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Canada
Flag of Canada
Member station CTV
National selection events Internal selection
Appearances
Appearances 70
First appearance #24
Best result 1st: #28, #38, #40, #48, #58
Worst result 28th: #77
Ranking of Nations 8th

Canada has participated in the Retro WWW Song Contest sixty times, debuting in the 24th contest and participating onwards, although having been relegated from competing in the 32nd, 37th and 83rd edition. The country has won the contest five times, for the first time in the 28th contest and ten editions later in the 38th contest; both times the victory was brought by Avril Lavigne. Bryan Adams achieved the country's third victory in the 40th contest, beating Lavigne's previous high score. Shania Twain, whom originally was intended to represent Canada in the 37th contest, gave the country its 4th victory in the 48th contest, though with the lowest amount of points. Alannah Myles gave Canada its fifth victory ten editions later in the 58th contest.

On average, Canada achieves 11th place and receives 73 points, also receiving two sets of 12 points, as of the 85th edition. Canada is also ranked fifth among the countries with the most victories, just behind Germany, Italy, United States and United Kingdom.

History[]

Prior participation[]

Retro WWWSC 24 debut[]

Contestants[]

Table key
     Winner
     Second place
     Third place
     Last place
# Province Artist Lang. Title Place Points 12
24 Flag of Quebec Quebec Céline Dion English "My Heart Will Go On" 2 121 3
25 Flag of Quebec Quebec Mylène Farmer French "Désenchantée" 2 106 2
26 Flag of Ontario Ontario Amy Sky English "We Can't Look Back" 20 37 0
27 Flag of Alberta Alberta Kalan Porter English "Awake in a Dream" 19 40 0
28 Flag of Ontario Ontario Avril Lavigne English "My Happy Ending" 1 137 7
29 Flag of Quebec Quebec Eva Avila English "I Owe It All to You" 12 60 2
30 Flag of Quebec Quebec Leonard Cohen English "Hallelujah" 12 62 0
31 Flag of Quebec Quebec Francis Martin French "Quand on se donne" 16 47 0
33 Flag of Quebec Quebec Céline Dion English "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" 7 74 0
34 Flag of Ontario Ontario Amanda Marshall English "Dark Horse" 8 66 1
35 Flag of Manitoba Manitoba Tom Cochrane English "Life Is a Highway" 15 58 2
36 Flag of Quebec Quebec Lara Fabian English "I Will Love Again" 2 111 3
38 Flag of Ontario Ontario Avril Lavigne English "Keep Holding On" 1 130 5
39 Flag of Quebec Quebec Cindy Daniel French "Sous une pluie d'étoiles" 4 97 1
40 Flag of Ontario Ontario Bryan Adams English "Heaven" 1 148 7
41 Flag of Quebec Quebec Marie-Mai French "Qui prendra ma place" 6 81 1
42 Flag of Ontario Ontario Dragonette English "I Get Around" 10 69 2
43 Flag of Quebec Quebec Arcade Fire English "Intervention" 7 86 3
44 Flag of Manitoba Manitoba Loreena McKennitt English "The Mummers' Dance" 3 115 3
45 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Linda Chung Mandarin "Swear" (發誓) 7 79 0
46 Flag of Alberta Alberta Melissa O'Neil English "Alive" 17 58 2
47 Flag of Ontario Ontario Jane Child English "Don't Wanna Fall in Love" 17 53 1
48 Flag of Ontario Ontario Shania Twain English "Ka-Ching!" 1 124 3
49 Flag of Quebec Quebec Julie Masse French "C'est zéro" 3 106 3
50 Flag of Quebec Quebec 11:30 French "Olé Olé" 14 54 0
51 Flag of Quebec Quebec Marie-Pier Perreault French "J'oublierai" 25 36 0
52 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Marianas Trench English "Say Anything" 17 51 1
53 Flag of Manitoba Manitoba Chantal Kreviazuk English "Before You" 5 87 3
54 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Robin Sparkles English "Sandcastles in the Sand" 26 26 1
55 Flag of Ontario Ontario Three Days Grace English "Never Too Late" 18 50 1
56 Flag of Ontario Ontario Lights English "Drive My Soul" 11 68 0
57 Flag of Quebec Quebec France Joli English "Touch" 9 62 1
58 Flag of Ontario Ontario Alannah Myles English "Black Velvet" 1 134 4
59 Flag of Quebec Quebec Marie Carmen French "Entre l'ombre et la lumière" 21 40 2
60 Flag of Quebec Quebec Judith Bérard French1 "I Miss You So" 11 56 0
61 Flag of Ontario Ontario Gowan English "Moonlight Desires" 22 36 0
62 Flag of Alberta Alberta Joni Mitchell English "Big Yellow Taxi" 10 62 0
63 Flag of Ontario Ontario Three Days Grace English "I Hate Everything About You" 13 60 2
64 Flag of Ontario Ontario Alanis Morissette English "Ironic" 18 47 0
65 Flag of Alberta Alberta Northern Cree English "Smilin'" 18 47 0
66 Flag of Quebec Quebec Cœur de pirate French "Comme des enfants" 11 58 0
67 Flag of Quebec Quebec Patrick Watson English "The Great Escape" 24 35 2
68 Flag of Quebec Quebec Luba English "Let It Go" 18 48 1
69 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Nelly Furtado English "Say It Right" 4 105 4
70 Flag of Ontario Ontario Alannah Myles English "Song Instead of a Kiss" 15 77 1
71 Flag of Quebec Quebec Marc & Véronique French "Jérusalem" 14 57 1
72 Flag of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Aselin Debison English "Miss You" 9 73 0
73 Flag of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Sarah McLachlan English "Angel" 2 135 3
74 Flag of Prince Edward Island P.E. Island Tara MacLean English "If I Fall" 20 39 0
75 Flag of Ontario Ontario Avril Lavigne English "Girlfriend" 4 101 3
76 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Spirit of the West English "Home for a Rest" 21 40 0
77 Flag of Alberta Alberta Tegan and Sara English "Back in Your Head" 28 25 0
78 Flag of Quebec Quebec Marie Denise Pelletier French "Tous les cris, les S.O.S." 8 79 2
79 Flag of Quebec Quebec Arcade Fire English "Rebellion (Lies)" 19 39 2
80 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Daniel Powter English "Bad Day" 3 96 2
81 Flag of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Anne Murray English "Snowbird" 4 91 1
82 Flag of Quebec Quebec Céline Dion English "Alone" 2 121 2
84 Flag of Quebec Quebec Les B.B. French "Tu ne saurus jamais" 16 56 1
85 Flag of Alberta Alberta Jann Arden English "Insensitive" 10 69 1
86 Flag of Quebec Quebec Trans-X English "Living on Video" 9 63 2
87 Flag of Quebec Quebec Luba English "Everytime I See Your Picture" 3 100 1
88 Flag of Ontario Ontario Serena Ryder English "Weak in the Knees" 12 63 1
89 Flag of Manitoba Manitoba Neil Young English "Rockin' in the Free World" 20 44 0
90 Flag of Manitoba Manitoba Loreena McKennitt English "The Mystic's Dream" 4 99 1
91 Flag of Ontario Ontario Fefe Dobson English "Ghost" 9 69 0
92 Flag of Nunavat Nunavat Tanya Tagaq Throat "Force" 18 44 1
93 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Delerium feat. Rani English "Fallen" 16 50 0
94 Flag of Ontario Ontario Kittie English "Brackish" 16 58 1
95 Flag of Quebec Quebec Chantal Chamandy English, Spanish "Feels Like Love" 19 46 1
96 Flag of Ontario Ontario Suzie McNeil English "Believe" 12 69 1
97 Flag of Quebec Quebec Céline Dion French "Pour que tu m'aimes encore"
98
99 Flag of Ontario Ontario
100

Waiting list[]

# Province Artist Lang. Title Status
72 Flag of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia English Yes
7?/8? Flag of Manitoba Manitoba English Pending
75/8? Flag of Ontario Ontario English "Believe"/ Yes

Voting history[]

As of the 78th edition, Canada's voting history is as follows:

Most points given in the grand finals only
Rank Country Points
1 Flag of Finland Finland 249
2 Flag of Germany Germany 244
3 Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom 200
4 Flag of France France 199
5 Flag of Mexico Mexico 161
Most 12 points received in the grand finals only
Rank Country Points
1 Flag of Latvia Latvia 9 sets
2 Flag of the United States United States 8 sets
3 Flag of Malta Malta 6 sets

Charting[]

Title Year CAN
Peak
USA
Peak
ESC
Peak
WWW
Pos.
Album
"My Heart Will Go On" 1997 1 1 2 Let's Talk About Love
"Désenchantée" 1991 9 32 2 L'Autre...
"We Can't Look Back" 1998 21 20 Ordinary Miracles
"Awake in a Dream" 2004 1 19 19 219 Days
"My Happy Ending" 2004 11 9 2 1 Under My Skin
"I Owe It All to You" 2006 9 48 12 Somewhere Else
"Hallelujah" 1984 17 59 12 Various Positions
"Quand on se donne" 1992 16 Quand on se donne
"It's All Coming Back to Me Now" 1996 1 2 7 Falling into You
"Dark Horse" 1997 5 5 8 Amanda Marshall
"Life Is a Highway" 1991 1 6 41 15 Mad Mad World
"I Will Love Again" 2000 4 32 1 2 Lara Fabian
"Keep Holding On" 2006 14 17 28 1 Eragon
"Sous une pluie d'étoiles" 2006 4 J'avoue
"Heaven" 1984 11 1 1 1 Reckless
"Qui prendra ma place" 2007 66 20 6 Dangereuse Attraction
"I Get Around" 2007 57 1 10 Galore
"Intervention" 2005 1 7 Neon Bible
"The Mummers' Dance" 1997 10 18 20 3 The Book of Secrets
"Swear" (發誓) 2006 36 7 Dinner for One, World for Two
"Alive" 2005 1 2 17 Melissa O'Neil
"Don't Wanna Fall in Love" 1990 4 2 22 17 Jane Child
"Ka-Ching!" 2003 1 1 Up!
"C'est zéro" 1990 12 3 C'est zéro
"Olé Olé" 2000 10 26 14 Ole Ole
"J'oublierai" 2007 13 25 J'oublierai
"Say Anything" 2006 3 22 17 Fix Me
"Before You" 1999 2 4 5 Colour Moving and Still
"Sandcastles in the Sand" 2008 26 How I Met Your Music
"Never Too Late" 2007 30 71 3 18 One-X
"Drive My Soul" 2008 30 32 11 The Listening
"Touch" 1997 35 9 If You Love Me
"Black Velvet" 1989 10 1 19 1 Alannah Myles
"Entre l'ombre et la lumière" 1992 21 Miel et Venin
"I Miss You So" 1999 11 Ailleurs
"Moonlight Desires" 1987 10 22 Great Dirty World
"Big Yellow Taxi" 1970 14 24 10 Ladies of the Canyon
"I Hate Everything About You" 2003 55 2 13 Three Days Grace
"Ironic" 1996 1 4 18 18 Jagged Little Pill
"Smilin'" 2003 18 Calling All Dancers
"Comme des enfants'" 2008 26 11 Cœur de pirate
"The Great Escape" 2006 24 Close to Paradise
"Let It Go" 1984 32 18 Secrets and Sins
"Say It Right" 2006 5 1 36 4 Loose
"Song Instead of a Kiss" 1992 1 15 Rockinghorse
"Jérusalem" 1988 14 Transatlantique
"Miss You" 2005 3 9 Bigger than Me
"Angel" 1998 9 4 6 2 Surfacing
"If I Fall" 1999 1 20 Passenger
"Girlfriend" 2007 1 1 1 4 The Best Damn Thing
"Home for a Rest" 1990 10 21 Save This House
"Back in Your Head" 2007 12 28 The Con
"Tous les cris, les S.O.S." 1987 4 8 À l'état pur
"Rebellion (Lies)" 2004 4 19 Funeral
"Bad Day" 2005 7 1 3 Daniel Powter
"Snowbird" 1969 2 8 4 This Way Is My Way
"Alone" 2007 57 124 2 Taking Chances
"Tu ne sauras jamais" 1994 16 3
"Insensitive" 1994 1 12 10 Living Under Jane
"Living on Video" 1983 61 9 Living on Video
"Everytime I See Your Picture" 1982 23 3 Luba and Secrets and Sins
"Weak in the Knees" 2006 44 12 If Your Memory Serves You Well
"Rockin' in the Free World" 1989 39 20 Freedom
"The Mystic's Dream" 1989 4 The Mask and Mirror
"Ghost" 2010 14 9 Sunday Love
"Force" 2008 18 Auk/Blood
"Fallen" 2003 16 Chimera
"Brackish" 1999 16 Spit
"Feels Like Love" 2006 19 Love Needs You and Beladi
"Believe" 2007 61 TBA Broken & Beautiful
"Pour que tu m'aimes encore" 1995 12 Deux
"—" denotes a single that did not chart or were not released.

By province[]

Bold signifies a victory, whilst italics signify a runner-up.

No. Province Editions represented
28 Flag of Quebec Quebec #24, 25, 29, 30, 31, 33, 36, 39, 41, 43, 49, 50, 51, 57, 59, 60, 66, 67, 68, 71, 78, 79, 82, 84, 86, 87, 95, 97
21 Flag of Ontario Ontario #26, 28, 34, 38, 40, 42, 47, 48, 55, 56, 58, 61, 63, 64, 70, 75, 88, 91, 94, 96, 99
7 Flag of British Columbia British Columbia #45, 52, 54, 69, 76, 80, 93
6 Flag of Alberta Alberta #27, 46, 62, 65, 77, 85
5 Flag of Manitoba Manitoba #35, 44, 53, 89, 90
3 Flag of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia #72, 73, 81
1 Flag of Prince Edward Island Prince Edward Island #74
Flag of Nunavat Nunavat #92

Some media sources also stated their backlash that only 5 of 13 provinces and territories had representatives in 30 editions. However, CTV defended themselves, stating "We don't have certain criteria for a singer to be picked. If we feel that the [song] from the [artist] is of good quality, then that's enough for us to pick and send them. If we focused on diversity rather than quality, then our results would not look as good. With British Columbia, having debuted in the 4th edition and being sent 2 more times since then, we do not intend to exclusively stick to the big 5 provinces, of course. When the time or song is right, we will give another province a chance to shine - sooner than later." Meanwhile, 77% of Canada's acts originate from either Ontario or Quebec, but for obvious reasons.

On 23 August 2018, media reported of rumors that CTV were seeking Nova Scotian singer to represent the nation for the 58th edition. This would not only mark the province's debut, but also mark the first new province in 13 editions. However, CTV stated, "At this time, we are focusing on a fulfilling result for our contestant in the forthcoming edition. Until the next edition in question, we are not starting our selection process." Despite these rumors, an Ontarian artist was sent for the 11th time. However, CTV stated that "a debut of a province would not be so far off," confirming the earlier rumors, but rumored for the wrong edition.

On 12 December 2018, CTV finally confirmed that a Nova Scotian singer would represent the nation in the first edition of 2019. This would mark the first provincial debut since the 45th edition. Ultimately, Nova Scotia finally made its provincial debut in the 72nd edition, and surpassed Alberta to become the 5th highest-scoring province in the country. In the 73rd edition, Nova Scotia managed to surpass both British Columbia and Manitoba to become the third most successful province and first province to reach the top two since Ontario in the 28th edition. The province also received an average position of 6th place, higher than any other provinces, though through least participations.

By language[]

No. Language Editions represented
56 Flag of the United Kingdom English #24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 96, 99
14 Flag of France French #25, 31, 39, 41, 49, 50, 51, 59, 60, 66, 71, 78, 84, 97
1 Flag of China Mandarin #45
Flag of Nunavat Inuit throat singing #92
Flag of Spain Spanish #95

By type/act[]

No. Act Editions represented
45 ♀ Female #24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 33, 34, 36, 38, 39, 41, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 81, 82, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 96, 97
11 Group #42, 43, 52, 55, 63, 65, 76, 79, 84, 86, 94
9 ♂ Male #27, 30, 31, 35, 40, 61, 67, 80, 89
5 Duo #50, 71, 77, 93, 95(uncredited)

By decade of first release[]

Decade No. Editions represented
2000s 30 #27, 28, 29, 36, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 63, 65, 66, 67, 69, 72, 75, 77, 79, 80, 82, 87
1990s 21 #24, 25, 26, 31, 33, 34, 35, 44, 47, 49, 49, 53, 57, 59, 60, 64, 70, 73, 74, 76, 84, 85
1980s 9 #30, 40, 58, 61, 68, 71, 78, 86, 87
1970s 1 #62
1960s 1 #81

By artist[]

No. Artist Editions represented
4 Flag of Quebec Céline Dion #24, 33, 82, 97
3 Flag of Ontario Avril Lavigne #28, 38, 75
2 Flag of Ontario Three Days Grace #55, 63
Flag of Ontario Alannah Myles #58, 70
Flag of Quebec Arcade Fire #43, 79
Flag of Quebec Luba #68, 87
Flag of Manitoba Loreena McKennitt #44, 90

Best result by province[]

Province Attempts Best result Average position
Flag of Ontario Ontario 17 1st place (x5) 10th place
Flag of Quebec Quebec 26 2nd place (x3) 11th place
Flag of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia 3 2nd place 5th place
Flag of Manitoba Manitoba 3 3rd place 8th place
Flag of British Columbia British Columbia 6 3rd place 13th place
Flag of Alberta Alberta 6 10th place 17th place
Flag of Prince Edward Island Prince Edward Island 1 20th place 20th place
Flag of New Brunswick New Brunswick 0 N/A
Flag of Saskatchewan Saskatchewan
Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador
Other territories2

Provincial debuts[]

Edition Province
#24 Flag of Quebec Quebec
#26 Flag of Ontario Ontario
#27 Flag of Alberta Alberta
#35 Flag of Manitoba Manitoba
#45 Flag of British Columbia British Columbia
#72 Flag of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia
#74 Flag of Prince Edward Island Prince Edward Island
#92 Flag of Nunavat Nunavat

Ranked[]

# Province Artist Lang. Title Rank Place
1st decade
28 Flag of Ontario Ontario Avril Lavigne English "My Happy Ending" 1 1
24 Flag of Quebec Quebec Céline Dion English "My Heart Will Go On" 2 2
34 Flag of Ontario Ontario Amanda Marshall English "Dark Horse" 3 8
30 Flag of Quebec Quebec Leonard Cohen English "Hallelujah" 4 12
33 Flag of Quebec Quebec Céline Dion English "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" 5 7
26 Flag of Ontario Ontario Amy Sky English "We Can't Look Back" 6 20
25 Flag of Quebec Quebec Mylène Farmer French "Désenchantée" 7 2
27 Flag of Alberta Alberta Kalan Porter English "Awake in a Dream" 8 19
29 Flag of Quebec Quebec Eva Avila English "I Owe It All to You" 9 12
31 Flag of Quebec Quebec Francis Martin French "Quand on se donne" 10 16
2nd decade
40 Flag of Ontario Ontario Bryan Adams English "Heaven" 1 1
43 Flag of Quebec Quebec Arcade Fire English "Intervention" 2 7
36 Flag of Quebec Quebec Lara Fabian English "I Will Love Again" 3 2
38 Flag of Ontario Ontario Avril Lavigne English "Keep Holding On" 4 1
41 Flag of Quebec Quebec Marie-Mai French "Qui prendra ma place" 5 6
39 Flag of Quebec Quebec Cindy Daniel French "Sous une pluie d'étoiles" 6 4
42 Flag of Ontario Ontario Dragonette English "I Get Around" 7 10
44 Flag of Manitoba Manitoba Loreena McKennitt English "The Mummers' Dance" 8 3
45 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Linda Chung Mandarin "Swear" (發誓) 9 7
35 Flag of Manitoba Manitoba Tom Cochrane English "Life Is a Highway" 10 15
3rd decade
46 Flag of Alberta Alberta Melissa O'Neil English "Alive" 1 17
54 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Robin Sparkles English "Sandcastles in the Sand" 2 26
48 Flag of Ontario Ontario Shania Twain English "Ka-Ching!" 3 1
53 Flag of Manitoba Manitoba Chantal Kreviazuk English "Before You" 4 5
55 Flag of Ontario Ontario Three Days Grace English "Never Too Late" 5 18
52 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Marianas Trench English "Say Anything" 6 17
49 Flag of Quebec Quebec Julie Masse French "C'est zéro" 7 3
47 Flag of Ontario Ontario Jane Child English "Don't Wanna Fall in Love" 8 17
51 Flag of Quebec Quebec Marie-Pier Perreault French "J'oublierai" 9 25
50 Flag of Quebec Quebec 11:30 French "Olé Olé" 10 14
4th decade
63 Flag of Ontario Ontario Three Days Grace English "I Hate Everything About You" 1 13
64 Flag of Ontario Ontario Alanis Morissette English "Ironic" 2 18
58 Flag of Ontario Ontario Alannah Myles English "Black Velvet" 3 1
59 Flag of Quebec Quebec Marie Carmen French "Entre l'ombre et la lumière" 4 21
62 Flag of Alberta Alberta Joni Mitchell English "Big Yellow Taxi" 5 10
57 Flag of Quebec Quebec France Joli English "Touch" 6 9
56 Flag of Ontario Ontario Lights English "Drive My Soul" 7 11
60 Flag of Quebec Quebec Judith Bérard French1 "I Miss You So" 8 11
61 Flag of Ontario Ontario Gowan English "Moonlight Desires" 9 22
65 Flag of Alberta Alberta Northern Cree English "Smilin'" 10 18
5th decade
74 Flag of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Tara MacLean English "If I Fall"
69 Flag of British Columbia B. Columbia Nelly Furtado English "Say It Right" 4
70 Flag of Ontario Ontario Alannah Myles English "Song Instead of a Kiss" 15
66 Flag of Quebec Quebec Cœur de pirate French "Comme des enfants" 11
72 Flag of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Aselin Debison English "Miss You" 9
67 Flag of Quebec Quebec Patrick Watson English "The Great Escape" 24
68 Flag of Quebec Quebec Luba English "Let It Go" 18
71 Flag of Quebec Quebec Marc & Véronique French "Jérusalem" 14

Chance of top 5 by province[]

Format of selecting entries[]

  • Hits (#24-25, 28, 30, 33, 35-36, 38, 40, 47-48; 11 editions)
    • Hits have been used the most editions given the high results they achieve. However, they were temporarily scrapped after #40 to give more chances for not so popular songs.
  • Unpopular songs (#26, 31, 39, 45, 49; 5 editions)
    • Unpopular songs haven't been used so much, but are sent for the discovery of not-so-known songs.
  • Canadian Idol songs (#27, 29, 46; 3 editions)
    • Idol songs were sent for an failed attempt for a revival, but were scrapped due to low results. They were revived in #46, though this time to give it another try. Eva Avila also represented Canada with a post-show single. Canada placed 17th in #46, and it was therefore announced that the format would be permanently discontinued.
  • Low-charted songs (#34, 41-44; 4 editions)
    • Songs which have had limited charting were first sent in #34, but scrapped until being used for 3 consecutive editions from #41 to #44.

Awards and nominations[]

Edition Category Entry Result
#3 Winners My Happy Ending Nominated
Second Places My Heart Will Go On
Désenchantée
#4 Winners Keep Holding On
Heaven
Second Places I Will Love Again
#5 Winners Ka-Ching! Won
Third Places The Mummers' Dance
C'est zéro Nominated
#6 Winners Black Velvet
#8 Second Places Angel
Third Places Bad Day
#9 Second Places Alone Pending

Hostings[]

It was previously stated that should Canada win the contest again after #49, it would be held in a new province rather than Ontario, Quebec or Saskatchewan; a bidding process would be set up for the eligible 7 provinces and 3 territories.

Edn. Province City Venue Presenters
29 Flag of British Columbia British Columbia Vancouver PNE Agrodome Alex Trebek
39 Flag of Quebec Quebec Montreal Verdun Auditorium Rick Mercer & Shenae Grimes
41 Flag of Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Saskatoon SaskTel Centre Cassie Steele & Miriam McDonald
49 Flag of Ontario Ontario Niagara Falls Gale Centre Alex Trebek & Rick Mercer
59 Flag of Alberta Alberta Banff TBC Cobie Smulders

Commentators and spokespersons[]

CTV broadcasted the Retro WWW Song Contest from the 23rd contest up until the 31st and averaged 1.95 million viewers during its broadcasts. After Canada was relegated from the 32nd, and a continued decrease in ratings, CTV announced that the broadcast would move to CTV Two. However, the broadcaster stated that in the event of a victory, the broadcast would return to the main CTV channel.

Edn(s) Commentator(s) Spokesperson Ratings Channel
#23 Alex Trebek Did not participate 1.14 CTV
#24 Bryan Adams René-Charles Angelil 2.96
#25 Alex Trebek 1.87
#26 Alex Trebek Rick Mercer 1.18
#27 Rick Mercer Joni Mitchell 0.96
#28 Céline Dion 2.47
#29 3.06
#30 Adam & Lorca Cohen 2.71
#31 Margot Kidder 1.16
#32 No commentator Did not participate 0.63 CTV Two
#33 Rick Mercer Anne Murray 1.76
#34 Avril Lavigne 1.62
#35 Amanda Marshall 1.49
#36 Céline Dion 2.26
#37 No commentator Did not participate 0.79
#38 Rick Mercer Amy Sky 2.41
#39 Avril Lavigne 2.98 CTV
#40 Alex Trebek 3.12
#41 Bryan Adams 3.39
#42 Lara Fabian TBA
#43 Marie-Mai
#44 Shay Mitchell
#45 Melissa O'Neil
#46 Loreena McKennitt
#47 Miriam McDonald
#48 Cobie Smulders
#49 Alex Trebek
#50
#51 Isabelle Boulay
#52 TBA
#53 Alex Trebek TBA
#54 Sarah Chalke
#55 Cobie Smulders Avril Lavigne

CTV Two negotiated with Céline Dion in hopes for her return, which was success. Despite Dion's participation, the broadcast only managed to score 1.76 million viewers, 1.20 million less than Dion's participation in the second edition. As a result, a big search was made for Canada's tenth participation, which ended in Canadian pop-rock singer Amanda Marshall representing the nation. Previous winner Avril Lavigne was also appointed as the voting spokesperson, showing the broadcaster's dedication. The contest saw a decrease of viewers with 1.62 million viewers watching the contest. Once again, the contest saw a decrease for the eleventh edition with only 1.49 million viewers tuning in. CTV Two announced that for the 12th participation, a "dance hit" would represent the nation.

The 37th contest saw Canada achieve second place, the nation's highest placing in nine editions. This is also resulted in a 2.26 million viewership; the highest in six editions. However, CTV stated that reaching two million viewers could just be an one-edition special, and that "if this number were to surpassed in the following edition, the contest would return to CTV."

It was shortly announced that Lara Fabian would join Rick Mercer to commentate the 37th edition, a move which was considered a guarantee for a CTV-switch. Hours later, it was also confirmed that both Mercer and Fabian would present the Canadian points as the spokespeople. With famous Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain representing the nation, the buzz was reported to be "the highest" since Céline Dion representing Canada in its 24 debut. Due to the buzz, CTV announced that both CTV and CTV Two would broadcast the contest simultaneously, and that should the ratings pass the 2.26 million mark, the contest would permanently return to CTV. These plans were subsequently cancelled when Canada was relegated from the 37th edition, due to not announcing Twain's entry in time.

CTV later stated that the contest would remain in CTV Two as evident by the poor ratings caused by the Canadian withdrawal. Due to the controversy, Canada had automatically secured its spot for the next edition, though CBC stated that Twain would no longer be representing the country. It was soon announced that the only Canadian winner Avril Lavigne would represent the country being the tenth anniversary. Her song was then revealed as her not-so-charting pop-rock ballad "Keep Holding On". Once again commentated by Rick Mercer, Amy Sky will return to the contest as a spokesperson.

Canadian commentator from 27 onwards (at the time having commentated 12 contests) announced that he would depart from the show after the 50th edition (which would probably be his 22nd). He added, "Since I started commentated on this wonderful contest I had a goal to make it more known here, and I think I have done this. Doing this every month however is some work and I cannot stay forever, so I believe it would be best for me to give someone else the chance. Don't worry now though, I will still commentate ten more contests before I go, we can promise a great 50th anniversary show to depart me where I will reveal my successor on live television."

Following #40, Canada only reached the top 10 once in 5 occasions, also placing worst score since #35, 10th place. This is compared to editions 36 to 40, where Canada won twice and always placed in the top 5. Commentator Mercer stated that he "hoped Canada would win once more before his leave after #50; also a first win for an Awards Edition." As of then, Canada had only one entry registered in the Awards Edition (although a Third Places debut), with just 4 left in the decade; typically, 3 entries would be nominated. Mercer also confirmed that the one (pending) nomination had secured his final (regular) commentator gig for [Retro] at the Awards Edition.

Despite this statement, CTV announced on 6 May 2018 that Rick Mercer was signed on to commentate up until the 52nd edition, where he will step down his role and announce on-air and introduce the new commentator, who will start their first work in the last 5 minutes of the broadcast. Mercer added that "an exciting plan was in motion", but refused to reveal any more details. He also explained that "[he] was ready to depart, but after a meeting with bosses, agreed to stay on for two editions, to help utilize the plan in motion." This plan was subsequently delayed due to "prior commitments", however Mercer stated that he "would not be up to staying on for even more editions, as he had already planned his exit."

CTV announced that a result of his exit, that Alex Trebek would return as a commentator, making it his first time commentating since the 26th edition (although having been a spokesperson in the 25th, 40th and 49th to 50th editions). It was confirmed after the 53rd edition that Trebek would return for his "final commentating work" in the 54th edition, and the long-awaited commentator switch would then occur. This also marked the first time Trebek commentated more than one edition, consecutively.

On 19 June 2018, CTV announced that they had ordered an after-show to take place following the fifty-fourth edition of the contest. The hour-long after show would see Rick Mercer's return, throwing back to his time commentating the contest, see "surprise cameo appearances," as well as introduce his successor. This was later confirmed to be taking place from a Slovenian studio.

The 55th edition of the contest would not only mark Canada's 30th appearance, but feature the takeover in the commentating booth, following Rick Mercer's 24 editions of commentating (as well as Alex Trebek's 4 editions and Bryan Adams' 2 editions). CTV stated that "a number of surprises were being planned to celebrate 30 editions of Canada in the contest." On 1 July 2018, CTV confirmed that two-time winner Avril Lavigne was undoubtedly the choice to become Canada's 30th spokesperson; Lavigne previously was the spokesperson in #34 and #39. Previous winners Bryan Adams and Shania Twain were also confirmed to return "in some capacity." However, no comment was made towards current contest winner and this contest runner-up Celine Dion, leading to rumors of her clashing schedule meaning she would not appear.

On 14 July 2018, it was revealed that Cobie Smulders would be Canada's new commentator, being the reason why the show took place in a Slovenian studio. Smulders also stated that, "Achieving the worst ever result is a big disappointment. But on the other hand, it'll only prepare us to do better in the future. After all, it's not like we can do much worse than this. But I stand by Robin Sparkles."

Notes[]

^1 Although the titular song chorus is in English, the rest majority of the song is in French
^2 Flag of Northwest Territories Northwest Territories and Flag of Yukon Yukon

See also[]

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