Gerry Dee, the award-winning comedian and star of CBC Television's MR. D, will host CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON, the groundbreaking two-hour television special that will reveal that there is more to intelligence than having a high IQ score or being a whiz at math or trivia. CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON airs on CBC Television on Sunday, March 18 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT).

In 2011, Canadians had the opportunity to nominate themselves, or someone they know, as CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON. Drawing on the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, show producers used interviews and tests to narrow the field to four participants with well-rounded intelligence profiles. 

Airing on Sunday, March 18 at 8 p.m., CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON will feature Hamilton Tiger Cats offensive linesman, Peter Dyskowski; high school science teacher, Dr. Marshall Carroll; 23-year-old student and gamer, Laura Suen; and spoken word poet, Greg Frankson participating in a series of fun and spectacular challenges aimed at testing six areas of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The person who proves that they have the most versatile smarts will earn the title of CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON.

CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON will also feature a lineup of special guest appearances by Arlene Dickinson (DRAGONS' DEN), comedians Naomi Sniekus, Matt Baram and Sean Cullen!

Play along during the broadcast
On the night of the broadcast, CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON viewers can put their own wits to the test and play along simultaneously with the challenges online at cbc.ca/smartestperson or with an innovative app (for Apple iOS) created for the show. Available in early March, the play along app will help audiences discover more about their own intelligence and see how they compare to the four TV participants.      

It's not about how smart you are, rather how you are smart! 
Beginning today, CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON viewers can prepare for the broadcast by taking a "How Are You Smart?" Facebook test designed to identify primary and secondary intelligence strengths. Users can share their "intelligence identity" on social media platforms and invite others to take the test as well. 'Like' the show at Facebook.com/canadassmartestperson or follow us on Twitter for more information. 

Participant info

• Vancouver-born Peter Dyskowski is a 27-year-old offensive linesman for the Hamilton Tiger Cats. The first Canadian-born athlete to sign a scholarship with Louisiana State University, Dykowski balances his athleticism with his Mensa qualified intelligence.

• At just 23 years old, Laura Suen from Mississauga already has a double major Honours BSc in physics and cellular and molecular biology as well as a minor in mathematics. In her free time, Suen plays video games competitively and has won over $30,000 in gaming competitions.

• Dr. Marshall Carroll is a high school science teacher from Winnipeg who is educated as a theoretical quantum chemist. Also a singer-songwriter and a stand-up comedian, Carroll has been inspiring students for over 20 years.

• With an ability to create poetry at the drop of a noun, Toronto's Greg Frankson is a spoken word artist. Following a career in education in Montreal, Frankson moved to Ottawa where he became a policy analyst for the Federal Government before pursuing a full-time career as a performance artist, emcee, mental health advocate and arts educator.

CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON is an original Media Headquarters production produced in association with CBC Television. Created by Robert Cohen, executive producers are Robert Cohen and Shari Cohen. Louise Wood is the producer.

ABOUT MEDIA HEADQUARTERS
Media Headquarters is an internationally award-winning independent production company founded in 1999 by brother-sister team Robert Cohen and Shari Cohen. Recognized for producing high-quality and innovative programming for worldwide markets, the company's diverse slate includes factual, dramatic, documentary and children's programming. For more information visit mediahqs.net.

ABOUT MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES THEORY
Dr. Howard Gardner, a psychologist and professor of Cognition and Education at Harvard University, pioneered the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983. The theory proposes all humans have several kinds of intelligence that reflect different ways of interacting with the world and solving problems. Each person has a unique combination or profile of intelligences. Today, the application of multiple intelligence theory is widely embraced around the world and has had a significant impact in the realms of education, work and personal achievement.

ABOUT CBC/RADIO-CANADA
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada is celebrating 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

For more information contact:
Shauna Simons / Matt Juniper
PRAXIS
shauna@praxispr.ca / matt@praxispr.ca
O: 905-949-8255 x 232 / x 225

Renee Weekes
Veritas Communications                                                 
weekes@veritascanada.com
(416) 640-4155 (office) / (416) 894-7209 (cell)

CBC News Network's THE PASSIONATE EYE presents If a Tree Falls, Sunday, Feb. 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Nominated for a 2012 Academy Award for Best Documentary, the film tells the riveting, complicated story of how Daniel McGowan found himself at the crossroads of environmentalism and terrorism, and chose a path that led him to join a radical environmental group the FBI has branded the No. 1 domestic terrorism threat in the United States. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Marshall Curry, If a Tree Falls examines why McGowan joined the radical Earth Liberation Front and participated in two multi-million dollar arsons, and asks a question that resonates widely in today's political climate: when you're fighting for your beliefs, how far is too far?

Also airing on THE PASSIONATE EYE in February:

Concrete Circus
(Sunday, Feb. 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
They are the hottest extreme street sports stars on the planet, and their films have attracted more than 50 million online views. Now, in Concrete Circus, director Mike Christie is bringing them together to try to top their jaw-dropping achievements of unsurpassed beauty and danger. The documentary follows urban trail-rider Danny MacAskill, skateboarding virtuoso Kilian Martin, U.K. parkourist Paul "Blue" Joseph, and BMX flatlander Keelan Phillips as they set about making four new films in the U.K. Can they top their earlier spectacular feats? Can they jump further, move faster, risk more? And why do they push their minds and bodies to such extremes? Featuring a cameo by renowned Canadian parkour/skating star Mathieu Ledoux, who is available for interviews.

Love Addict: Not a Love Story
(Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Throughout history, human beings have fought, conquered, killed and been killed in the name of love. But when does so-called "love" become an obsession, a destructive addiction, or even a fatal attraction? Love Addict: Not a Love Story is a revealing examination of what it's like to be a "love addict" and the origins of this strange disorder, told through six stories involving people for whom the feeling of love becomes an absolute necessity for survival--people who will do anything for a "fix." Directed by Pernille Rose Grønkjær, this is a disturbing, fascinating insight into the vicious cycle of love addiction--an addiction that can lead to depression, despair and, in extreme cases, suicide and murder.

Waking the Titanic
(Monday, Feb. 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
No mere retelling of the Titanic story, this emotional docudrama reveals the hopes, dreams and the loss suffered by the people of a tiny Irish village whose sons and daughters went in search of a better life only to be subsumed by the tragic destiny of the world's greatest ship. Based on the testimony of three villagers who survived the sinking of the Titanic, it dramatizes the story of the 14 young men and women from North Mayo, Lahardane who had the misfortune to be travelling in steerage on April 15, 1912 on a ship that had been billed as "unsinkable." The rural Irish hamlet lost a greater proportion of its people in the Titanic disaster than any other community. Directed by Frank Delaney and Gillian Marsh.

(Click on the hyperlink for information)

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages. For more information, visit www.cbc.ca.

For further information, contact:
Melissa Prince, Veritas Communications
P) 416-482-2669
C) 416-704-8733
prince@veritascanada.com

In addition to broadcast coverage of the 32nd ANNUAL GENIE AWARDS on CBC-TV, the CBC Live Red Carpet will capture all the glamour of the celebrity arrivals online, along with special pre-show coverage and backstage exclusives during commercial breaks at the awards gala.

The CBC also announced today that rising TV and film star Rossif Sutherland will serve as the voice of the broadcast on March 8, 2012.

"I'm honored to be part of the Genies, and I'm always proud to participate in anything that helps promote Canadian cinema," said Sutherland, currently starring in Season 2 of the Showcase hit series "King" opposite Amy Price Francis.  His recent feature credits include I'm Yours, opposite Karine Vanasse and directed by Leonard Farlinger, and he received a Genie nomination for 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role' for his work in High Life, starring Timothy Olyphant and Stephen Eric McIntyre.

As previously announced by CBC and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, Andrea Martin and George Stroumboulopoulos will host the 32nd ANNUAL GENIE AWARDS on Thursday, March 8, which will be broadcast from Toronto on CBC Television at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT).

Prior to the televised coverage, www.cbc.ca/Live/GenieAwards will bring all the excitement and glamour of the CBC Live Red Carpet.  Canadian supermodel Stacey McKenzie will host the Genie Awards Red Carpet live stream for CBC Live from 5 to 5:30 p.m. ET, sharing an exclusive look at the arrivals, red carpet fashion and pre-gala emotions. Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter via @CBCLive using the hashtag #GenieAwards.

The Genie Awards Gala Pre Show brings fans the non-televised broadcast portion of the awards gala live from 6 to 6:45 p.m. EST on CBC Live. And then from 7 to 8 p.m. ET it's the Genie Awards Gala and Backstage Lounge.  Audiences can watch the live stream of the awards show online at CBC Live, where commercial breaks will be replaced by exclusive backstage access and interviews with presenters, nominees and winners, hosted by CBC Live's Jamey Ordolis, who will also be taking questions for the stars on Twitter via @CBCLive.

 

About the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
Established in 1979, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is a national, non-profit, professional association dedicated to the promotion, recognition and celebration of exceptional achievements in Canadian film, television and digital media. Unifying industry professionals across Canada, the Academy is a vital force representing all screen-based industries. 

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Veritas Communications
Renee Weekes
Veritas Communications
416-640-4155 / 416-894-7209 (mobile)
weekes@veritascanada.com

Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
Suzan Ayscough
Director Communications, Marketing & Sponsorship (Interim)
Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
416.366.2227 (# 231)
1.800.644.5194 (# 231)

SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA journeys across the Confederation Bridge to bring its nationwide broadcast to Prince Edward Island for the first time, on Saturday, Feb. 11, beginning at 12 noon ET as Ron MacLean hosts live from a specially built outdoor rink in Summerside, P.E.I. MacLean will be joined by Don Cherry for Coach's Corner, with fellow CBC stars and hosts P.J. Stock, Cassie Campbell-Pascall and Dick Irvin. The NHL Alumni will also have a strong presence with Bryan Trottier, Lanny McDonald, Wendel Clark, Doug MacLean, Mark Napier, Stéphane Richer, Tim Taylor and Gerrard Gallant, along with Olympian Tessa Bonhomme.

The 2012 edition of SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA celebrates "Heroes"--from childhood idols to the organizers who make the game possible on and off the ice, to the motivators and role models who are part of the fabric of hockey. The program features a wide range of inspirational stories, from Kelly Hrudey's profile of a 23-year-old St. Albert man who continues to play hockey while waiting for a heart transplant, to Mark Lee's story about 90-year-old Bert Keany Sr. of Sudbury, Ont., the oldest PA announcer in the country. Another feature profiles 16-year-old hockey phenom Nathan McKinnon, the Cole Harbor star who's playing in the shadow of Sidney Crosby, while another feature looks into the way a small island like P.E.I. has produced so many outstanding players, from Forbes Kennedy to Brad Richards.
 
In addition to the P.E.I. broadcasts from Summerside and Charlottetown, satellite locations will also be established in Windsor, N.S., Verdun, Que., Thunder Bay, Ont., Winnipeg, Man., Prince Albert, Sask. and Richmond, B.C. for a host of community events also taking place across the country to mark SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA:

Windsor, N.S. - CBC News' Colleen Jones hosts the "Long Pond Heritage Classic" featuring "Original Six" teams playing a day-long tournament to raise money for the Hockey History.   

Verdun, Que. - Host Andie Bennett joins the Montreal Canadiens organization for a skate drive to provide rinks with loaner skates.

Thunder Bay, Ont. - CBC Sports' Scott Russell covers a special equipment donation as the NHLPA's Goals and Dreams initiative and the Staal family come together to give back to minor hockey.

Winnipeg, Man. - A special family-focused SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA event live from The Forks hosted by Mitch Peacock.

Prince Albert, Sask. - Mark Connolly hosts coverage of a Pee-Wee Tournament with 16 teams from across the province.

Richmond, B.C. - Celebrities including Michael Bublé, Trevor Linden and other Canucks alumni take part in a ball hockey tournament at the Richmond Olympic Oval, hosted by Karin Larsen.

SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA also presents a star-studded, hockey-themed concert created by Dave Bidini, Stolen From a Hockey Card at the Confederation Centre for the Arts, in Charlottetown on Thursday, Feb. 9.  Hosted by Ron MacLean, Stolen From a Hockey Card is a hockey-themed concert which pays tribute to Canada's love and passion for the game of hockey. The impressive all-Canadian lineup of artists for the concert includes songstress Sarah Harmer, Chris Murphy (Sloan), Lennie Gallant, Stephen Stanley (Lowest of the Low), Carmen Townsend, Liam Corcoran (Two Hours Traffic), Bidiniband and former New York Islanders great and Hockey Hall of Fame member Bryan Trottier, who will perform a cover. All of the other artists have composed original hockey songs specifically for this concert.

The SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA Stolen From a Hockey Card concert will air live on CBCSports.ca at 7 p.m. ET, and again on Canada Live, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC Radio One, and 7 p.m. (7:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2.

On Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. ET, the NHL action gets underway as fans in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northern Ontario (outside of Thunder Bay) and Atlantic Canada will see the re-born Jets take on the Penguins in Pittsburgh while the rest of Ontario, as well as Quebec and Alberta will see the Senators host the Oilers in Ottawa. Live coverage of SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA continues from P.E.I. at 4:30 p.m. ET, with Scotiabank Hockey Tonight following at 6:30 p.m. ET. Montreal then takes on Toronto at the Air Canada Centre at 7 p.m. ET, followed by Vancouver at Calgary in the late game at 10 p.m. ET.

Hockey fans can visit CBCSports.ca/hockeyday for live and on-demand streaming of SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA, including coverage from the satellite locations, all four NHL match-ups featuring the seven Canadian teams and more. Fans can also connect with SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA through social media by visiting facebook.com/CBCSports or by joining the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #hockeyday and following @cbchockeyday.

Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi with Harnarayan Singh will bring viewers the Leafs/Habs and Canucks/Flames matchups, while Telelatino's all Spanish channel, TLN en Español, will provide coverage of the Montreal-Toronto game in Spanish and TLN's Mediaset Italia channel will have it in Italian.

CBC News' Peter Mansbridge will be reporting from the SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA festivities on Thursday, Feb. 9 for The National. And CBC News Network will be on-site Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11 with live reports throughout both days.

HNIC Radio on SIRIUS XM will also be live on location in P.E.I. with host Gord Stellick along with special guests throughout the week. HNIC Radio on SIRIUS XM features intelligent hockey talk, insight and debate, keeping fans up-to-date on all the breaking news and issues from the world of hockey.

And in the days preceding SCOTIABANK'S HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA, P.E.I. will play host to a variety of special events including visits from CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA personalities and NHL Alumni, including a series of minor hockey clinics and school visits. Hockey's Holy Grail will be making appearances across P.E.I. beginning Wednesday, Feb. 8 as part of the province-wide Stanley Cup Relay, giving thousands of fans the chance to see hockey's biggest prize. The SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA Luncheon will be held Feb. 9 in Summerside, with a Banquet following in Charlottetown on Feb. 10. Several hockey games will be taking place in P.E.I. on Saturday, Feb. 11, with a CIS matchup between St. Thomas and UP.E.I. from Summerside, an afternoon QMJHL tilt featuring St. John vs. P.E.I. in Charlottetown and an MHL game in Summerside pitting Miramichi against Summerside. The Scotiabank Bigger Save Game featuring a local all-girls squad versus a team all the way from Abbotsford, B.C. also goes on Feb. 11.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada. 

For further information, contact:

2012 SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA ON CBC BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Saturday, Feb. 11
12 noon ET                
SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA ON CBC: Live from Summerside, P.E.I.

2 p.m. ET                   
CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA: Winnipeg Jets at Pittsburgh Penguins (available in B.C., Sask., Man., Northern Ont. (except Thunder Bay) and Atlantic Canada)

2 p.m. ET                   
CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA: Edmonton Oilers at Ottawa Senators (available in Ont., Quebec and Alta.)

4:30 p.m. ET              
SCOTIABANK HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA ON CBC: Live from Summerside, P.E.I.

6:30 p.m. ET              
CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA: Scotiabank Hockey Tonight

7 p.m. ET                   
CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA: Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs

10 p.m. ET                 
CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA: Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames

In 2011, Live Right Now inspired Canadians to live healthier lives - and it worked! Tens of thousands of Canadians came together through Live Right Now with the shared goal of making healthier choices, while CBC and lead sponsor Loblaw Companies Limited came together to make it all happen through one of the most innovative multiplatform initiatives of the year.

On the heels of that incredible success, CBC is proud to be renewing its partnership with Loblaw and launching Live Right Now for 2012. As it did last year, this national, four-month program will combine CBC's reach on television, radio and online with the power of Loblaw's iconic food brands - President's Choice® and PC® Blue Menu® - towards a simple but important goal: to inspire Canadians to change the health of our country.
"We're thrilled to be bringing back Live Right Now, and we are extremely pleased to again be partnering with Loblaw on this important initiative," said Jennifer Dettman, head of Factual Entertainment, CBC.  "Last year, we showed the industry how integrated programming and smart sponsorship can deliver results that matter - and we're going to take it to the next level in 2012."

"Live Right Now has generated an important dialogue with - and between - Canadians about living healthier lives. With our long-standing commitment to helping Canadians live a healthier lifestyle, we are delighted to take part in this remarkable national movement," said Allan Lindsay, vice-president Marketing, Loblaw Companies Limited. "We're excited to be partnering with CBC again to show Canadians that small manageable changes not only can be simple, but can taste great too!"

In 2011, Live Right Now's most ambitious goal was the Million Pound Challenge. Canadians were challenged to lose one-million pounds in six months - that goal was shattered by losing more than 1,600,000 pounds! 

This year, the Live Right Now program will include breakthrough and milestones, as well as the return of some of its most successful elements across CBC's platforms. Online, cbc.ca/LiveRightNow will be the program's hub - a dynamic, interactive website that will engage Canadian on the topic of health, and offer them tools and resources for healthy living, including daily challenges, blog posts from health professionals, goal tracking, recipes, videos and social networking. And once again, Live Right Now programming will be featured on Canada's favourite lifestyle show, STEVEN AND CHRIS (weekdays at 2 p.m.), and Radio-Canada's signature shows KAMPAÏ! À VOTRE SANTÉ, POUR LE PLAISIR and C'EST ÇA LA VIE along with Loblaw's PC® Blue Menu™ panel, customized vignettes.

Don't miss out. Join the Movement!

.
Live Right Now is on Twitter (@cbcLRN),
Facebook (www.facebook.com/CBCLiveRightNow and at LiveRightNow.ca.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Libby Stunt, Veritas Communications
stunt@veritascanada.com
(416) 955-4586 (office)
(647) 330-4786 (cell)

CBC Television and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television announced today that Andrea Martin and George Stroumboulopoulos will host the Genies on Thursday, March 8, to be broadcast live from Toronto on CBC-TV at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT), and the pair wasted no time in beginning the banter.

"I am thrilled to be hosting the Genies with George Stroumboulopoulos, one of Canada's most eligible bachelors," said Martin.  "I also like film." 

Strombo countered "The truth is, while I am happy to be a part of the Genies this year, I mostly agreed to do this because I thought Andrea was asking me on a date."

"We look forward to a sassy evening of smart wit from these two Canadian powerhouses as we celebrate Canadian cinema," said Helga Stephenson, interim CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

The 32ND ANNUAL GENIE AWARDS will be another star-studded extravaganza, preceded by a live-stream webcast from the red carpet and featuring a dazzling list of celebrity presenters and superstar musical performers (details to be announced soon).

"This celebration of another tremendous year in Canadian film promises to be one of the most exciting cultural events of 2012, and CBC is both honoured and thrilled to be able to bring it to Canadians," said Kirstine Stewart, executive vice-president of English Services for CBC.

A beloved veteran of stage, screen (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and television, Andrea Martin is still probably best known for her time in Toronto's Second City improv comedy troupe and the critically-acclaimed SCTV.  The recipient of four ACTRA awards, two Emmys, two Gemini nominations and a star on Canada's Walk of Fame, Martin's most recent work in the Toronto stage production of "Love, Loss and What I Wore" and her one-woman show, "Final Days! Everything Must Go!" she received Broadwayworld.com's 2010 Best Actress and Best Theatrical Event awards.

George Stroumboulopoulos is the host and co-executive producer of George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, Canada's flagship late-night talk show. Currently in its eighth season, George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight provides viewers with direct access to the most influential and fascinating people from around the world.  A broadcast veteran in television and radio, George is one of the most trusted and respected broadcasters in Canada. A multiple award-winner, he has won the Gemini Award for best host or interviewer in a talk series for six consecutive years, and four for best talk series in Canada. Additionally, George has been honoured as the recipient of a Gracie Award from the American Women of Radio and Television.

About the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
Established in 1979, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is a national, non-profit, professional association dedicated to the promotion, recognition and celebration of exceptional achievements in Canadian film, television and digital media. Unifying industry professionals across Canada, the Academy is a vital force representing all screen-based industries. 

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada. 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Veritas Communications
Renee Weekes
Veritas Communications
416-640-4155 / 416-894-7209 (mobile)
weekes@veritascanada.com

Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
Suzan Ayscough
Director Communications, Marketing & Sponsorship (Interim)
Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
416.366.2227 (# 231)
1.800.644.5194 (# 231)

CANADA READS: TRUE STORIES, Canada's liveliest literary competition, takes centre stage on Feb. 6, 7, 8 and 9, moderated by Jian Ghomeshi, host of CBC's Q. Five celebrity panelists will duke it out in front of audiences at the CBC Broadcasting Centre in Toronto: Arlene Dickinson of CBC's Dragons' Den; actor Alan Thicke; Juno Award-winning rapper Shad; supermodel Stacey McKenzie; and Anne-France Goldwater, star of Quebec's reality-TV courtroom show l'Arbitre. At the end of each day's live show, one title will be eliminated. The last book standing on February 9th will be named the non-fiction book for Canadians to read in 2012.

"This is the biggest year yet for Canada Reads, and we're expecting some heated debates about these strikingly different non-fiction stories," said Jian Ghomeshi. "These panelists are feisty! And they're all passionate about their books. We are also excited that there are more ways than ever before to take in the action online, on radio and on TV."

The CANADA READS: TRUE STORIES debates will air on CBC Radio One and Sirius 159, on CBC documentary Channel and be livestreamed as video on cbc.ca/books on February 6, 7, 8 and 9. This year, CANADA READS will also air on CBC TV for the first time, with an hour-long recap special on February 12.

How to catch this year's debates:

February 6-9:

• Live video-streaming of the debates, with accompanying live chats, at 10 a.m. ET on CBC Books
• CBC Radio One broadcast at 11 a.m. (11:30 a.m. NT), repeating at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT), and on Sirius 159 at 11 a.m., repeating at 4 p.m.
• One-hour television specials at 7:00 p.m. (7:30 NT) on CBC's documentary channel, repeated at midnight (12:30 NT).

February 10:

• Jian Ghomeshi will speak with the winning panelist and author on Q at 10 a.m. (10:30 NT). This interview will also be available on CBC Books.

February 11:

• A special radio recap airs on CBC Radio One at 4 p.m. (4:30 NT) and on Sirius Satellite Radio 159 at 2 p.m.

February 12:

• A special hour-long broadcast on CBC TV, presenting the highlights from this year's title fight, airs at 1 p.m. (1:30 NT) on the main network.

About this year's CANADA READS: TRUE STORIES contenders:

Prisoner of Tehran is a searing account of Marina Nemat's imprisonment in Iran in the wake of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and her escape to Canada in 1991. An international bestseller, the book will be defended by Arlene Dickinson.

The Tiger, by John Vaillant, recounts the story of a man-eating Siberian tiger terrorizing the residents of a remote Russian village. The internationally acclaimed book will be defended by Anne-France Goldwater.

Written by former Rheostatics guitarist Dave Bidini, On a Cold Road is a chronicle of the musician's cross-Canada touring experiences in the late 1990s. Bidini's first book will be defended by Stacey McKenzie.

Published last spring, Something Fierce is a coming-of-age memoir of Carmen Aguirre's teenage experiences in the Chilean resistance movement in the era of Augusto Pinochet. Already receiving rave reviews, the book will be defended by Shad.

Ken Dryden's The Game, one of the best sports books of all time, offers an insider's look at Canada's national pastime. Based on Dryden's experiences as a goalie with the legendary 1979 Montreal Canadiens team, the memoir will be defended by Alan Thicke.

About CBC Books
CBC Books features all of CBC's rich literary content across all platforms - audio, video and digital. This one-stop destination for book lovers and writers includes in-depth information on books, exclusive interviews with authors, the latest news stories from the publishing world, book reviews, best-seller lists, discussions and blogs. It's an online meeting place where literary enthusiasts can find the books they want to read, share their writing and connect with other Canadians who love to read and write as much as they do, while keeping up with all of CBC's major literary events and programs such as Canada Reads, the Massey Lectures and Canada Writes. Visit us at www.cbc.ca/books.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada. 

For further information contact:
Jess Bennett
Veritas Communications
Bennett@veritascanada.com
(416) 955-4584                                                          

Research firm Ipsos Reid conducted the first ever Ipsos Influence Index Study in November, surveying Canadians on their attitudes toward different corporate brands based on a variety of factors including whether people view them as leading edge, trustworthy, engaging, relevant, and good corporate citizens.

CBC ranked sixth overall, on a list including such iconic brands as Microsoft (#1), Google, President's Choice, Apple, Facebook, YouTube, Air Miles, Visa and Wal-Mart.
"This is wonderful news, and it clearly shows the high regard in which Canadians hold the CBC," said Kirstine Stewart, executive vice president of English Services.  "The results are just further evidence of how deeply the CBC resonates with Canadians, and it is gratifying that they come at a time when we are having tremendous success in connecting with audiences all across the country."

The release of the Ipsos study comes on the heels of CBC's most successful premiere week ever, with five of its television shows capturing audiences well over the one million viewers mark - MARKETPLACE, MR. D, ARCTIC AIR, DRAGONS' DEN AND REPUBLIC OF DOYLE, with four others attracting more than three-quarters of a million viewers (the fifth estate, HEARTLAND, REDEMPTION INC and THE RICK MERCER REPORT).

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada. 

For further information, contact:
Jessica Leach, Veritas Communications
leach@veritascanada.com
(416) 955 4594 (office)
(416) 704 2166 (cell)

Broadcast live from Ottawa on Sunday, January 29, the 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All Star Game on CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA drew an average audience of 2.461 million viewers, besting the previous record of 2.389 million viewers set last year. In total, more than 7.3 million people took in some or all of the game, representing 22 per cent of the population.

The Molson Canadian NHL All-Star Skills Competition broadcast on Saturday, January 28 also set a new record, drawing an audience of 2.468 million. More than 6.9 million people, or one in five Canadians, saw at least part of the competition.

This marks the highest rating for an NHL All-Star Game and the Skills Competition on CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA since metered audience measurement began in 1989-90.

Hockey Night in Canada Game Day garnered its largest audience to date and 760,000 viewers tuned in to Scotiabank Hockey Tonight.

"The numbers make it clear the NHL All-Star Weekend on CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA continues to be a must-see event for Canadian hockey fans," said Julie Bristow, executive director, Studio and Unscripted Programming, English Services, CBC. "To see record audiences tuning in year after year exemplifies our dedication to producing the best in Canadian sports programming and to increase the game's fan base in partnership with the NHL."

Overall, 10.2 million Canadians tuned-in to some part of CBC's coverage of the NHL All-Star Weekend, representing roughly 30 per cent of the population.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada. 

For further information, contact:
James Lamont, Veritas Communications
(Work) 416-482-2617; (Cell) 416-859-5870
lamont@veritascanada.com                                                                        

The biggest stars in hockey are coming this weekend to CBC's HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA, home to the Molson Canadian NHL All-Star Skills Competition and the Tim Hortons NHL® All-Star Game in Ottawa, Ont. Features during the game include a special edition of Coach's Corner with the legendary Don Cherry and Ron MacLean during the first intermission, and a live performance from Grammy-nominated Canadian superstar artist Drake during the second intermission.

Coverage begins Saturday, Jan. 28, at 5 p.m. ET, with HNIC Game Day, hosted by PJ Stock and Andi Petrillo, followed at 6:30 p.m. ET by the pre-game show Scotiabank Hockey Tonight. The stars then hit the ice at 7 p.m. ET for the Molson Canadian NHL All-Star Skills Competition, with host Ron MacLean alongside Kelly Hrudey. Jim Hughson calls the action and Craig Simpson, Glenn Healy, Scott Oake and Elliotte Friedman bring reports and interviews from ice level. The NHL's top talents showcase their skills in six events, including the NHL Fastest Skater, NHL Breakaway Challenge, NHL Accuracy Shootout, NHL Skills Challenge Relay, NHL Hardest Shot and NHL Elimination Shootout.

Then on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 4 p.m. ET, the Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game takes centre stage on CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA with host Ron Maclean setting the stage for the marquee matchup. Jim Hughson will once again provide play-by-play with analysis from Craig Simpson and Glenn Healy at ice level. Rink side reporters Scott Oake and Elliotte Freidman bring viewers into the game with stories and interviews from your favourite NHL Stars.

During both the Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game and Molson Canadian NHL All-Star Skills Competition players will be wired for sound, allowing fans a first person insight into all the action as it occurs.

The weekend's NHL festivities will also be streamed live and on-demand at CBCSports.ca, your online destination for exclusive blogs, content and live chats using the #NHLAllStar hashtag, photos, and Twitter-based polls. There will also be a dedicated page for the Skills Competition, including drills, official rules and competitors, and complete coverage of all the events surrounding the All-Star Game Weekend.

For the first time ever, fans attending the NHL All-Star weekend festivities will be able to enjoy the CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA experience at Scotiabank NHL Fan Fair from the Ottawa Convention Centre, beginning Thursday, Jan. 26, at 3 p.m. ET. Adults and children of all ages will have the opportunity to meet the stars of CBC and CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA, take pictures on the set, make the call on some of hockey's most legendary plays, win prizes and much, much more. Photos and videos collected at the booth will be added to the live blog on CBCSports.ca NHL All-Star site and social networks.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

For further information, contact:

Among the ratings highlights:

• CBC's new action/adventure drama ARCTIC AIR won the largest audience for the premiere of a new drama series in 20 years, with total viewership of 1.05 million.
  
  
• New comedy MR. D premiered to 1.23 million viewers - the largest for a comedy since the debut of LITTLE MOSQUE ON THE PRAIRIE in January, 2007.
  
  
• Five shows captured audiences well over the one million mark - MARKETPLACE, MR. D, ARCTIC AIR, DRAGONS' DEN and REPUBLIC OF DOYLE - while four others notched audiences of more than three-quarters of a million (the fifth estate, HEARTLAND, REDEMPTION INC and THE RICK MERCER REPORT.)

(All data from Bureau of Broadcast Measurement (BBM)).
For a full list of CBC's winter programs, visit www.cbc.ca/seasonpreview

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Erin Richards, Veritas Communications
richards@veritascanada.com
(416) 955-4592 (office)
(416) 416-627-5728 (cell)

ARCTIC AIR, CBC-TV's new blockbuster action-adventure drama anchored around a Yellowknife-based maverick airline and the extended family of unconventional people who run it, soared to record heights in its broadcast premiere Tuesday night with an audience of more than one million viewers along for the ride.

A total audience of 1.05 million Canadians tuned in (331,000 in the 25-54 demographic) making ARCTIC AIR the second new CBC-TV series of the winter season in as many nights to debut with over one million viewers (new comedy MR. D drew 1.23 million on Monday) - and the largest audience to watch the premiere episode of a new CBC-TV drama in a decade.

"This is just further proof of how strongly Canadians will embrace top-quality television that is made and set right here in our own country," said Kirstine Stewart, CBC Executive Vice-President, English Services.

It was a solid night as well for CBC's comedy stalwarts the RICK MERCER REPORT (837,000 total/271,000 25-54) and 22 MINUTES (666,000 total/214,000 24-54).

ARCTIC AIR features the star power of Adam Beach (Cowboys and Aliens, Flags of our Fathers, Law & Order: SVU), Pascale Hutton (Fringe, Rookie Blue, Sanctuary) and Kevin McNulty (The Killing, End Game, Battle Star Galactica).

For a full list of CBC's winter programs, visit www.cbc.ca/seasonpreview

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

Arctic Air is...
On the web:
www.cbc.ca/arcticair
On Facebook:
www.facebook.com/CBCArcticAir
On Twitter:
Twitter.com/CBCArcticAir  

For more information, please contact:
Erin Richards, Veritas Communications
richards@veritascanada.com
(416) 955-4592 (office)
(416) 416-627-5728 (cell)

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.


Mr. D is...
On the web:  www.cbc.ca/mrd
On Facebook:  www.facebook.com/CBCMrD
On Twitter:  @mrd_on_cbc

Little Mosque on the Prairie is...
On the web:   www.cbc.ca/littlemosque
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/littlemosque
On Twitter:   @LittleMosque

Redemption Inc. is...
On the web:  www.cbc.ca/redemptioninc
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/redemptioninc?sk=wall
On Twitter:   @redemptioninc

For more information, please contact:
Jessica Leach, Veritas Communications
leach@veritascanada.com
(416) 955-4595 (office)
(416) 704-2166 (cell)