The Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence, previously called the Arthur Ellis Awards, are a set of Canadian literary awards given each year to recognize the best crime and mystery writing published in Canada the year before. The awards are presented in May of the year following publication.

At first, the awards were named after Arthur Ellis, a false name used by several official hangmen in Canada, with the first and most well-known being Arthur B. English. The award statue was created by actor and theater designer Peter Blais.

In 2021, the Crime Writers of Canada decided to remove Arthur Ellis's name from the awards and changed the name to what it is now.

Best Unpublished First Novel – "Unhanged Arthur"

This award was first given in 2007 as part of the CWC's responsibility to recognize and support the careers of new writers who write crime stories and show a lot of potential.

Derrick Murdoch Award

This is a special award given for helping to develop the crime and mystery writing genre. The award is given by the president of the Crime Writers of Canada. When it was first given in 1984, it was called the Chairman's Award. Later, it was renamed to honor its first winner, Derrick Murdoch. Since 2013, the award has only been given in years when the new Grand Master Award, listed below, is not given.

Grand Master Award

The Grand Master Award is given every two years as a lifetime achievement award. It is given to a crime writer who has had a long and successful career in the United States and around the world.