One award to recognize and honor an outstanding Canada individual (such as a librarian, other library worker, teacher, or author) or group (such as a school or publisher) who has worked hard to promote the freedom to hold, receive, and disseminate ideas without restriction. The general criteria for judging candidates for the award are as follows:

- Individuals and institutions having demonstrated leadership and courage in defending and promoting the principles of intellectual freedom in Canada; or,
- Individuals and institutions having demonstrated leadership and courage in resisting censorship and in opposing violations of intellectual freedom pressures in Canada; or,
- Individuals and institutions having produced innovative and creative projects, programs, or materials that promote the principles of intellectual freedom in Canada.