or drink; Education and Awareness, recognizing those who helped give a broader profile to the "nation's table"; Leadership, recognizing those who led others to form stronger communities connected to the food and beverage industries; Mentorship and Inspiration, recognizing role models in the food and beverage industries; Stewardship and Sustainability, recognizing those who were at the forefront of developing and/or practicing safeguards around the environment, food security, and health; and Youth, recognizing young Canadians who have demonstrated a potential to improve the quality, variety, awareness, and sustainability of the food and beverage industries.<ref name=NT/>

An advisory committee of food and beverage experts reviews nominations. Recipients receive a lapel pin and a framed certificate bearing the [[Escutcheon (heraldry)|heraldic shield]] of the Governor General's Award in Celebration of the Nation's Table.<ref name=NT/>