I'd like to tell you guys that if you weren't fortunate in this round, you can always work on your application and reapply if you're still eligible.
Last year I didn't apply for Vanier, but applied for PGS-D and didn't get it, and I hadn't even started the PhD at the time.
This year, I applied to PGS-D (Didn't hear back yet) and Vanier, and got the Vanier this year.
Some notes, I didn't have any publications, just 1 conference presentation, and 1 conference paper, and 1 Paper submitted (later to be rejected). I scored 5.5 in research potential. However, I always maintained a 4.0 GPA and A+ in courses, so academic excellence was 7.5. However, I spent a lot of time working on the leadership statement and reference letters, which gave me a score of 8.5 in this category, giving me a ranking of 33/178 in NSERC, and being awarded Vanier.
There is hope for all of you out there! you just have to present yourself to them in the statements the way they want to see you!
Best of luck to everyone