The Governor General’s Innovations Awards were created to foster a culture of innovation by recognizing the outstanding and groundbreaking work taking place in our country. The GGIA are sustained through the efforts of founding and nominating partners. Winners are selected through a two-stage, merit-based selection process. The selection process is administered by the Canada Foundation for Innovation while the execution of all aspects of the program is overseen by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General working in close collaboration with Rideau Hall Foundation.

The Public Policy Forum has been organizing a discussion panel with the GGIA winners and produces a booklet describing the projects for which they are being recognized.