Sad news for music fans in Canada:  MuchMusic wants to cut down the amount of music videos it plays even more, reports CHARTattack.

Last week CTV Limited, the company which owns MuchMusic, applied to change their current license with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).  The proposed changes would affect the amount of music videos played on the station as well as remove French language programming and increase music-related feature films.

MuchMusic has gradually been playing less and less music videos and moving more towards other kinds of programming.  Now they want to cut the number of music videos they play in half.

The proposed new licence would change the number of shows which consist of music related programming and music videos from filling 50 per cent of each broadcasting week to just 25 per cent.

CTV’s reasoning?  The application to the CRTC reads, “Music videos no longer distinguish the service as they are readily available through other sources.”  This isn’t great news for music enthusiasts if the application for the new license is accepted.

What’s your take?  Do you still watch MuchMusic or do you check out “other sources” for music videos?

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Fred Ewanuick is just happy to have his own TV.

The Canadian actor, best known for his role as Hank Yarbo in Corner Gas, has been spending the past few weeks in his own private, fully-equipped chalet in Whistler.

“I’m like in heaven. I don’t have cable at home.”

Ewanuick, 42, scored his Rocky Mountain pad when he was selected by the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC) to host the Olympic Victory Ceremonies in Whistler: a set of live performances each evening starring some of the world’s top acts.

“It’s such a blast. I think they said that the capacity is 8000, and we’ve been at capacity every night.”

Ewanuick has introduced artists such as Feist, The All-American Rejects, K’naan, Estelle, Usher, and The Fray. However, Ewanuick argues that some of the best music comes from the Olympic fans.

“You walk through the Olympic village at night and people just break out into ‘O Canada.’ It’s just crazy up here, the atmosphere is awesome.”

Raised in Port Moody, B.C., the actor has spent most of his career working on Canadian films and television shows.  He doesn’t plan on migrating south to Hollywood as is common for many Canadian performers.

“I suppose I made a decision that I wanted to make a living here in Canada. Doing that, you don’t have much of a name for yourself anywhere else, so you take whatever you can to pay the bills. Then, Corner Gas came along and now I can pick and choose a bit.”

In Corner Gas, Ewanuick co-starred as Brent Butt’s best friend, Hank Yarbo. He built up his acting cred during the smash hit’s 106-episode run. Corner Gas confidently hung its hat in April, 2007, on the sixth season’s finale.

This was not the end for Ewanuick. The actor finally scored the opportunity to play the lead in his own television series.

The show, Dan for Mayor, is about a thirty-something man whose greatest achievement in life was graduating high school. In a spur-of-the-moment attempt to impress his ex-girlfriend Claire, played by Mary Ashton, Dan announces that he will run for mayor in the fictional town of Wessex, Ontario.

In a unique mash-up of politics and performance, the show took three actual mayors out of office and threw them into the world of acting.  Viewers can expect a cameo by Toronto Mayor David Miller.

“It’s funny, I guess politicians don’t get shy in front of the camera. They loved it, and we had a lot of fun.”

Dan for Mayor is set to premiere March 1, 2010, on CTV at 8:30 p.m. ET.

In a show where actors are mayors and mayors are actors, Ewanuick brings his small town charm to televisions across Canada.

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It looks like Paris Hilton isn’t the only one on a nation-wide search for a new BFF. But this time, don’t count on any input from Tinkerbell.

SIRIUS Canada announced in a press release yesterday that Canadian comic Russell Peters was in partnership with the satellite radio company to find Canada’s next big stand-up comedian. SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Russell Peters’ Search for Canada’s BFF (“BFF,” in this case standing for, ”Best Funny Five”), is a national talent search to find the Canadian amateur stand-up comedian with the best five-minute set.

The winner will receive the opportunity to open with their five-minute act for Peters on his upcoming North American tour. The winning comedian will also receive a $2,500 “appearance fee,” travel and accommodation for two, VIP backstage treatment, and the chance to hang out with Peters before the show.

“The SIRIUS Best Funny Five contest is a great opportunity for someone to experience what it’s like to step into the spotlight and perform in front of thousands of people,” said Peters. ”I’m looking forward to reviewing the top ten entries and sharing the spotlight with Canada’s next comedy star.”

The contest will be promoted at sirius.ca and on CTV’s The Comedy Network.

“The Russell Peters’ BFF contest is a great fit for SIRIUS,” said Paul Cunningham, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for SIRIUS Canada Inc. “We’re excited to give an up-and-coming Canadian comic a shot at the big-time by performing with Russell.”

Starting October 5, Canadians can upload a video of their best five-minute comedy set to www.sirius.ca. The video can be of anything from jokes, to impressions, to physical comedy. After the upload is complete, entrants will be able to invite people to view and rate their video.

Then, beginning November 1, online voting will open and Canadians will be able to vote for their overall favourite comedian.

And starting November 15, Peters and SIRIUS will review the top 10 videos based on viewer votes, and will select the grand prize winner from there.

However, those who may not necessarily be the next Peters, but still feel they have something to offer, should not be discouraged. Full five-minute video uploads are not mandatory, because the highest rated videos of jokes and other comic relief have a great chance of winning runner-up prizes from SIRIUS.

These secondary prizes include SIRIUS Satellite Radios, accessories, subscriptions, and merchandise.

Peters, who has been a world-wide comic favourite for two decades, reminds those who are serious about being the BFF that it’s no Paris Hilton charade.

“There’s nowhere to hide when you’re on-stage doing stand-up,” he said. ”You’ve got to deliver.”

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If you mixed “The Hills” with TSN, you’d get “Over the Bolts,” MTV Canada’s brand new reality show that documents the country’s national snowboard team as they vie for 18 Olympic spots.

The show premieres this Sunday at 10 p.m. on MTV, but we got to see the first two episodes before its debut. And let’s just say you can already set the Tivo because “Over the Bolts” is as addictive as they come!

Michael Lambert, one of the country’s top snowboarders who stars in the show, admits there’s just something about reality TV that gets you hooked. “One of my friends was on the show ‘The City,’ Duncan Davies, so I enjoyed watching it and watching him interact with his girlfriend and stuff like that,” shares the athlete. “I think the dangerous thing about any of those TV shows is you can say ‘even though I may not watch them, every one of them is addictive.’ I could just watch two episodes and I could be hooked on any of them,” he laughs.

So when Lambert was asked to be a part of one, it was almost a no brainer. “I think right off the bat I was all over it,” he says. “As an athlete, this kind of opportunity is so rare, you know what I mean…if you’re my age or your age or in your early twenties, nothing is bigger than being part of a reality show.”

However, everything comes at a price. “I gave everything I had and that’s why it’s so hard for me to watch something like that…it takes you back to a place eight, 10 months ago, to a person that I hated and a person that didn’t have a chance at succeeding, a person that nobody respected. That’s the toughest part,” says a candid Lambert. Rest assured he has since changed.

Lambert was so open throughout our interview that he even talked about what it was like having a relationship while filming the show. “I find it really awkward,” he admits. “I think the worst part is that you’re basically asking something of somebody that doesn’t have anything to gain…it makes for something that’s very strange.”

After seeing the show, you’ll understand that Lambert and his confidence play a key part in “Over the Bolts” and making it interesting. But the confidence in the first few episodes is fake according to the alpine snowboarder. “I think that the confidence that I was displaying in the show there, I think it’s fake,” he reveals to andPOP. “I think it’s me just saying the word ‘confident’ and thinking that that’s what’s gonna get me the end result. Whereas now, it’s a completely different confidence that I have beginning in the next episodes… where I got my best results in my life,” Lambert shares. “That confidence was from me being humbled by these types of things and starting to be respectful with myself and just preparing the best that I can which is obviously the most boring athlete story ever, but unfortunately it’s actually what works.”

And for any aspiring snowboarders out there who want to practice the sport professionally, Lambert’s advice is quite simple: go out and compete. “You wanna take it, it’s not some sort of crazy dream. You just go and you do it. I think that’s my advice; compete.”

As for the 2010 Olympic games, it’ safe to say Lambert is more than excited, in fact he’s “very very excited”. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed about doing, and it sounds stupid but you know, I’ve really always wanted it and I think it’s just really really cool to be there and I want it. I’m doing everything in my power to get it this time but if I don’t, I’m going again you know what I mean? I’ve wanted that and I’m not going to die without it.”

“Over the Bolts” airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV with encore presentations every Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET on CTV.

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Eight seasons running. A cult in Canadian pop culture. Winners of the Gemini, Teen Choice and Directors Guild of Canada Awards.

And now Degrassi: The Next Generation finally boasts its first red-carpet TV movie.

But known as a “show of the people”, the season 8 finale Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood premiere last Wednesday night at Toronto’s Bloor Cinema, allowed tons of lucky special-bracelet-wearing fans bask in Degrassi glory. A free-for-all for snagging autographs and pictures from their favorite cast members, and what’s more- the opportunity to enjoy the movie side-by-side with them too.

And the word got out not only to lucky fans. Among a packed-to-the-brim theatre audience was Camp Rock 2 stars Jordan Francis and Matthew “Mdot” Finley, So You Think You Can Dance Canada winner Nico Archambault, MuchMusic VJ Devon Soltendieck and MTV Live‘s Nicole Holness.

Fresh off of an SUV limo, former Degrassi mean-girl star Lauren Collins (Paige), 23, seemed ecstatic by the outcome.

“I’m so used to just walking around in the area, and just grabbing a pita or something,” a smiling Toronto native Collins tells andPOP. “But all of a sudden you’re just showing up in a limo with cameras and fans, it’s bizarre- not really used to it.”

“But I’m so happy everyone came out.”

Collins represents the previous generation of Degrassi members who have left the show to move on in their respected acting careers: Jake Epstein (Craig) is currently the lead in the touring Tony-Award winning musical Spring Awakening, Nina Dobrev (Mia) is set to star in the hyped fall CTV series The Vampire Diaries, Aubrey Graham (Jimmy) is gearing up for his Hip/Hop debut as Drake- signing with Lil’ Wayne’s record label, and Shenae Grimes (Darcy) is shooting her second season of 90210 in Los Angeles.

This time around in Paradise City, old meets the new, as the Degrassi alumnus share the screen with the show’s newest characters. The bunch make the cross-continent trek from Toronto to Tinseltown where they try their fare share at making it big in the industry.

Jason Mewes plays himself as a director, who’s holding auditions for his new movie “Mewesical High”- which causes a stir among the students at school. Paige, who’s been living in Hollywood to become a fashion designer, hasn’t had the best of luck- finding herself rather working as an assistant to a reality star. But when her sudden audition catches the eye of Robbie (Dan Levy), a studio producer,  she lands the lead role and invites old friends Marco (Adamo Ruggiero) and Ellie (Stacey Farber) down to come along for the ride.

This also causes Manny (Cassie Steele) to carve out her own journey to L.A. -along with Jay Hogart (Mike Lobel) and Degrassi rock band Stüdz- to claim that lead role which she believes is rightfully hers.

“It was amazing,” says Steele, 19, “you know, hanging with Mike Lobel and all the crew, good times laughing.”

But now what would Degrassi be without a little bit of Drama, eh? Well from Paige letting the celebrity life get to her head, to Ellie running into Craig, a former flame who’s been living out west in Los Angeles, clean from his season six coke addiction-  the four-part season 8 finale has a healthy balance of everything on the checklist.

Directed by the series’ very own alumni Stefan Brogren (Snake), the movie was shot both in Toronto and Los Angeles. And it’s obvious that “going Hollywood” requires a few celebrity cameos -which the film delivered, sprinkled throughout the story- including Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Mewes and Kevin Smith (Jay and Silent Bob), Vivica A. Fox, and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

“Obviously having Kevin and Jason was so exciting,” recalls Collins. “And also Dan levy and then the L.A. people, I can’t pick one, it was just such a fun experience.”

Known to be avid fans of the show, Smith and Mewes made appearances on seasons 4 and 5, and an on-the-carpet Mewes was in high-spirits about the latest experience.

“It was great,” says Mewes, 35, known for playing the drug dealer Jay, in Jay and Silent Bob. “Those guys were great to have called me, and shooting with all of the cast was awesome.”

Degrassi’s latest Queen-Bee Charlotte Arnold (Holly J.), who was featured only in a brief scene, had nothing but praise toward her fellow cast-mates.

“For me this was exciting,” says the 20-year-old former Naturally, Sadie star, “because I had never seen the movie before, and truthfully, I hadn’t even read the script. So this was brand new, and what they did was incredible, so proud of everyone.”

And for Arnold and the rest of the cast, the fall season is just around the corner, which means back to school at Degrassi Community School for the next two months for season 9 filming. A 22-year-old franchise known to just keep on teaching the lessons of life, but the latest advice now: to catch Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood,  on CTV on Sunday, August 30 at 8 pm ET.

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We are not generally into the whole sci-fi thing but this show looks pretty good. It should be considering it’s the same team who came up with Grey’s Anatomy. Defying Gravity follows a group of eight young astronauts on a six year space mission. There is comedy, politics and some romance (leave it to Jordan to focus on sex, even when it’s in outer space). We sat down with Laura Harris who is one of the stars of Defying Gravity. Check out the show airing on CTV and ABC sunday evenings.

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It’s every man’s dream to be able to read minds (and we all know why for obvious reasons) but here at andPOP we haven’t developed that talent. However CTV/NBC have developed a show following paramedic Toby Logan who has this special skill. andPOP dropped by the set of The Listener for a behind the scene look at the show.

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MTV Canada has recently announced a joint project with CTV and Free Form Productions Inc. called “Peak Season.” The supposedly unscripted show is currently in production in Whistler, B.C.

“Peak Season” is being filmed in a world-class ski resort and will focus on the lives, loves and “true-life drama” of a group of twenty-somethings.

“In the spirit of hit MTV real-life series, the production gives viewers a distinct, behind-the-scenes look into a group of real people living in a real community,” read a statement by CTV. “This time, it’s the high drama found in the unique geography of this world-renowned tourist town, where young people from across the globe congregate to work while the rich and famous come to frolic. A lot happens in this resort playground as Whistler’s youth struggle to find love, friendship and themselves.”

CTV and MTV Canada have ordered 10 half-hour episodes of the new series, which is set to premiere later this year once production wraps up in April.

And a lot of drama can be expected. As the famous whistler saying goes, “You don’t lose your girlfriend, you lose your turn”.

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CTV has struck a deal with ABC to webcast some of the top rated American programs including Lost, Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy.

The shows have been available online in the United States for years, but distributing laws have kept them off Canadian web browsers.

Viewers will be able to see the last three episodes of each series – right now that includes the two episodes broadcast before the shows finished because of the writers strike.

The episodes will be available for free streaming for 28 days after the original broadcast date.

Lost will also include web features – including the 13 webisodes that were distributed online in the U.S. already.

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Leah Miller will be the host of the new Canadian show, “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” airing on CTV later this year.

“Leah’s vibrant charm, previous hosting experience and knowledge of dance makes her an ideal host for this exciting new series. Fun, smart and quick on her feet, viewers and competitors will fall in love with her,” said Susanne Boyce, president, creative, content and Channels of CTV.

Miller is the current host of Muchmusic’s program Much on Demand.

“I cried my eyes out when I found out – I am ecstatic! I have such respect for what dancers are capable of and I am a huge fan of the format. Hosting the homegrown edition of So You Think You Can Dance is such a privilege for me,” Miller said.

Auditions for the show kick off Monday in Vancouver and continue across the country until June.

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With no end in sight to the Hollywood writers’ strike, American TV networks have been looking to Canada for new content – and this time, it’s CTV’s “The Listener” that will be reaching south.

NBC has bought 13 episodes of the Canadian-made drama, which follows a young paramedic who has the power to hear people’s thoughts.

The show is being produced by Toronto’s Shaftesbury Films, and is also set in the city.

It is currently in pre-production and will begin shooting this spring.

Just this week, CBS announced it had bought 13 episodes of the CTV cop drama “Flashpoint.”

Other Canadians shows reportedly drawing interest from U.S. broadcasters are the CBC drama “The Border,” Global’s new series “The Guard” and CBC’s comedy series “Sophie.”

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Television addicts rejoice: “Lost” is back!

Notoriously secretive, producers producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof would only spill a single line of dialogue to Entertainment Weekly.com: ”I’m thinking of growing a beard.” But who will speak this crucial line? Oh, the suspense!

For the answer to that burning question – along with other little ones like, say, will the Losties be rescued or do they face certain death? – be sure to check tune in to CTV at 8 p.m. ET.

With most shows on hiatus until the Writer’s Guild of America strike is resolved, the intense series can probably expect huge ratings for tonight’s 2-hour season premiere event.

Need a refresher on what the heck is going on? Check out EW.com’s cheat sheet.

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In the tradition of “Due South” and “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” a Canadian TV series has been picked up by a U.S. broadcaster.

CBS has bought 13 episodes of CTV’s “Flashpoint,” a new police drama being written and created by Canadian actors Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern.

The series will follow an elite tactical police unit and stars Enrico Colantoni (“Veronica Mars”), Hugh Dillon (“Durham County”) and David Paekau (“Whistler”).

According to CTV, it will be shown on both American and Canadian TV for the fall 2008 season.

The one-hour series is currently in pre-production, with production set to begin in Toronto in April.

Television networks have been casting their nets far and wide for new on-air content as the writers’ strike heads into its fourth month.

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Kicked off by a Canadian roast care of The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart, the 2007 CTV Upfront Presentation gave advertisers a sneak peak at CTV’s new fall lineup on Monday in Toronto.

CTV will air seven new shows this fall that the network hopes will capture and tantalize Canadian audiences:

• Private Practice, the highly anticipated Grey’s Anatomy spin-off from Golden Globe winner Shonda Rhimes, starring Kate Walsh

• Dirty Sexy Money, television’s hottest new prime-time soap starring Donald Sutherland, Peter Krause, William Baldwin and Jill Clayburgh
• Big Shots, starring Dylan McDermott, Christopher Titus, Joshua Malina and Michael Vartan as four businessmen on the make
• Pushing Daisies, described by The New York Times as “the most talked-about new series of the fall for its striking look and unusual plotline”
• Moonlight, a high-concept drama about a vampire turned detective in modern society
• Gossip Girl, a sexy new drama from acclaimed O.C. creator Josh Schwartz and billed as the most anticipated new series from the CW
• The Big Bang Theory, a new comedy about brainy best friends and their hottie neighbour (Kaley Cuoco from Eight Simple Rules).

Some of the new shows look like sure-fire hits – Big Shots and the Big Bang Theory are destined to join my PVR. However, there was some question as to how Pushing Daises and Moonlight will fare in today’s television world, which has a history of sci-fi flops.

The party didn’t attract as many big name celebs as last year’s festivities, but there were enough to keep things crowded.

Shemar Moore, on hand to promote Criminal Minds and just three days after his DUI arrest, was like Elvis – women flocked, surrounded, and pounced. When asked what was better looking, CTV’s fall line-up or Shemar himself, Moore replied, “I can’t compete.” He then promptly lifted his shirt, exposing his abs for the wistful ladies. I almost bought that modest act for a minute…

Other celebrities in attendance included Private Practice’s Walsh, some of the dancers from So You Think You Can Dance and the cast of Degrassi.

CTV also announced they have acquired Canadian broadcasting rights for Live Earth, while securing a partnership with the NFL.

Much like 2005’s Live 8 benefit shows, Live Earth will host nine concerts around the world in an effort to fight global warming. The concerts, which will air on July 7, will reach an estimated two billion viewers on NBC, CTV and MSN (among others).

For the first time, the Super Bowl is joining the Academy Awards on one network. CTV is calling it “Super February.” NFL fans will get a chance to catch regular season early Sunday games, a robust NFL playoff slate and, of course, the Super Bowl.

Global will unveil its fall schedule on Wednesday.

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CTV unveiled its fall lineup Monday at a ceremony in downtown Toronto, and despite the network’s already packed schedule, it was able to find room for seven new shows.

For the fourth year in a row, CTV finished the season at number one, gaining ratings in all of its demographics.

To its fall schedule, the network will be adding four new dramas and three new comedies. The dramas include: “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” starring Matthew Perry; “Smith,” starring Ray Liotta; “Justice,” starring Victor Garber; and “The Nine,” which is producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s new show. The comedies include “Let’s Rob,” “30 Rock” and “The Class.”

“It’s another balanced schedule with strength across the week and power across every genre. Its star power, pedigree and Canadian hits standing shoulder to shoulder with their American counterparts,” says Susanne Boyce, CTV president of programming and chair of the CTV media group.

And CTV has found a way to schedule around the heavily sought after Thursday at 9 p.m. slot ? which is a heavy competition one in the U.S. CTV broadcasts “The O.C.,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “C.S.I.” so it will air the first two shows before the U.S., beginning at 7 p.m.

It will also follow suit with ABC, and will premiere the new show,” Justice” in August, and then when the MLB playoffs begin, “Lost” will air Wednesdays at 9 p.m. for seven straight episodes before its winter hiatus.

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Not only will CTV be airing the Olympics in 2010 and 2012, but they will also have a familiar face reporting on them.

CTV announced yesterday that Brain Williams of CBC will be joining the network in the new year.

“Brian Williams has been the face of the Olympics for Canadians for decades and we’re delighted that he will bring this legacy to CTV for 2010 and 2012,” says Rick Brace, president of CTV Inc.

Williams will also be featured on TSN, as well as other sporting assignments and will be the network’s primetime anchor for the 2010 and 2012 Olympics.

“For more than 30 years, I’ve enjoyed tremendously my role with the CBC. Now, I look forward to joining the CTV/TSN team and the opportunity to play a role in shaping coverage for Vancouver 2010,” Williams said after the announcement had been made.

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The nominees were announced this week for the 20th annual Gemini Awards.

CTV’s recently cancelled The Eleventh Hour, a drama series about life at a newsmagazine, leads all nominees with 15 nods.

Three CBC shows follow: The Fifth Estate with 14 nominations, docu-miniseries Sex Traffic, about the international slave trade, also with 14 and the legal drama This Is Wonderland with 12.

This year, viewers are encouraged to get involved by voting for their favourite television host from more than sixty choices in the Lifestyle, Talk and Practical Information categories.

Viewers can vote on geminiawards.ca. The top 10 will be announced on Oct. 20.

The awards are handed out by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and recognize achievements in Canadian English language television.

The Geminis will be handed out at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Nov. 19. Global Television will broadcast the event beginning at 8 p.m.

20th Gemini Nominations:

Best TV Movie
Burn: The Robert Wraight Story
(Tapestry Pictures, Alberta Filmworks)
Doug MacLeod, Randy Bradshaw, Heather Haldane, Mary Young Leckie

Except the Dying
(Shaftesbury Films Inc., Original Pictures Inc.)
Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Laura Harbin, Virginia Rankin, Kim Todd

Last Casino, The
(Cit?-Am?rique Inc.)
Greg Dummett, Madeleine Henrie

The Life
(Haddock Entertainment Inc., Odd Man Out Films Inc., Sarrazin-Couture Entertainment)
Pierre Sarrazin, Lynn Barr, Chris Haddock, Laura Lightbown, Arvi Liimatainen

Tripping The Wire: A Stephen Tree Mystery
(Galafilm Productions Inc)
Anne Marie La Traverse, Francine Allaire, Arnie Gelbart

Best Dramatic Mini-Series
H2O
(Whizbang Films, Sound Venture International)
Paul Gross, Frank Siracusa

Lives Of The Saints
(Capri Films Inc., Giovanna Arata, R.T.I S.p.A)
Gabriella Martinelli, Giovanna Arata

Sex Traffic
(Big Motion Pictures Ltd., Granada Television, in association with the CBC)
Wayne Grigsby, Michele Buck, David MacLeod, Derek Wax

Best Dramatic Series
Da Vinci’s Inquest
(Haddock Entertainment, Barna-Alper Production)
Laszlo Barna, Chris Haddock, Laura Lightbown, Arvi Liimatainen

Degrassi: The Next Generation
(Epitome Pictures Inc.)
Stephen Stohn, Aaron Martin, Linda Schuyler

Godiva’s
(Keatley Entertainment, Bread and Butter Productions Inc)
Julia Keatley, Gigi Boyd, Michael MacLennan

ReGenesis
(Shaftesbury Films Inc.)
Christina Jennings, Tom Chehak, Scott Garvie, Laura Harbin, Shane Kinnear, Virginia Rankin

The Eleventh Hour
(Norstar Filmed Entertainment)
Peter Simpson, Semi Chellas, Ilana Frank, Daphne Park, Ray Sager, David Wellington

This Is Wonderland
(Indian Grove Productions Ltd.)
Bernard Zukerman, Michael Prupas, Dani Romain, George F. Walker

Best Comedy Program or Series
Corner Gas
(Prairie Pants Productions II Inc)
Mark Farrell, Brent Butt, Paul Mather, David Storey, Virginia Thompson

History Bites
(S & S Productions Inc.)
Rick Green, David C. Smith

Puppets Who Kill
(PWK Productions Inc.)
Marianne Culbert, John Leitch, John Pattison, Shawn Alex Thompson

The Newsroom Season III
(100 Percent Film & Television)
Ken Finkleman

This Hour Has 22 Minutes – Cycle XII
(Alliance Atlantis)
Michael Donovan, Geoff D’Eon, Mark Farrell, Jack Kellum, Susan MacDonald, Jenipher Ritchie

Best Music, Variety Program or Series
2004 Canadian Country Music Awards
(Big Green Hat Productions)
Aidan Cosgrave

2004 MuchMusic Video Awards
(MuchMusic)
David Russell, John Kampilis

Canadian Idol – Season Two
(Insight Production Co. Ltd., in association with CTV)
John Brunton, Barbara Bowlby, Sue Brophey, Martha Kehoe, Mark Lysakowski

Live at the Rehearsal Hall
(Bravo!)
John Gunn, Robert Benson

The Chieftains In Canada
(CBC)
Geoff D’Eon, Michael Lewis

Best News Information Series
CBC News: Marketplace
(CBC)
Tassie Notar, Sheilagh D’Arcy McGee, Leslie Peck

CBC News: Venture
(CBC)
Dianne Buckner, Patsy Pehleman

CTV W-FIVE
(CTV Inc.)
Malcolm Fox, Anton Koschany

Eurohealth
(Global National)
Brian Coxford, David Ingram

the fifth estate
(CBC)
David Studer, Sally Reardon

Best Reality Program or Series
Buy Me!
(Whalley-Abbey Media)
Jean-Fran?ois Monette, Hans Rosenstein, Debbie Travis

CBC News: Venture: The Town Doctor
(CBC)
Tracie Tighe, Patsy Pehleman

Made To Order
(Mercer Street Films 2 Inc)
Henry Less, Michael Rubino

Best Lifestyle/Practical Information Series
Chef At Large
(Cellar Door Productions)
Gretha Rose, Johanna Eliot

Debbie Travis’ Facelift
(Whalley-Abbey Media/Facelift Productions Inc.)
Hans Rosenstein, Debbie Travis

Design Inc.
(Primevista Television)
Michael Prini, Sarah Richardson

Holmes On Homes
(Make It Right II Productions)
Scott Clark McNeil

The Surreal Gourmet
(Salad Daze Productions III INC.)
Lon Hall, Dale Burshtein, Beth Fanjoy

Best Talk Series
CBC Newsworld: Mansbridge One on One
(CBC)
Jonathan Whitten, Jasmin Tuffaha

Health on the Line
(HOTL IV Productions Inc.)
Hedy Korbee, Lesley Birchard, Linda Boyle, Jennifer Fraser, Bonnie Hewitt, Terra Renton, Karen Yarosky

Hot Type
(CBC)
Janet Thomson, Donna Lee Aprile, Alice Hopton

Medical Hotseat
(Medical Hot Seat Productions)
Hedy Korbee, Helen Bagshaw, Linda Boyle, Greg Dennis, Jeanette Diehl, Jennifer Fraser

Vicki Gabereau
(Agincourt Productions Inc.)
Jordan Schwartz, Mark Fuller, Cynthia Ott

Best Biography Documentary Program
Lord Black of Crossharbour: The Life and Times of Conrad Black
(CBC)
Marie Natanson, Linda Laughlin

Madiba: The Life & Times of Nelson Mandela
(CBC)
Robin Benger

Ronnie Hawkins: Still Alive And Kickin’
(Real to Reel Productions Inc., In association with CTV)
Anne Pick

The Biographer’s Voice: The Life and Times of Peter C. Newman
(90th Parallel Productions)
Gordon Henderson, Mike Sheerin

The Greatest Canadian: The Great Tommy Douglas
(CBC)
Guy O’Sullivan, Rachel Houlihan

The True Intrepid
(MidCanada Entertainment)
Kevin Dunn

Best Animated Program or Series
Atomic Betty
(Breakthrough Films & Television, Atomic Cartoons, TeleImage Kids)
Ira Levy, Philippe Alessandri, Trevor Bentley, Rob Davies, Kevin Gillis, Simone Harari, Steven Hecht, Virginie Jallot, Nghia Nguyen, Kirsten Scollie, Peter Williamson

Being Ian
(Studio B Productions)
Kathy Antonsen-Rocchio, Chris Bartleman, Blair Peters

Dragon Booster
(Nerd Corps Productions V.I. Inc)
Asaph Fipke, Ken Faier, Kevin Mowrer

Jacob Two-Two
(Nelvana Limited)
Scott Dyer

Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Friends
(Nelvana Limited)
Scott Dyer

Best Pre-School Program or Series
Franny’s Feet
(Decode Entertainment Inc.)
Steven DeNure, Elana Adair, Neil Court, John Mariella, Beth Stevenson

Peep And The Big Wide World
(9 Story Entertainment Inc.)
Vince Commisso, Kate Taylor, Marisa Wolsky

POKO II
(Halifax Film Company Ltd.)
Michael Donovan, Charles Bishop, Jeff Rosen, Cheryl Wagner, Katrina Walsh

The Secret World of Benjamin Bear
(Amberwood Productions INC.)
Sheldon Wiseman, Ken Anderson, Cherylyn Brooks, Mark Edwards

This Is Daniel Cook
(marblemedia, Sinking Ship Productions)
Matt Hornburg, Matthew Bishop, Mark Bishop, J.J. Johnson, Blair Powers

Best Children’s or Youth Fiction Program or Series
15/Love
(Galafilm Productions Inc, Marathon S.A., Telefactory)
Leanna Crouch, Olivier Br?mand, Pascal Breton, Jesse Fawcett, Arnie Gelbart, Derek Schreyer, Karen Troubetzkoy

Fries With That
(9124-1737 Quebec Inc.)
Rosanne Cohen, Claudio Luca, Paul Risacher

Fungus The Bogeyman
(Galafilm Productions Inc)
Dan Maddicott, Arnie Gelbart, Michael Haggiag, Ian Whitehead

Instant Star
(Epitome Pictures Inc.)
Stephen Stohn, Linda Schuyler

Radio Free Roscoe
(Decode Entertainment Inc.)
John Delmage, Neil Court, Steven DeNure, Will McRobb, Douglas McRobb, Brent Piaskoski, Beth Stevenson

Best Children’s or Youth Non-Fiction Program or Series
Angry Girls
(Bishari Film Productions Inc.)
Rudy Buttignol, Deborah Parks, Shelley Saywell

My Brand New Life
(La F?te, NFB)
Pierre Lapointe, Ina Fichman

Mystery Hunters
(Apartment 11 Productions)
Jonathan Finkelstein, Jason Levy, Stacey Tenenbaum

nerve
(CBC)
Ralph Benmergui, Andrea Webb

Street Cents
(CBC)
Barbara Kennedy, Wendy Purves

Best Sports Program or Series
Bell Making The Cut
(Network Pictures MTC Inc.)
Scott Moore, John N. Hamilton, Derik Murray

Ben Johnson, Drugs & The Quest For Gold
(Infinity Films)
Shel Piercy, Ken Craw

CBC Saskatchewan: Football First: The Roy Shivers Story
(CBC)
Lori Kuffner, Costa Maragos

The Hockey Nomad Goes To Russia
(90th Parallel Productions, House On Fire Productions)
Gordon Henderson, Dave Bidini, Mike Downie

The Life and Times of Northern Dancer
(CBC)
Halya Kuchmij, Linda Laughlin, Marie Natanson

Best Live Sporting Event
2005 Tim Horton’s Brier
(CBC)
Don Peppin

CFL on TSN: Wendy’s Friday Night Football: Montreal at Hamilton
(TSN)
Paul McLean, Jon Hynes

Stanley Cup Finals: Calgary VS Tampa: Game Seven
(CBC)
Joel Darling, Chris Irwin, Sherali Najak

Best Newscast
CBC News: The National
(CBC)
Fred Parker, Mark Harrison, Lynn Kelly, Bob Waller, Jonathan Whitten

CTV News
(CTV Television Inc.)
Wendy Freeman, Tom Haberstroh, David Hughes

Global National with Kevin Newman
(Global National)
Kevin Newman, George Browne, Doriana Temolo

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series
Chris Diamantopoulos – Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Mork and Mindy

Jonathan Scarfe – Burn: The Robert Wraight Story

Charles Martin Smith – Last Casino, The

John Simm – Sex Traffic – Sex Traffic Part 1

Brendan Fletcher – The Death and Life of Nancy Eaton

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series
Tina Keeper – Distant Drumming: A North of 60 Mystery

Kristen Thomson – I, Claudia

Anamaria Marinca – Sex Traffic – Sex Traffic Part 1

Wendy Crewson – Sex Traffic – Sex Traffic Part 1

Alisen Down – The Life

Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role
Nicholas Campbell – Da Vinci’s Inquest – Mr. Ellis Himself Woulda Been Proud

Peter Outerbridge – ReGenesis – Baby Bomb

Jeff Seymour – The Eleventh Hour – In Spite of All the Damage

Ben Bass – The Eleventh Hour – Eden

Michael Riley – This Is Wonderland – Episode 213

Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role
Julie Stewart – Cold Squad VII – And The Fury

Tammy Isbell – Paradise Falls 2 – “What’s the Hold Up?”

Victoria Snow – Paradise Falls 2 – “Old Friends”

Waneta Storms – The Eleventh Hour – Hit Delete

Cara Pifko – This Is Wonderland – Episode 212

Best Performance by an Actor in a Guest Role Dramatic Series
Shawn Doyle – The Eleventh Hour – Bumpy Cover

Luke Kirby – The Eleventh Hour – Hit Delete

David Cubitt – The Eleventh Hour – The Miracle Worker

Henry Czerny – The Eleventh Hour – Zugzwang

Bernard Behrens – This Is Wonderland – Episode 207

Best Performance by an Actress in a Guest Role Dramatic Series
Kristin Booth – ReGenesis – Spare Parts

Diana Pavlovska – The Collector – The Historian

Lolita Davidovich – The Eleventh Hour – Pot Kettle Black

Fiona Reid – This Is Wonderland – Episode 210

Dawn Greenhalgh – This Is Wonderland – Episode 206

Ann Holloway – This Is Wonderland – Episode 212

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series
Richard Zeppieri – Except the Dying

Jean-Pierre Bergeron – Prom Queen: The Marc Hall Story

Luke Kirby – Sex Traffic – Sex Traffic Part 1

Chris Potter – Sex Traffic – Sex Traffic Part 1

Stefan Arngrim – The Life

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series
Layla Alizalda – Chasing Freedom

Alberta Watson – Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story

Martha Henry – H2O – Night 1

Maria Popistasu – Sex Traffic – Sex Traffic Part 1

Miranda Handford – Tripping The Wire: A Stephen Tree Mystery

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Series
Noel Fisher – Godiva’s – Masters of Delusion

Dmitry Chepovetsky – ReGenesis – The Promise

Michael Murphy – This Is Wonderland – Episode 202

Tom Rooney – This Is Wonderland – Episode 208

Michael Healey – This Is Wonderland – Episode 207

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Series
Sonja Bennett – Cold Squad VII – Righteous

Kate Trotter – Paradise Falls 2 – “The Dark Side”

Ellen Page – ReGenesis – Blackout

Ellen Dubin – The Collector – The Campaign Manager

Catherine Fitch – This Is Wonderland – Episode 208

Best News Anchor
CBC News: The National
(CBC)
Peter Mansbridge

CTV News
(CTV Television Inc.)
Lloyd Robertson

Global National with Kevin Newman
(Global National)
Kevin Newman

Read more at andPOP. andPOP - POP Culture with Substance

The final four singers vying to become the Canadian Idol were flown to Las Vegas over the weekend to meet Celine Dion.

The relaxed Dion was candid with the finalists, who asked questions, and posed for pictures with the diva, following her performance of her sold-out Vegas production, “A New Day.”

“Be kind. Be generous. Be smart. Work hard, but have fun. The best is yet to come,” she told them.

Gary Beals, Audrey de Montigny, Billy Klippert, and Ryan Malcolm, also went on a backstage tour.

The segment with Dion will air on CTV’s Canadian Idol on Monday.

Read more at andPOP. andPOP - POP Culture with Substance