[1] Due to ongoing issues with Quebec filmmakers, the CFA's receipt of its annual government grant was made contingent upon the reaching of a compromise by the two groups.
It was eventually agreed that the two sides would take turns hosting the awards.
To shore up public support, there was an increased PR campaign and CTV aired a one-hour broadcast of the awards ceremony.
After pre-selection, the total submissions to the jury were 171 films, including 17 features and 76 documentaries.
After much discussion about whether or not to add a commercial-value award, the CFAs introduced the Golden Reel Award, presented to the year's top-grossing Canadian film.