The National Quality Institute (NQI) was spun off as a separate, self-sustaining entity to administer the awards in 1992 and became Excellence Canada in 2011.
[5] While originally intended for profitmaking Canadian firms, the awards are now open to government agencies and not-for-profit organizations.
As of 2014, there are eleven awards categories:[6] As is typical for national quality awards, hopefuls complete a self-assessment[7] which is reviewed by volunteer judges ("verifiers") and high-scoring candidates receive a follow-up site visit for closer judging.
[8] Based on the recommendations of the judges, a jury panel determines the awarding.
[9] Additionally, judges prepare detailed feedback which each applicant can use as the basis of self-improvement projects.