The Amazing Race Canada returns for its fourth season on Tuesday (June 28) and promises to deliver fans more non-stop, action-packed adventures as the ten teams races across Canada and the world.
Hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist Jon Montgomery, winners of The Amazing Race Canada hope to bring home a $250,000 cash prize and their choice of any Chevrolet vehicle driven during the race. Additionally, Hotels.com will be providing hotel accommodations for a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip for two around the world! Each episode will also feature a Leg Prize that will be awarded to the first place team in that leg.
Canadian reality TV fans may recognize one team this season — it’s Emmett and Jillian from Big Brother Canada season one! Unfortunately the pair broke up but will be playing together! Meet the ten teams below — looks like they took the pointers on what not to do on their applications!
The Amazing Race Canada airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV Go.
Jillian & Emmett — Exes from Gore/New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
Jillian and Emmett are reality TV veterans who live for competition. Having met three years ago in the BIG BROTHER CANADA house – Jillian is the Season 1 winner – this lively duo dated, but recently parted ways. With romance behind them, their relationship is stronger and allows them to be more direct with each other about their emotions. This newfound clarity will help them compete on Season 4 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA.
Jillian knows how to play off Emmett’s strengths, while he knows how competitive and brave she is. Most importantly, they both know they’ll never give up. “We both wanted to apply with other partners, but we knew deep down we could only compete with each other,” says Emmett.
The pair is ready to hit the ground running and admit there is a slight chance they could reignite their romance. On the race, their relationship will be tested, but either way, they believe their bond is strong enough to pull off the win. Jillian’s prize money would go toward building a home, while Emmett would invest in his businesses.
Jillian McLaughlin
Age: 30
Occupation: Teacher
Current City: New Glasgow, N.S.
Hometown: New Glasgow, N.S.
Strengths: Adaptable, hard worker, and a quick learner
Fears/Phobia: Heights
Favourite Travel Destination: “Anywhere warm.”
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “He is so stubborn!”
Emmett Blois
Age: 28
Occupation: Dairy Farmer
Current City: Gore, N.S.
Hometown: Gore, N.S.
Strengths: Strong, problem solver, and driven
Fears/Phobia: Heights
Favourite Travel Destination: New Zealand
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “She tells me when it’s bedtime.”
Kelly & Kate — Best Friends & Business Partners from Toronto, Ontario
Kelly and Kate are close friends and business partners who share a love for fitness and competition. They both immigrated to Canada at 11 years old and have endured their fair share of challenges with language and culture.
But after meeting at the gym, Kelly and Kate took a big risk quitting their 9-to-5 jobs and seizing their entrepreneurial spirit to pursue a fitness business aimed at Toronto’s international Chinese students. They wanted to challenge the notion that Chinese women are frail, and instead encourage them to be fit; not just skinny. Their dream is to expand their business and launch a female fitness club. They will use THE AMAZING RACE CANADA winnings to fulfill their goal and empower women to live a healthier lifestyle.
Kelly and Kate grew up with strict, traditional Chinese families. Wanting to follow their fitness aspirations, the girls first had to confront their parents about deviating from the traditional job market, which proved to be a difficult. Ultimately their parents recognized their happiness was most important and supported their ambitions. “The general attitudes of immigrant parents towards their children are changing,” says Kelly.
Kelly and Kate are the first female Asian team to compete on THE AMAZING RACE CANADA and are determined to represent strong independent women by going all the way!
Kelly Xu
Age: 25
Occupation: Fitness entrepreneur
Current City: Toronto
Hometown: Jiang Xi, China
Strengths: Fast learner, risk taker, and patient
Fears/Phobia: Ghosts and haunted houses
Favourite Travel Destination: Southeast Asia
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “She likes garlic in everything.”
Kate Pan
Age: 25
Occupation: Fitness Entrepreneur
Current City: Toronto
Hometown: Shandong, China
Strengths: Easy going, go-getter, and optimistic
Fears/Phobia: Heights, as well as fish/birdy animals
Favourite Travel Destination: “Anywhere sunny!”
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “She’s always on her phone.”
Rita & Yvette — Twin sisters from Edmonton, Alberta
Born in Montréal, Rita and Yvette are sassy twins known for being loud and having fun. Although this outspoken duo has a competitive nature and hates to lose, they come from humble beginnings and have overcome many obstacles to get where they are today. They owe a lot to their mother, who, after their parents divorced, moved the family to Edmonton, raising six daughters all on her own!
These French-speaking sisters have just graduated from university and are now ready to take on THE AMAZING RACE CANDA. They’re not afraid to hurt each other’s feelings knowing that being honest is the best way to move forward. They believe their biggest roadblock will be getting too much inside their own heads, although they are confident their drive and excellent communication skills will help them through to the end. The girls hope to win the race and use the prize money to pay off their student loans. They also want to visit, and eventually help their mother retire in the Congo, where their family originates.
Yvette Yakibonge
Age: 23
Occupation: Service Canada Agent
Current City: Edmonton
Birthplace: Montréal, Que.
Strengths: Perceptive, good communication skills, and driven
Fears/Phobia: Large bodies of water
Favourite Travel Destination: North Carolina
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “Her stubbornness.”
Rita Yakibonge
Age: 23
Occupation: Account Representative
Current City: Edmonton
Birthplace: Montréal, Que.
Strengths: Determined, creative, and people skills
Fears/Phobia: Heights
Favourite Travel Destination: New York City
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “Her stubbornness.”
Julie & Lowell — Married couple from Lethbridge, Alberta
Julie and Lowell are an enthusiastic and dynamic couple who persevere through obstacles every day. Lowell suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and is legally blind. He has no peripheral vision, reduced central vision, and no vision in low light. Lowell has adjusted to decreasing sight his entire life, and has found passion in sports. He is currently training for Para-Triathlon and Para-Cycling (road and track) events with a dream to compete in the Paralympic Games. His Paralympic dream is just one way his inspiring optimism, humour, and determination have turned tough times into positive experiences.
Julie and Lowell work tremendously well as a team. Julie has been by Lowell’s side every step of the way as he faces challenges to his independence. And Lowell’s emotional/mental strength and unending patience has been their stronghold as they raise two young boys together.
This loving pair wants to run THE AMAZING RACE CANADA before Lowell’s sight decreases further, and hopes to inspire their sons as well as those with physical limitations. “I want to honour my grandfather who suffered from the same eye condition. He was blind by age 40, but continued farming till his 80s… decades after he completely lost his sight,” says Lowell. Julie and Lowell would use their winnings to acquire proper equipment and training for Lowell’s Paralympic Games dream, fund eye treatments to help slow the progression of his condition, and travel with their kids before Lowell goes fully blind.
Julie Taylor
Age: 33
Occupation: Speech and Language Pathologist
Current City: Lethbridge, Alta.
Hometown: Lethbridge, Alta.
Strengths: Outgoing, sense of humour, and napping
Fears/Phobia: Snakes
Favourite Travel Destination: New Zealand
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “When he steals my puns and gets a better reaction!”
Lowell Taylor
Age: 34
Occupation: Registered Psychologist
Current City: Lethbridge, Alta.
Hometown: Farm near Carstairs, Alta.
Strengths: Determination, sense of humour, and listening
Fears/Phobia: Not being able to help his wife and kids because of his disability
Favourite Travel Destination: New Zealand
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “How she doubts her superpowers.”
Frankie & Amy — Mother and daughter from Aldergrove, British Columbia
Frankie and Amy are a spunky mother/daughter duo who act more like friends than a typical mother and daughter. After getting pregnant at 15, Frankie was kicked out of her house and forced to raise her daughter on her own. Growing up Amy struggled with the perception of having a young mother, yet despite these challenges Frankie and Amy are now closer than ever.
The typical mother/daughter roles are reversed with this pair. Amy is the mature one who shines with smarts and creative energy, while Frankie is a fiery young soul with a tough-as-nails exterior. Working in a hair salon, they are used to their clients venting, and they have become masters of conversation. And when required, they also know how and when to manipulate the conversation.
These two ladies have been through a lot and are determined to use their spunk, attitude, and bubbly energy to win THE AMAZING RACE CANADA. Frankie would use the prize money to pay off debts, travel, and put toward her son’s college education. Amy would put her share toward a house, travel, and donation to Critter Care where she volunteered.
Frankie Gassler
Age: 41
Occupation: Hair Stylist
Current City: Aldergrove, B.C.
Hometown: Aldergrove, B.C.
Strengths: Communication, intuition, and ability to get people to open up
Fears/Phobia: Small spaces
Favourite Travel Destination: Tropical Beach
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “When she rolls her eyes at something I say or do.”
Amy Gassler
Age: 25
Occupation: Barber
Current City: Aldergrove, B.C.
Hometown: Aldergrove, B.C.
Strengths: Intuition, seeing the big picture, and being a true friend
Fears/Phobia: Heights
Favourite Travel Destination: Austria
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “She’s crazy!”
Anne & Tanya — Best friends from Toronto, Ontario
Anne and Tanya are high-energy, single moms who have been best friends for more than 35 years. They met after Tanya had a fight with Anne – over her princess crown – at age five. Throughout the years, they’ve supported each other through highs (marriage, kids, living in NYC) and lows (death, divorce, financial hardship). They are inseparable friends who experience one crazy adventure after another…and next on their list is winning THE AMAZING RACE CANADA.
Anne and Tanya epitomize the word ‘Supermom.’ They both admit to running a race every single day, whether it’s their new business venture or taking care of their kids. Anne and Tanya have lived through the difficulties of being single moms and sharing these experiences have made their friendship stronger. “We want to inspire women and single moms out there who may also be struggling, they need to know they can kick butt and come out tougher,” says Anne.
For Anne and Tanya, crossing the finish line would mean helping secure their children’s future and give them every opportunity possible. This positive pair intends to show Canada that 40 year-old single moms can run THE AMZING RACE CANADA and look good doing it!
Anne Morrone
Age: 40
Occupation: Certified Executive Coach/Opera Singer
Current City: Toronto, Ont.
Hometown: Woodbridge, Ont.
Strengths: Confidence, organization, and running
Fears/Phobia: Spiders and snakes
Favourite Travel Destination: Europe
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “She is always late!”
Tanya Muzzatti
Age: 40
Occupation: Advertising Executive
Current City: Toronto, Ont.
Hometown: Woodbridge, Ont.
Strengths: Organization, physical strength, and great driving skills
Fears/Phobia: Heights
Favourite Travel Destination: Scandinavia
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “She cannot sit still.”
Stéphane & Antoine — Father and son from Montreal, Québec
Emotional and humorous, Stéphane and Antoine are a fiercely competitive father/son team who both strive to be the best at everything they do. They are confident that their “must-win” attitude will bring out the best in each other and push them to surpass their limits on THE AMAZING RACE CANADA.
Stéphane grew up without a consistent father figure in his life, which presented unique challenges when raising his own three children. ‘’He used this void as motivation to be the very best father he could be…and he succeeded, big time,’’ Antoine says. Antoine faced his biggest challenge two years ago when he came out to his family and friends. He most feared telling the strongest male figure in his life, his father Stéphane. In the end, the whole experience strengthened their bond – Stéphane appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Antoine’s true self and quickly became his biggest supporter.
Stéphane and Antoine are no ordinary father/son duo – their unique relationship sees Antoine as the more mature of the pair as he often feels the need to keep his father “in check” when he’s cracking too many jokes at the wrong time! There is never a dull moment when these two are together – they are always teasing each other or disagreeing about everything. However, they hope to stay focused and to keep their heated discussions in check on the race.
Antoine is always on the lookout for new traveling adventures, trying to find new ways to break his routine and push his limits. With his busy coffee business, Stéphane prefers to use his time off to relax with his wife in the comfort of his cottage or on the beach in the Caribbean. If the pair wins, they plan to use the money to spoil their family and travel the world.
Stéphane Tétreault
Age: 51
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Current City: Montréal
Hometown: Saint Hubert, Que.
Strengths: Passionate, friendly, and young at heart
Fears/Phobia: Heights
Favourite Travel Destination: “Anywhere hot!”
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “When he talks over me.”
Antoine Tétreault
Age: 25
Occupation: Business financial analyst
Current City: Montréal
Hometown: Saint Hubert, Que.
Strengths: Fearless, perseverant, and ambitious
Fears/Phobia: Snakes
Favourite Travel Destination: “Anywhere far from home, off the beaten path”
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “Anytime he thinks he’s being funny, but he’s not…at all.”
Anthony & Brandon — Best friends from Windsor, Ontario
Anthony and Brandon are a creative duo who met just a year ago while working in a restaurant. They have grown extremely close and share a passion for music, working out, and family. Anthony is the ladies man – positive and charming, while Brandon is a quiet leader – strong and unwavering. They both play multiple sports and are a competitive pair who hate to lose. They also love to sing and rap, whether they’re in the car or the home studio owned by Brandon’s brother.
The two are well travelled in their own right. Brandon has been to Central America and Anthony all over Europe. Their youthful vibe is infectious and they are ready take on any challenge presented to them.
Anthony and Brandon are determined to win THE AMAZING RACE CANADA and would use the winnings to help their co-worker buy a specialized van for her niece Zoey, who suffers from several chronic illnesses. They would also use the prize money to follow their dream careers. Anthony would become a travel nurse, and Brandon would love to work on, or own, a resort in Australia.
Anthony Limbombe
Age: 21
Occupation: Server/Nursing Student
Current City: Windsor, Ont.
Hometown: Kinshasa, Congo
Strengths: Determined, smart, and friendly
Fears/Phobia: Feet
Favourite Travel Destination: Barcelona
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “He thinks he’s always right, but he’s wrong…a lot.”
Brandon Campeau
Age: 21
Occupation: Server
Current City: Windsor, Ont.
Hometown: LaSalle, Ont.
Strengths: Knowledgeable, persistent, and determined
Fears/Phobia: Heights and spiders
Favourite Travel Destination: Guatemala
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “He is late, a lot.”
Steph & Kirsten — Dating couple from Toronto, Ontario
Steph and Kristen are former varsity softball athletes who have played at university and provincial levels, so it goes without saying that they’re tough, focused on winning, and work well as a team. This couple met years ago, but with Kristen on a scholarship in Pittsburgh and Steph in Detroit, it wasn’t until they reconnected after university that the sparks began to fly. At first, they were forced into a long distance relationship for over a year. It didn’t take long, however, for Kristen to persuade Steph to move to Toronto after she graduated from law school.
These two are competitive by nature and plan to use their athletic skills in the race. They can play as a team, but know it is just as imperative to sometimes step up to the plate alone and hit it out of the park.
Steph and Kristen hope to prove that two women can win THE AMAZING RACE CANADA and would use the prize money to invest in a property together. Steph would also pay off her law school debt and Kristen would use the financial freedom to discover her true passions and pursue them.
Steph Leclair
Age: 27
Occupation: Lawyer
Current City: Toronto
Hometown: Kitchener, Ont.
Strengths: Athletic, problem solving, and quick thinker
Fears/Phobia: Snakes
Favourite Travel Destination: Aruba
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “When she doesn’t put her clothes away and when she gives me the silent treatment.”
Kristen McKenzie
Age: 25
Occupation: Sales Account Executive
Current City: Toronto
Hometown: Guelph, Ont.
Strengths: Endurance, quick learner, and attention to detail
Fears/Phobia: Sharks
Favourite Travel Destination: Costa Rica
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “Sometimes she needs to know too many details, like about how my day was, exactly how many meetings I had, and what I had for lunch!”
Joel & Ashley — Father and daughter from Enoch Cree Nation, Alberta
Joel and Ashley are a fun-loving, hardworking father/daughter team who are proud members of Enoch Cree Nation. Ashley is the current Mrs. Universe, and is both the first Canadian and the first, First Nations woman to win the title. Since winning the title, she has become a voice for First Nations issues in Canada, particularly in urging her community to vote in last year’s federal election. “I’m not surprised by Ashley’s influence and outspokenness,” says Joel. “I always knew that she would become someone important and influential.”
Joel is Ashley’s stepfather but the only dad she’s ever really known. Ashley had a tough upbringing living in poverty with her mom, with no male role models in her life. She was very untrusting of men, but that all changed when Joel came into the picture. Ashley values their relationship so much and the pair shares an incredibly strong bond. Joel recently walked Ashley down the aisle at her wedding and says he has never felt more proud.
With Joel’s experience as a mechanic and Ashley’s experience in pageants, this team is a perfect balance of hands on grit, grace under pressure, and smooth-talking finesse. They will be a fiercely competitive team on the race.
Joel and Ashley want to represent their Nation, and their communities and win THE AMAZING RACE CANADA. They hope their presence will be a positive influence on First Nations people. Any of their winnings will be taken home to their reserve and used to help their friends and family.
Joel Ground
Age: 42
Occupation: Automotive Mechanic
Current City: Enoch Cree Nation, Alta.
Hometown: Enoch Cree Nation, Alta.
Strengths: Hard worker, fast learner, and calm
Fears/Phobia: Heights
Favourite Travel Destination: California
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “When she swears too much.”
Ashley Callingbull
Age: 26
Occupation: Actress/Motivational Speaker
Current City: Enoch Cree Nation, Alta.
Hometown: Enoch Cree Nation, Alta.
Strengths: Confident, fast learner, and hard worker
Fears/Phobia: Bugs
Favourite Travel Destination: Walt Disney World®
Pet Peeve about Teammate: “He can be annoyingly embarrassing at times.”
