The Covenant Awards are awarded annually by GMA Canada, the Gospel Music Association of Canada (formerly known as the CGMA). Created in 1974, the association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the growth and ministry of Christian music arts in Canada. To this end, GMA Canada presents the annual Covenant Awards, Canada's national awards for the Canadian Gospel Music industry. GMA Canada works to raise the profile and interaction of Christian artists, songwriters, producers, promoters and others working in Christian music with media, retailers, distributors and church leadership. GMA Canada has committed itself to nurturing and developing its members through educational programs as well as celebrating outstanding achievements and standards of excellence in all areas and genres of Canadian Gospel music.