What started as a written essay contest in 1995 by Magna International Inc. has become a nationally televised program on CBC Television and the largest online political debate in Canada.
Canada's Next Great Prime Minister is the competition of a lifetime. Young Canadians have the ears and eyes of the nation listening to their thoughts about what would make our country even better.
The competition begins online. Young Canadians aged 18-25 are invited to apply for the show and campaign to be a finalist. Through debate and challenges, the candidates are narrowed down to four who appear on CBC Television, where they engage in a heated debate on the issues facing Canada today. The audience votes and the winner receives $50,000 and a paid internship at Magna International, The Dominion Institute and the Canada-US Fulbright program. Second, third and fourth place winners also receive cash and internship prizes.
The show airs once a year on CBC Television.
Canada's Next Great Prime Minister's illustrious judging panel is comprised of former Canadian prime ministers and acting premiers, those who have dedicated their lives to lead our country. Throughout the show, these political powerhouses will grill the contestants on their visions for Canada, challenge them with pointed political questions and assess their performance. However, in the end the true judging power lies in the hands of the people -- our nationally representative studio audience. Their final vote will decide who wins the $50,000 prize and the title of Canada's Next Great Prime Minister.
"I'm honoured to take part in a show of this calibre and share the stage with this esteemed panel of prime ministers and young leaders in the making," said Alex Trebek.
Magna International founder Frank Stronach joins Alex Trebek on stage to present the $50,000 winner with his or her prize.
Unlike most television shows, our audience plays an important role. They listen to what each competitor has to say, how the judges challenge them and, through their votes, ultimately decide who the winner is. Their votes mean $50,000 for one young Canadian.
The audience is carefully selected to represent the demographic makeup of Canada by Environics Research Group.
Take a look at the winner's circle showcasing all past winners of this contest from its initial inception as an essay contest in 1995 to today.
