Canada's Drag Race is putting Canadian queens on the map

True, north, strong and fierce! 

By: Zoie Karagiannis

(Ish Chopra/CanCulture)

Canada’s Drag Race is a cultural phenomenon, and while it contains all the qualities you love from RuPaul’s Drag Race, it is branded specifically for a Canadian audience, putting a northern twist on a beloved franchise.

RuPaul’s Drag Race is an incredibly important queer show on television today, and has been a catalyst for sparking important conversations about issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community. In my opinion, the Drag Race franchise plays a big role in introducing drag queens into popular culture, resulting in a mainstream audience across the country.

The Drag Race franchise has grown internationally, with versions in The United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, Thailand, Spain and, of course, Canada!

Canada’s Drag Race premiered in July 2020 and has since amassed a large following. With three seasons of production under its belt, the show features 12 of Canada’s most sickening drag queens competing for the title of Canada’s Next Drag Superstar, as well as a grand prize of $100,000. While the concept of the show is similarly formatted to the American version, viewers get to experience Canadian charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. 

We are gifted with Drag Race’s classic puns and wordplay — but this time, they made it Canadian! In the first season, episode titles such as Eh-laganza Eh-xtravaganza and Not Sorry Aboot It made an appearance. For the very first main challenge, queens were assigned to make outfits using Canadian-inspired material boxes. The moment I saw the themes of this design challenge — some of which included “Man of Green Gay-bles,” “Yukon Gold Digger,” and “Muskokurrr” — I knew Canada’s Drag Race would be a new favourite of mine. 

Through these subtle tributes to Canada, the production makes it a point to nod to fun universally-acknowledged Canadian cliches, which is something I love. There’s a reason it has already won 11 Canadian Screen Awards, including five awards in its first season and six in its second.. Especially as the Drag Race franchise has such a global audience, it is my hope that other viewers outside of Canada become more informed about Canadian culture through this show.

There is one notable difference between the Canadian production and RuPaul’s Drag Race is the judging situation: there’s no RuPaul! Of its English-speaking counterparts (RuPaul’s Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race UK and RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under), Canada’s Drag Race is the only show not to feature Supermodel of the World RuPaul Charles or Michelle Visage, Mama Ru’s dear friend. Both RuPaul and Visage have been central to the heart of the show and the brand, so as a fan of the franchise, I was admittedly disappointed they did not offer their judging skills to Canada. 

However, it's been great having Canadian judges and guest stars featured on the show. While the judges panel has shifted and changed in the three seasons, there is one ever-constant presence: our very own Queen of the North, Brooke Lynn Hytes! 

The Canadian host and drag icon was a competitor on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11. She is a proud Torontonian and the first Canadian to be featured in the franchise. I remember being so in awe of her talent as a competitor, as she was such a polished show queen. Her Lip Sync For Your Life against fellow Season 11 drag queen Yvie Oddly will forever be one of my favourite Drag Race moments, and it’s been such a treat to have her host Canada’s Drag Race. 

Traditionally, RuPaul is the one who makes any final decisions when it comes to eliminations and winners on his show, but on Canada’s Drag Race, it’s a true drag democracy. All judges get a vote on who stays, and who sashays away. 

Other long-time viewers of the show are just as hyped about this Canadian spin-off as I am. Evelyn Young, a fourth-year media, information and technoculture student at the University of Western Ontario, has been a dedicated fan of Drag Race. She has followed the American version for years, and has also watched RuPaul's Drag Race UK and RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under. 

“I was very excited to hear that Canada was getting its own version of Drag Race. It came out during the pandemic, and it was a fun show to look forward to watching while in lockdown,” she said. “I love the silliness and the camp aspects of the show.”

Young is grateful to see Canadian drag showcased with talent from all across the country. “I think it's super cool to have queens from smaller towns or provinces that are not as well known for drag to be seen.”

Our country is diverse, and Canada’s Drag Race does a great job of reflecting that in their casting of queens on-screen. The show features plenty of queer BIPOC representation, along with queens of various body types; from two-spirit Indigenous queens to non-binary identifying queens, the show includes contestants from various underrepresented communities.

“French-Canadian queens are very unique to our country and it's interesting to see them perform,” Young added. “In addition, we have many Indigenous drag queens, and to see their unique styles of drag and how they incorporate their culture is also very special to Canada.” 

Canada’s Drag Race is bursting with talent, and it's here to make its mark on the global drag scene. Worlds collide when Canadian queens compete against other Drag Race icons, when Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs The World premieres on Crave on Nov. 18.

The fate of Toronto’s iconic convenience store

Kim’s Convenience is up for sale

By: Alisha Shaikh

(JasonParis/Wikimedia Commons)

Kim’s Convenience, the iconic store from the award-winning CBC sitcom of the same name, is up for sale. The real-life store that served as the exterior set for the show can now officially be bought for $200,000.

Kim’s Convenience is a CBC TV sitcom created by Ins Choi and Kevin White, based on a Korean Canadian family. The show first aired in 2016, and quickly became a fan favourite as it tells the funny and heartfelt story of the Kim family running a convenience store in Toronto while dealing with customers, family troubles and the evolving world around them. Co-creator Choi calls Kim's Convenience his "love letter to his parents and to all first-generation immigrants who call Canada their home."

Kim's Convenience is the first Canadian sitcom to feature Asian Canadian family members as lead characters. The cultural representation of the show has helped Canadian media immensely. 

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Media is often heavily dominated by America, but Kim’s Convenience breaks that notion, as it’s a perfect representation of Canada. 

Canada is a country of immigrants, which Kim’s Convenience illustrates perfectly through the Kim family. The Kims are an immigrant family in Toronto making ends meet while battling racism in a middle-class lifestyle which accurately represents the common immigrant Canadian family. This also creates relatable characters and plots for audiences around the world.

Kim's Convenience, with a full Asian-led cast, gave visible minorities representation in mainstream media. Many racial minorities often face the challenge of being represented and engaged by a mainly Caucasian-dominated cast. 

"The show’s diversity and representation have definitely helped Canadian media. Having so many Asian characters allowed viewers to see Asian people as people; layered, flawed, and normal. It was one of the first of its kind and it paved the way in Canadian media for more BIPOC-focused shows," said Lynette George, a fan of the show.

Kim’s Convenience has also given many Canadian actors more recognition and fame, such as Simu Liu, who is now known for playing Marvel’s first-ever Asian superhero, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Andrea Bang, Jean Yoon and more. 

The Kim’s Convenience store is a beloved spot and great for tourism in Toronto. Located at 252 Queen St. E, it’s a prime location that’s right in the heart of the city. Queen Street is known for the city's best restaurants, cafés, independent boutiques, street art and galleries. 

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While many fans are disappointed that the store is for sale, this may not mean the end of the Kim’s Convenience store. 

"It's a Toronto landmark, so it'd be sad if it closed, but I doubt even if it sells, the new owner would change the name or sign considering it’s iconic and wildly famous," said Sam Dubiner, an optimistic Asian Canadian.

After five successful seasons, Kim's Convenience was abruptly cancelled in April 2021 when its’ co-creators decided to move on to pursue other projects. 

Many people were unhappy and dissatisfied hearing about the cancellation.

"Kim’s Convenience was one show which I feel almost all immigrants related to, it was comforting while also showing the struggles of immigrants," said Dubiner. 

Toronto is known for its diversity and multiculturalism, and Kim's Convenience accurately portrayed those aspects of the city.

"I think a large part of why the show did so well was the representation. There is such a rich, expansive Asian community in Canada, and particularly in Toronto, and the show was able to depict that perfectly," said George.

Kim’s Convenience has created a legacy that has impacted Canada and Toronto greatly. The sitcom represented minorities, portrayed the struggle of immigrants, gave rise to Canadian actors and has shown Canadian culture to the world. Although the show has ended and the store is for sale, Kim’s Convenience will never be forgotten.

Films and TV shows shot in each Canadian province and territory

Canada can be transformed into almost any other city — when filming, that is. 

By: Daniella Lopez

While most films and television shows take place in the United States, many are filmed and set in Canada. Whether it be for cheaper production costs, better scenery or historically accurate locations, here is a list of films and television shows shot in Canada from every province and territory.

British Columbia

Midnight Mass

When a young, charismatic priest comes to an isolated island community miracles and mysteries occur. The fictional town of Crockett Island was shot all over British Columbia. Garry Point Park, B.C., was used to film beach scenes and exterior house scenes. The 6th and 7th Avenue piers in Richmond, B.C., were used to film the in-show marina. Anderlini Farms in Aldergrove, B.C., was used to shoot the school, general store and church.

Jennifer’s Body

While initially criticized for its premise, Jennifer’s Body has become a cult classic. The film follows Jennifer, a demonically possessed high schooler who kills her male classmates while her best friend Anita tries to stop her. A majority of the film was shot in Vancouver with the high school scenes shot at Langley Secondary School and University Hill Secondary School. The hospital scenes were shot at Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam, B.C.

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Alberta

Guilty Party

Guilty Party follows Beth Burgess, a shunned journalist trying to reinvent her career. While the show takes place in Denver, Colorado, it's filmed in Calgary. Scenes of the Rocky Mountains are shown throughout the series.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

A sequel to the original Ghostbusters, this film is shot in Beiseker, Alta. Many locations are used in the film including a local Walmart, Highway 570 and 848, Horsethief Canyon and Apple Pie Cafe, but the latter, unfortunately, is permanently closed.

Saskatchewan

Corner Gas 

A sitcom that ran for six seasons, the fictional gas station was the only one for 60 kilometres in any direction. Corner Gas was filmed entirely in Saskatchewan. All interior shots were filmed at The Canada Saskatchewan Production Studios in Regina. The exterior shots, namely the gas station, were filmed in Rouleau, Sask. In November 2016, the gas station was demolished due to sinking foundations.

The setting of Corner Gas in Saskatchewan (Paul Jerry/Wikimedia Commons)

Just Friends

This Christmas comedy follows Chris Brander, a formerly obese high school student trying to escape the friendzone in his adult life. While the movie takes place in New Jersey, the film was mainly shot in Regina and Moose Jaw, Sask.

Manitoba

Burden of Truth

A Canadian legal drama starring Canadian Kristin Kreuk, this show takes place in Manitoba. While originally set to be filmed in Eastern Canada, production moved to Manitoba due to cheaper production costs. Location shots were filmed in Selkirk, Sask. and Sanford, Sask.

Cult of Chucky

One of many films from the Chucky franchise, this movie follows Chucky as he haunts Nica, again. The entire film was shot in Winnipeg, the director Don Mancini even told CBC, “I wrote it with snow in mind.”

Ontario

Schitt’s Creek

A married couple goes bankrupt and their only asset left is the town of Schitt’s Creek. While the town isn’t real, most of the show was filmed in Goodwood, Ont. Some local spots include Romni Goodwood, Bob’s Garage and the town hall. Patrick’s proposal to David was filmed at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area in Milton, Ont.

Mean Girls

Mean Girls, an iconic movie that defined the 2000s, takes place in Evanston, Ill. but was filmed in Toronto at the Etobicoke Collegiate Institute and the Malvern Collegiate Institute.

Quebec

The Bold Type

The Bold Type follows three women working at a New York City women’s magazine. While the pilot was shot in Toronto, the rest of the episodes and seasons were shot in Montreal. The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec building is often featured in the show as a lobby.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

This film, which follows Wolverine, takes place in Washington, D.C. Yet, it was actually filmed in Montreal, a first for the franchise. Quebec offers several filming incentives for productions shot in the province.

The cast of X-Men: Days of Future Past (William Tung/Wikimedia Commons)

Newfoundland and Labrador

Frontier

A historical drama that follows the North American fur trade in the 18th century, Frontier was filmed in numerous locations including Newfoundland. The Commissariat, one of the oldest buildings in St. John's, acted as the governor’s residence. The O’Brien farm in St. John’s was filmed for historically accurate exterior shots.

Closet Monster

This film centres a closeted gay teenager dealing with internalized homophobia. The film was shot in St. John’s, with additional filming on Fogo Island N.L. The film is inspired by the director’s own struggles as a gay teenager in St. John’s, he said in a video interview with Xtra Magazine.

Prince Edward Island

Emily of New Moon

Based on the books of the same name, Emily of New Moon follows an orphan girl sent to live with her aunts at New Moon Farm in P.E.I. The show was filmed fully on the Island and featured many local actors.

The book cover for Emily of New Moon, written by L.M. Montgomery (Wikimedia Commons)

Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables is based on a novel of the same name. It follows an orphan girl who was mistakenly sent to P.E.I. While the film was shot in both Ontario and P.E.I., some of the most memorable locations were from the Island. Most notably is the Seacow Head lighthouse, one of the oldest structures in P.E.I.

Characters from Anne of Green Gables, shot in P.E.I. (Smudge 9000/Wikimedia Commons)

Nova Scotia

Haven

This supernatural drama takes place in Maine, in the fictional town of Haven, where strange events happen. The show was filmed on the south shore of Nova Scotia. The fictional town is derived from the town of Lunenburg, N.S., the main filming location. Chester, N.S. also provided exterior shots for the film.

The Lighthouse

This film, shot entirely in black and white, follows two lighthouse keepers who slowly lose their sanity when they get stranded on a remote island. While the film takes place in New England, it is filmed in Cape Forchu, N.S., a small fishing village. The lighthouse, the central point of the film, was constructed solely for the film.

New Brunswick

Race Against the Tide

This reality TV show follows sand sculptors who try to complete their work before the Bay of Fundy tide comes in. The Bay of Fundy, located between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, has the highest tide in the world.

Children of a Lesser God

This romantic drama follows two employees at a school for the deaf. The movie is set in New England but is filmed in Saint John, N.B. The main location for filming was Rothesay Netherwood School.

Yukon

Northern Town

When a meteorite falls into a small northern Canadian town, Brian, the main character, searches for it. The one-season show was filmed around Whitehorse and Dawson City, Yukon.

The Spoilers

The Spoilers is an American-Western film dating back to 1942 during the era of the gold rush. This film takes place in Alaska but was partially shot in Yukon. 

Robert Service with Marlene Dietrich during the filming of The Spoilers (Universal Studios/Wikimedia Commons)

Northwest Territories

Ice Road Truckers

This reality TV show follows truckers who make deliveries on frozen lakes to remote areas. Seasons one and two covered truckers as they ventured through the Northwest Territories.

The Sun at Midnight

When a rebellious teen is forced to live with her grandmother in the Arctic Circle she makes a friend in a caribou hunter. The film was shot in Yellowknife and Fort McPherson, N.W.T.

Nunavut

Qanurli

Qanurli is a comedy broadcast that features Inuk Qablunaaq and Nipangi Huittuq who host the show from their tent in Iqaluit. The show focuses on skits and parodies while promoting Inuit languages.

The Grizzlies

This sports-drama film follows the lives of Inuit students who find comfort in the sport of lacrosse. This film is based on real-life events in the town of Kugluktuk, Nunavut, which had one of the highest rates of suicide before The Grizzlies, a lacrosse team, was formed. The film was shot all on location, in Iqaluit and Niaqunnguut, Nunavut.

'Wall of Chefs' showcases diversity in the Canadian culinary scene

Food Network Canada’s newest competition show puts home cooks to the test

Photo: Wall of Chefs host Noah Cappe (noahcappe) via Instagram

 By Severina Chu

Every home cook dreams of getting to cook in front of their culinary idol, but what about cooking in front of 12 of them? Food Network Canada’s Wall of Chefs gives contestants the opportunity to cook for some of Canada’s most prominent culinary personalities.

Four home cooks compete for a $10,000 prize in each episode, taking part in three elimination rounds while under the judgement of a rotating panel of 12 Canadian chefs.

In the first round, the contestants must prepare their “crowd pleaser” dish – a dish that’s popular with their family and friends back at home. Next, one chef from the panel will reveal three of their refrigerator staples that the contestants need to combine into one cohesive dish. They’re thrown unusual combinations such as miso, whipped cheese and celery, but the contestants always manage to present something creative. Finally, if they manage to make it to the final round, the contestants are tasked to create a dish inspired by one of the chef’s signature dishes. Whether it be a rice dish or a dessert, whoever can execute their idea the best walks away with the prize.  

Photo: Toronto-based Wall of Chefs contestant Alison Anderson (kitchenstardust) via Instagram

The premise of Wall of Chefs is essentially the same as any other competition show, but what makes it stand out is the presence of so many Canadian culinary icons. The panel of judges — or the ‘Wall’ as the show refers to them — offer a wide variety of opinions. Established names like Mark McEwan, Lynn Crawford and Susur Lee head the panel, while the younger generation of Canadian chefs like Jinhee Lee, Christie Peters, and Danny Smiles give a fresh perspective. There is a good mix of seasoned and up-and-coming chefs, giving the viewer trusted insight and a glimpse into what’s in store for Canada’s culinary scene.

Canada is often referred to as a “melting pot” of cultures, and the Wall is no different. The chosen chefs represent a multitude of backgrounds that cover many parts of the world. You have chefs who were born in Canada, such as Newfoundlander Todd Perrin and Peguis First Nation member Christa Bruneau-Geunther, and chefs who were raised abroad, such as Turkish-born Fisun Ercan and Italian-born Massimo Capra. With such a wide range of experiences, each chef has time to let their unique expertise shine.

At one point in episode two, one chef exclaims that “This is Canada” as he watches the contestants prepare dishes from various cultures. The show has contestants from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life and their stories are reflected in their food. From Jamaican jerk chicken to Chinese dumplings, the diversity of the Wall of Chefs kitchen can be considered an accurate representation of Canada’s culinary scene.