Oscar Peterson receiving his Masterworks award for his 1961 album The Trio. © National Library of Canada

The Masterworks program is a joint venture between the federal government, federal agencies (the CBC, the National Archives and the National Film Board) and the entertainment industry. Its purpose is to honour the best film, television and music Canada has ever produced. Oscar Peterson was one among dozens of Canadian cultural icons presented with the award at a reception on Parliament Hill in February 2000.