Producers Bruce Hills Entertainment, Counterfeit Pictures, and Hemmings Films are pleased to announce that they will go into production on Stand Up For Canada Starring Rick Mercer, a new one-hour comedy special set to premiere on CBC and CBC Gem. Timing for the premiere will be confirmed at a later date.
Set to film in front of a live audience in Saint John, New Brunswick on October 17, 2025 the special will capture a night on Rick Mercerâs wildly successful coast-to-coast comedy tour, which continues through October 2025, and is presented by MRG Live and Bruce Hills Entertainment. Mercer is joined by Canadian comedians Sophie Buddle, Mayce Galoni and Julie Kim, and performed 28 shows across 20 cities, with 24 sold-out venues and more than 40,000 tickets sold.
The Stand Up For Canada Starring Rick Mercer special promises to deliver a funny, insightful and heartfelt celebration of Canada through the comedy of one of the countryâs most beloved voices, as well as a new generation of rising stand-up stars. Together, Mercer, Buddle, Galoni and Kim will shine a light on the diverse perspectives, stories and humour that make Canadaâs comedy scene one of the richest in the world.
Stand Up For Canada Starring Rick Mercer is produced by Bruce Hills Entertainment, Counterfeit Pictures, and Hemmings Films, in association with CBC.
ABOUT RICK MERCER
Rick Mercer is a Canadian comedian, television personality, political satirist and author. He is best known for his work on the CBC Television comedy shows This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Made In Canada and Rick Mercer Report. He is the author of four books all of which have been national best sellers. Mercer has received nearly 30 Gemini Awards and Canadian Screen awards for his work on television. His CBC Television special Talking To Americans remains the highest rated Canadian comedy special ever with 2.7 million viewers.
Rick holds Honorary Doctorates from Memorial University, Laurentian University, University of British Columbia, McMaster University, Bishop’s University, Brock University and the University of Guelph. In 2014, he received Honorary Doctorates from the Royal Military Academy and from University of Western Ontario and York University.
He is on the board of directors of Historica Canada, an organization dedicated to promoting Canadian history, identity and citizenship. They are the “Heritage Minute” people.
He is a recipient of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for lifetime achievement and in 2014 was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
He is a native of St. John’s, Newfoundland.
ABOUT SOPHIE BUDDLE
Sophie Buddle is a stand-up, a TV writer, and a podcaster. She has appeared on âThe Tonight Showâ, âThe Late Late Show with James Cordenâ, and on CBCâs âThis Hour Has 22 Minutes” as a correspondent and staff writer. She’s also been featured on CTVâs “Roast Battle”, JFL All Access, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the Halifax Comedy Festival. She was a featured performer at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and in 2022 had the esteemed privilege of delivering the Canadian Keynote Address on Comedy.
Sophie released her first album in 2019, “Lil Bit Of Buddle,” which won the 2020 Juno Award for Best Comedy Album of the Year, making her the first female comic to win that award. She released the album herself so you can find it on iTunes in the genre “easy listening”, which was a mistake, but it is easy to listen to, so it’s OK. Her podcast “Obsessed with Sophie Buddle”, which tackles peopleâs obsessions (from BeyoncĂ© to American politics to checking if the door is locked to revenge) is currently available on Apple Podcasts. She is a three-time runner up (but fourth timeâs the charm!) for Canada’s biggest stand-up contest, SiriusXM Top Comic, and can currently be seen headlining across the country.
ABOUT MAYCE GALONI
Mayce Galoni is a Los Angeles based stand-up comedian and writer. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Mayce started doing stand-up in dive bars on school nights when he was 15 years old. His laid-back style and clever writing have led him to perform at comedy clubs and festivals across North America.
He has been seen on Just for Laughs Montreal, Hulu, Netflix is a Joke Fest, MTV, Kevin Hartâs LOL Network, Dry Bar and Donât Tell Comedyâs Secret Sets, and his clips from these appearances have amassed millions of views online.
His work in television includes starring in BiteTVâs PrankYou, as well as being a staff writer and correspondent on 3 seasons of CBCâs This Hour has 22 Minutes. Mayceâs comedy album can be heard regularly on SiriusXM, and was nominated for Comedy Album of the Year at the JUNOS. You can watch his debut full length comedy special âLive at the Blue Grottoâ which is available now on YouTube.
ABOUT JULIE KIM
Julie Kim is a comedian, writer, podcaster, and content creator. She is one of Canadaâs top stand-up comedians. Julie recently completed a Canadian solo tour with multiple sold-out shows. Julie previously toured across North America doing 40 theatre shows with Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah). She was a gala performer at the 2022 Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal and headlined four sold-out solo shows at Just for Laughs Toronto in 2023. Over the past decade, Julie has performed at all the major Canadian comedy festivals including Just for Laughs Vancouver, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and Halifax Comedy Festival (with multiple televised performances). She tours internationally and made her debut at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Julie has also been regularly featured on CBCâs The Debaters.
Julie is also a Canadian Screen Award winning writer and producer. She has contributed to the writing rooms of Kimâs Convenience, Run the Burbs, and Still Standing. Julie was a producer and writer for Simu Liu (Marvelâs Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) as he hosted the 2022 and 2023 Juno Awards. Julieâs increasingly popular podcast, called Bothered, includes rant-worthy stories and experiences that are hilarious and relatable.
Julie’s mission is to spread happiness, lighten hearts, and unite through laughter. And no amount of mom-shaming will stop her.
ABOUT THE PRODUCERS
COUNTERFEIT PICTURES
Counterfeit Pictures, a Toronto-based production company with a focus on comedy, is led by partners Dan Bennett, Shane Corkery and Anton Leo. Counterfeitâs half-hour workplace comedy âThe Office Moversâ (Crave) returns for a second season featuring Bell Media Studios breakout stars and online legends Jae and Trey Richards. The company recently completed filming the comedy special âNo Refundsâ from TikTok sensations Darcy & Jer (Crave). Other credits include âOne More Timeâ (CBC) with comedian D.J. Demers (The Tonight Show, Conan), âShelvedâ (CTV), the award-winning âSunnysideâ (CityTV/FX Canada), and âKeep Busyâ with YouTube sensation Kurtis Conner.
Counterfeitâs newest production, the feature length performance documentary, People Of Comedy: Celebrating 30 Years of The Nubian Show recently debuted on Crave. Under its banner Counterfeit Sounds, the company has recently produced the podcast ‘Benefits With Friends’ starring Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees (Audible), and a slate of comedy albums including the Juno Award winning ‘Honourable Intentions’ from Debra DiGiovanni, as well as albums from Howie Mandel, Robby Hoffman, D.J. Demers, Allie Pearse and Brent Butt.
Learn more at: counterfeitpictures.com
BRUCE HILLS ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2025 by comedy industry veteran Bruce Hills, Bruce Hills Entertainment is driving a new era in live comedy, spearheading concert promotion across Canada and beyond, advising top global companies in the comedy and entertainment space, and producing world-class events that push the boundaries of the genre. The companyâs recent work reflects its bold vision, including strategic consulting for The Second City and the launch of its new venue in New York City to curating the comedy slate for the inaugural Departure Festival in Torontoâincluding a one night only concert by Dave Chappelle. Among its earliest productions was a sold-out arena show featuring Kevin Hart at MontrĂ©alâs Bell Centre. The company is also co-promoting comedian Josh Johnsonâs highly anticipated Canadian tour alongside MRG Live. Prior to launching this venture, Hills spent 39 years leading Just For Laughs, overseeing its global English-language operations and expanding festivals to cities like MontrĂ©al, Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago and Sydney. Recognized as a pioneer in comedy, Hills played a key role in launching the careers of stars such as Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Wanda Sykes, Ronny Chieng, and Jimmy Fallon.
Counterfeit Pictures, a Toronto-based production company with a focus on comedy, is led by partners Dan Bennett, Shane Corkery and Anton Leo. Counterfeitâs half-hour workplace comedy âThe Office Moversâ (Crave) returns for a second season featuring Bell Media Studios breakout stars and online legends Jae and Trey Richards. The company recently completed filming the comedy special âNo Refundsâ from TikTok sensations Darcy & Jer (Crave). Other credits include âOne More Timeâ (CBC) with comedian D.J. Demers (The Tonight Show, Conan), âShelvedâ (CTV), the award-winning âSunnysideâ (CityTV/FX Canada), and âKeep Busyâ with YouTube sensation Kurtis Conner.
Counterfeitâs newest production, the feature length performance documentary, People Of Comedy: Celebrating 30 Years of The Nubian Show recently debuted on Crave. Under its banner Counterfeit Sounds, the company has recently produced the podcast ‘Benefits With Friends’ starring Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees (Audible), and a slate of comedy albums including the Juno Award winning ‘Honourable Intentions’ from Debra DiGiovanni, as well as albums from Howie Mandel, Robby Hoffman, D.J. Demers, Allie Pearse and Brent Butt.
Learn more at: counterfeitpictures.com
Hemmings Films
Hemmings Films, a full-service production house headquartered in Saint John, New Brunswick, develops feature films, documentaries, and network series. Led by founder and Executive Producer Greg Hemmings and partners Steve Foster and Evan Ottoni, the company leverages decades of industry experience to deliver premium productions across genres. Hemmings Films recently partnered with Blue Ice Pictures on Revival â a supernatural noir series based on the Image Comics franchise; the 10Ă44âminute series launched 12 June 2025 on Syfy/Crave with Melanie Scrofano and Romy Weltman. On the unscripted front, the company coâproduces the CBC competition show Race Against the Tide, where teams of worldâclass sand sculptors race the Bay of Fundyâs tide clock, the designâdriven lifestyle series Real Houses Of⊠featuring oneâofâaâkind North American homes, and docuâsoap Kardinal Sinners, a gritty portrait of semiâpro wrestlers battling for a shot at stardom.
Hemmings Films also produced the drama What We Dreamed of Then â written and directed by awardâwinning filmmaker Taylor Olson and produced by Sandy Hunter, Stephen Foster and Britt Kerr. Hemmings Films continues to operate as a creative hub for international and interprovincial coâproductions, using forwardâthinking production services and a valuesâdriven approach to deliver content that entertains and inspires.
Learn more at: hemmingsfilms.com
ABOUT CBC/RADIO-CANADA
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canadaâs national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canadaâs trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: DeÌne SuÌšĆıneÌ, Dene KÇdÇÌ, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii ZhuÊŒ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and TĆı̚choÌš. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
MRG Live and Bruce Hills Entertainment are proud to present Rick Mercerâs Stand-Up for Canada Comedy Tour â a night of laughter, connection, and unapologetically Canadian comedy. This fall, iconic comedian Rick Mercer leads a coast-to-coast tour spotlighting homegrown talent and delivering a night of laughter, and national pride. Tickets will go on sale Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10AM local time via rickmercer.com.
Kicking off September 11, 2025 in Saskatoon, SK and wrapping October 19 in St. Johnâs, NL, the tour will stop in 21 cities nationwide, bringing together audiences for an unforgettable night of comedy. Joining Mercer on stage are three of Canadaâs fastest-rising comedy stars: Juno Award winner Sophie Buddle, Juno-nominated Mayce Galoni, and the brilliantly talented Julie Kim.
At a time when the country needs it most, Mercer is ready to bring Canadians together with his signature wit, political commentary, and unifying voice â making this tour a must-see celebration of Canadian comedy and culture.
MRG Live and Bruce Hills Entertainment present:
Rick Mercerâs Stand-Up for Canada Comedy Tour
September 11, 2025 – Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place
September 12, 2025 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre
September 13, 2025 – Edmonton, AB – Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
September 14, 2025 – Calgary, AB – Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
September 17, 2025 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
September 18, 2025 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
September 19, 2025 – Victoria, BC – Royal Theatre
September 20, 2025 – Kelowna, BC – Prospera Place
September 21, 2025 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
September 23, 2025 – Kingston, ON – Kingston Grand Theatre
September 25, 2025 – Montreal, QC – LâOlympia
September 27, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – Southam Hall at National Arts Centre
September 28, 2025 – Thunder Bay, ON – Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
October 1, 2025 – London, ON – Centennial Hall
October 2, 2025 – Kitchener, ON – Centre in the Square
October 3, 2025 – Toronto, ON – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
October 4, 2025 – Hamilton, ON – FirstOntario Concert Hall
October 15, 2025 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick, Molson Canadian Centre
October 16, 2025 – Charlottetown, PEI – Sobey Family Theatre, Confederation Centre of the Arts
October 17, 2025 – Saint John, NB – Imperial Theatre
October 18, 2025 – Halifax, NS – Rebecca Cohn Auditorium
October 19, 2025 – St. Johnâs, NL – Arts & Culture Centre
CONNECT WITH RICK MERCER
Website | Instagram | X
ABOUT RICK MERCER
Rick Mercer is a Canadian comedian, television personality, political satirist and author. He is best known for his work on the CBC Television comedy shows This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Made In Canada and Rick Mercer Report. He is the author of four books all of which have been national best sellers. Mercer has received nearly 30 Gemini Awards and Canadian Screen awards for his work on television. His CBC Television special Talking To Americans remains the highest rated Canadian comedy special ever with 2.7 million viewers.
Rick holds Honorary Doctorates from Memorial University, Laurentian University, University of British Columbia, McMaster University, Bishop’s University, Brock University and the University of Guelph. In 2014, he received Honorary Doctorates from the Royal Military Academy and from University of Western Ontario and York University.
He is on the board of directors of Historica Canada, an organization dedicated to promoting Canadian history, identity and citizenship. They are the “Heritage Minute” people.
He is a recipient of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for lifetime achievement and in 2014 was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
He is a native of St. John’s, Newfoundland.
ABOUT SOPHIE BUDDLE
Sophie Buddle is a stand-up, a TV writer, and a podcaster. She has appeared on The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and on CBCâs This Hour Has 22 Minutes as a correspondent and staff writer. She’s also been featured on CTVâs Roast Battle, JFL All Access, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the Halifax Comedy Festival. She was a featured performer at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and in 2022 had the esteemed privilege of delivering the Canadian Keynote Address on Comedy. Sophie released her first album in 2019, Lil Bit Of Buddle, which won the 2020 Juno Award for Best Comedy Album of the Year, making her the first female comic to win that award. She released the album herself so you can find it on iTunes in the genre “easy listening”, which was a mistake, but it is easy to listen to, so it’s OK. Her podcast Obsessed with Sophie Buddle, which tackles peopleâs obsessions (from BeyoncĂ© to American politics to checking if the door is locked to revenge) is currently available on Apple Podcasts. She is a three-time runner up (but fourth timeâs the charm!) for Canada’s biggest stand-up contest, SiriusXM Top Comic, and can currently be seen headlining across the country.
ABOUT MAYCE GALONI
Mayce Galoni is a Los Angeles based stand-up comedian and writer. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Mayce started doing stand-up in dive bars on school nights when he was 15 years old. His laid-back style and clever writing has led him to perform at comedy clubs and festivals across North America. He has been seen on Just for Laughs Montreal, Hulu, Netflix is a Joke Fest, MTV, Kevin Hartâs LOL Network, and he has a comedy special on Dry Bar Comedy. He has also been featured on Donât Tell Comedyâs Secret Sets, and several of his clips from this appearance have amassed millions of views online.
His television work includes helping to create and star in BiteTVâs PrankYou, as well as being a staff writer and correspondent on 3 seasons of CBCâs This Hour has 22 Minutes.
Mayceâs album can be heard regularly on SiriusXM, and was nominated for Comedy Album of the Year at both the JUNOS and the Canadian Comedy Awards.
ABOUT JULIE KIM
Julie Kim is a comedian, writer, podcaster, and content creator. She is one of Canadaâs top stand-up comedians. Julie recently completed a Canadian solo tour with multiple sold out shows. Julie previously toured across North America doing 40 theatre shows with Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah). She was a gala performer at the 2022 Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal and headlined four sold-out solo shows at Just for Laughs Toronto in 2023. Over the past decade, Julie has performed at all the major Canadian comedy festivals including Just for Laughs Vancouver, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and Halifax Comedy Festival (with multiple televised performances). She tours internationally and made her debut at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Julie has also been regularly featured on CBCâs The Debaters.
Julie is also a Canadian Screen Award winning writer and producer. She has contributed to the writing rooms of Kimâs Convenience, Run the Burbs, and Still Standing. Julie was a producer and writer for Simu Liu (Marvelâs Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) as he hosted the 2022 and 2023 Juno Awards. Julieâs increasingly popular podcast, called Bothered, includes rant-worthy stories and experiences that are hilarious and relatable.
Julie’s mission is to spread happiness, lighten hearts, and unite through laughter. And no amount of mom-shaming will stop her.
ABOUT MRG LIVE
Bringing experiences to life for creators, fans, brands and partners.
MRG Live is a leading independent North American concert, large-scale event and entertainment production company. Founded in 2008, MRG Live has since become Canadaâs largest concert and entertainment promotion company and expanded into the USA in 2020. The company produces over 1,000 events annually, servicing MRGâs nine owned, operated or programmed venues, and producing concerts and events across Canada and in key US and European markets ranging from clubs and theatres to arenas. Our strategic approach focuses on developing and growing artists and markets, while never forgetting the importance of the fan experience.
ABOUT BRUCE HILLS ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2025 by comedy industry veteran Bruce Hills, Bruce Hills Entertainment is driving a new era in live comedyâspearheading concert promotion across Canada and beyond, advising top global companies in the comedy and entertainment space, and producing world-class events that push the boundaries of the genre.
The companyâs recent work reflects its bold vision, including strategic consulting for The Second City and the launch of its new venue in New York City to curating the comedy slate for the inaugural Departure Festival in Torontoâincluding a one night only concert by Dave Chappelle. Among its earliest productions was a sold out arena show featuring Kevin Hart at MontrĂ©alâs Bell Centre. The company is also co-promoting comedian Josh Johnsonâs highly anticipated Canadian tour alongside MRG Live.
Prior to launching this venture, Hills spent 39 years leading Just For Laughs, overseeing its global English-language operations and expanding festivals to cities like Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago and Sydney. Recognized as a pioneer in comedy, Hills played a key role in launching the careers of stars such as Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Wanda Sykes, Ronny Chieng, and Jimmy Fallon.
The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is pleased to announce that acclaimed Canadian film and television luminaries Jennifer Podemski, Rick Mercer, and Don McKellar will each be honoured with the inaugural Norman Jewison Founderâs Council Award at the 2025 CFC Gala: Growing Futures, taking place on June 12, 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. Tickets to the CFC Gala are available here.
This marks the first year of the Norman Jewison Founderâs Council Award, which will be presented annually at the Gala to up to three recipients whose work reflects the legacy of CFCâs founder Norman Jewison. Developed by CFCâs Founderâs Council, the award recognizes film and television visionaries whose work embodies Normanâs legacy, are committed to social justice in their storytelling, and/or have made a global impact in the industry.
âThis award celebrates the spirit and legacy of Norman Jewison â a filmmaker who has made a lasting mark on the industry,â said Steven DeNure, Chair of the CFC Founderâs Council. âJennifer, Rick, and Don each exemplify creativity, courage, and leadership and have made significant contributions to the screen industry in Canada and abroad. Weâre pleased to recognize their remarkable achievements with this inaugural award.â
The Norman Jewison Founderâs Council is a non-fiduciary consultative body established by the Board to champion the CFC, its mission, vision and initiatives. The work of the Founderâs Council enhances CFCâs fundraising activities, connections to industry, innovation and expertise. Current members include: Eric Belcher, Don Carmody, Neal Clarence, Suzette Couture, David Cronenberg, Steven DeNure (Chair), Blake Goldring, Christina Jennings, Kevin Jewison, George Lewis, David W. Middleton, Bob Munroe, Gary Slaight, and Barbara Williams with Kate Alexander Daniels joining this fall.
The Norman Jewison Founderâs Council Award is the Councilâs first initiative and will serve as a tribute to Jewisonâs immeasurable impact. The 2025 honourees will attend the CFC Gala to receive their awards.
The CFC Gala brings together industry leaders, artists, and supporters to help raise vital funds that contribute to robust hands-on programs that train the next generation of Canadian screen creatives. The highly anticipated and lively evening will include a performance by Torontoâs top mentalist Kevin Hamdan and music from DJ Fly Lady Di.
For more information, visit cfccreates.com.
Canada’s greatest in the literary world were honoured tonight in Toronto at newly-reopened Park Hyatt Hotel at the 2021 Scotiabank Giller Awards. The Awards recognize accomplishments of Canadian Authors domestically and abroad. The Gala was hosted by Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Kim’s Convenience) and Canadian Poet Rupi Kaur.
Winning top honours for the 2021 Scotiabank Giller Prize (worth $100k) was Author and Journalist Omar El Akkad for his novel, WHAT STRANGE PARADISE. The Book, published by Random House Canada, centers on a young Syrian boy named Amir rescued after his sunken dilapidated ship containing several people escaping their homelands, by a teenage girl named VĂ€nna. The girl is determined to save the boy despite them not speaking a common language.
Those also named on the shortlist this year included:
This year’s jury included Canadian authors Zalika Reid-Benta (Jury Chair), Megan Gail Coles and Joshua Whitehead, Malaysian novelist Tash Aw and American author Joshua Ferris.
Others in attendance tonight included the likes of :
MARGARET ATWOOD | THE HONOURABLE LISA MACLEOD
THE HONOURABLE BOB RAE | ALLAN HAWCO
TAMARA JEM | RICK MERCER | ANDREW PYPER | LILY CHU | CHARLIE FORAN | CATHERINE HERNANDEZ | BILAL BAIG | SOUVANKHAM THAMMAVONGSATANYA TALAGA | IAN WILLIAMS
Some snaps of the event below:
More on the Awards here. Missed the Awards? You can stream them on CBC Gem.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com