Meet the 15 Cast Members of Big Brother Canada!

Big Brother Canada starts in just one week from today and true to the US version the Big Brother cast information was released one week before the premiere. The below are the identities of the 15 Canadians that were chosen during casting auditions to live in the big brother house to compete for 10 weeks for the chance to win the grand prize of $100,000, a $25,000 gift card to The Brick and a brand new Chevrolet Trax.

Barbara Williams, Senior Vice President of Content, Shaw Media:

We were so overwhelmed by the number of outstanding applicants for Big Brother Canada that narrowing it down to 15 houseguests was no easy task. You can be sure that bringing together this diverse cast of characters from all across the country is going to make for some interesting storylines and twists along the way and we can’t wait to see how the season plays out.”

New Big Brother Canada Promotional Commercial with the NEW Cast:

Big Brother Canada Cast On ET CANADA

Name: Jillian MacLaughlin
Age: 27
Hometown: New Glasgow, NS
Occupation: Teacher
Three adjectives that describe you: Hyper, easygoing and driven
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada?
My friends and family. I just got out of a long-term relationship a year ago and when we heard about Big Brother Canada they told me I had to do it to shake up my life.
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
My strategy is to have no strategy at all! With a diverse group of people the dynamic is going to be completely different depending on who they are, so I’m just going to go in and try and make friends and plan as I go.
Do you think the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
The mental challenges will be tough for sure. I am the most unobservant person in the world so I’m going to have to try hard to remember every little detail.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other house guests?
No – I’m not a genius or a doctor. I’m pretty average, so I don’t think I will be that intimidating for the other house guests.
Describe your perfect day.
Wake up, have a nice cup of coffee, do some yoga, go to work , go out for supper with some girls and then head to a friend’s house for some drinks and play games all night. This would all be in the summer too of course!
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
When people mock me for being healthy. I hate it when they try and make me feel bad for working out or choosing the healthy option on a menu.

Name: Thomas Plant
Age: 24
Hometown: Edmonton,  AB (originally from Calgary, AB)
Occupation: Bartender and Firefighter
Three adjectives that describe you: Adaptable, competitive and charming
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada?
It’s a favourite show of mine and I couldn’t miss the chance to win the $100,000 prize!
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
No I don’t – I’m just going to totally wing it.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other house guests?
I’m going to hide the fact that I’m a firefighter. I think people might see that as a threat for physical challenges.
Do you think the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
I think the mental challenges will be more difficult, especially if they are puzzle related. I have a hard time focusing and I get distracted easily. The physical stuff you just have to endure. I’ve worked long hours before – 18 or 24 hour shifts as a firefighter – so I feel like I’m prepared for endurance challenges.
Describe your perfect day.
Chilling in a remote area on a beach somewhere, with a beer in my hand and a reggae band playing live music. There’d also be a really good looking girl there, of course.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who put their kids on a leash. It pisses me off that they can’t hold their kid’s hand or take care of them. I’ll always speak up too.

Name: Emerald “Topaz” Brady
Age: 27
Hometown: Scarborough, ON
Occupation: Part-time dental hygienist and full-time student
Three adjectives that describe you: Fun, crazy and wild, smart and interesting – I could keep going!
Why did you want to be in Big Brother Canada?
I’m a huge fan of the show. I watched the first season of the American version and most of them from that point forward so I have always wondered how I would do if I was actually on it.
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
My strategy is to go in, assess the other house guests and take it from there. I don’t know exactly how I should act – should I go in and be super kind to everybody or be a complete bi*@h?
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other house guests?
I don’t think I’m a big threat – I’m not a brain surgeon and I’m not a body builder or extremely physically fit so I don’t think there’s anything that would make anyone too afraid.
Do you think the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
I think the physical challenges would be the most difficult for me. I’m pretty athletic but there may be super buff strong guys who are in the gym all the time and I wouldn’t stack up against that.
Describe your perfect day.
I would sleep in. I would want to do something productive as I love the feeling of getting things done. Then I’d spend the rest of the day with friends and family somewhere warm!
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Messy people! I’m not a complete neat freak but I hate messy dishes piling up or dirty clothes on the floor.

Name: Alec Beall
Age: 26
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Occupation: Social Psychological Research/Doctoral Student
Three adjectives that describe you: Complicated, balanced and confident
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada? 
I’ve always liked the show and really got into it once I saw Dr. Will on the American version. Dr. Will is my role model – this guy’s dope. Watching him compete so masterfully in season two inspired me to pursue a career in social psychology. I love getting into people’s minds – this is where I should be.
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
I don’t want to be perceived as a threat – I want to fly under the radar – but that’s just not me. So, who knows? I want to find one person that I’ll be entirely loyal to, probably one of the dumb people in the house because they’re more bound by loyalty and honour – creative and intelligent people can’t be trusted.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other houseguests? Nothing. I won’t have as much fun if I’m hiding anything.
Do you think that the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
Neither will be difficult for me. I’ve watched the show and there really isn’t a challenge I’ve seen that I wouldn’t excel at.
Describe your perfect day.
I’d go to the gym and then head to school to meet with my profs. We would have had a manuscript published so we’d be celebrating. We’d talk about research and then I’d play poker with some grad students and faculty. I’d win, so with $90 in my pocket, I’d call up a few buddies, we’d play Halo at my house and drink. Then we’d call on a few ladies and head to the bar for a night of drinking. Then I’d go home to sleep – the ladies can come too.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Snoring – get a nasal strip, man. There’s no excuse. Seriously, I will turn on people if they snore.

Name: Andrew Monaghan
Age: 38
Hometown: Halifax, NS (originally from Corner Brook, NL)
Occupation: Insurance Sales Trainer
Three adjectives that describe you: Funny, outgoing and honest
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada?
I’m a fan of the show. I’ve watched the American version and while I was living in Germany, I watched the German version too. I’d have been a fool not to have tried out for this show because I love it so much.
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
My strategy is not to have a strategy. I don’t know these people so having a strategy before going into the house is only setting myself up to fail. What if I meet the woman of my dreams in there? Then I want her, not the money! I’m just going to be myself and play a good social game.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other houseguests? 
I will not show them my privates – I’m a respectable man. Aside from that, I’m also thinking about hiding my age. I don’t want to turn a lady off by telling her my age. Thirty eight doesn’t sound as good as thirty four.
Do you think that the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
Hate to say it, but the mental challenges will be harder for me because even though I won’t admit that I’m getting older, the ol’ memory is getting shaky. Physically I’m golden though, I shouldn’t have any problems with the physical challenges.
Describe your perfect day?
I lost my dad a few years back so I’d love nothing more than to play golf with him and my brothers again. We’d drink some jars*(East Coast reference for alcoholic beverages), shoot a few straight lines and have a BBQ with friends and family.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I don’t care for people who aren’t smart but tell everyone that they are. Or, people who use words out of context or just the wrong word all together. I have a hard time not correcting those people.

Name: Aneal Joshua Ramkissoon
Age: 21
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
Occupation: Communications major
Three adjectives that describe you? Outgoing, stubborn, and fun
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada?
I use the show a lot in my research at school for different theories and concepts. I focus on inter cultural communication and the art of rhetoric and those are two big parts of Big Brother Canada. I hope to develop my experience into an undergraduate thesis.
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
I’m definitely going to be a strategic player but I don’t want anyone to know that I am. I’m going to try and come across very young and naïve, and like I’ve never been away from home – those are the type of players that people don’t view as a threat.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other house guests?
My education, the fact that I’m on a scholarship, my age, and that I’ve studied the show and used that research in my schoolwork. I want to minimize myself as a threat.
Do you think the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
The physical challenges will be more difficult because I know that there will be guys and girls who will be very fit. The show is not completely physical though – I think it is more mental, so that gives me a competitive edge.
Describe your perfect day.
Sleeping in, catching up on TV shows I had missed, and meeting friends for dinner and drinks, and then heading out for a night on the town.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Loud people that seek attention in a group. I think there are definitely going to be people like that in the house and that will annoy me. I also hate wet towels on beds.

Name: Anuj ‘AJ’ Burman
Age: 32
Hometown: Scarborough, ON
Occupation: Director of Business Development
Three adjectives that describe you: Positive, active and funny
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada?
I love the show and have been watching the American version for many years. Oh, and I’m going to win.
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
My plan is to get to know the other houseguests on a personal level. Be friends with them and try not to annoy them. I’m a talker. I’ve been told I talk too much. My voice sounds too good to keep under wraps. I like to refer to myself as an underdeveloped listener.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other houseguests?
I might tell people I’m younger than I actually am. Twenty-eight feels like a good number to me. Truth is, I’ve lost a lot of weight recently and I’ve actually started to feel myself getting younger.
Do you think that the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
The physical challenges will be harder for me although I may surprise myself since I’ve been more active lately. I’m also really good at memory challenges – I know almost every line from Saved by the Bell. I’m a Zach now but I’m naturally a Screech, with AC Slater’s hair. These days, I get to be with the Kelly’s out there.
Describe your perfect day?
I’d definitely be in Vegas at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. I’d watch football during the day and hit the clubs at night. Maybe I’d even get married for fun – wouldn’t be the first time – sort of.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Ignorant and racist people. If someone is ignorant in the house, I’ll rally people to get them evicted. There is no place for them in the house or anywhere for that matter.

Name: Danielle Alexander
Age: 20
Hometown: Calgary, AB (originally from Fort McMurray, AB)
Occupation: Student and Aspiring actress
Three adjectives that describe you: Fun, opinionated, and outgoing
Why did you want to be in Big Brother Canada?
This is a good opportunity to further my acting career. This is fun! I need more excitement in my life. Fort McMurray is a small town. Everyone knows me and my family – we’re loud social butterflies about town. It’s time to get ME out in the world.
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
I’m planning to form an alliance with people I naturally click with, but then I won’t hang out with them. I don’t want to put our connection on display for everyone to judge and feel threatened by. I also won’t hate anyone openly (just in the Diary Room), but I’m sure that people will get on my nerves. I’m not afraid to lie or confront anyone. I’m not a bi*@h, but I can be one if I need to.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other house guests?
I’ll hide that I’m not poor. I don’t want people not to like me because I grew up getting everything I wanted – trips, hobbies, clothes, etc. I’ll just lie and tell people that I had a little less than average – but I don’t want them to think that I’m poor either. That’s just not me – I don’t know how to act poor.
Do you think the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
Mental will be hard for me. I’m a very competitive person. I competed in gymnastics for 10 years so I’m confident that I’ll do really well in the physical challenges.
Describe your perfect day?
I’d eat breakfast – I love breakfast!. Then I’d spend my day lying on the beach, I’d go shopping – incorporate my dream job into the day somehow – and be with my friends.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I hate dirty people. I’m super clean – like, seriously clean. I have to clean every day. The Big Brother Canada house will be immaculate as long as I’m in it. I’ll freak out if there’s a dirty house guest. I’ll probably yell at them, and then clean their mess.

Name: Emmett Blois
Age: 24
Hometown: Gore, Hants County, NS
Occupation: Dairy farmer
Three adjectives that describe you: Outgoing, adventure-seeker and social
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada?
My older brother told me I had to do it. I didn’t really watch the American version much until I auditioned. When I found out that I got in, I was so excited to tell my brother!
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
This is going to be tough,. I’m a competitive person but I’ve never thrown a competition. I don’t think I’ll be able to get out of doing that in the house. I’ll probably flirt a little. I’m really good at that, and I like the ladies who play hard to get. If you don’t get turned down the first time you try, you’re not having fun.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other houseguests?
No, there’s nothing intimidating about me. I had a basic upbringing and I’ll definitely tell them that I’m a dairy farmer. Dairy farmers are the most trustworthy people.
Do you think that the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
The mental challenges will be tough. I’m looking forward to the physical ones. I will lie for $100,000. I’d do a lot of things for $100,000. I’d get into the ring with Mike Tyson with my arms tied behind my back for $100,000!
Describe your perfect day?
Training with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who don’t put away their dishes – especially the ones that are clean and dry in the rack. But I’ll suck it up for $100,000.

Name: Gary Levy
Age: 21
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Occupation: Bartender, Artist, Fashion Stylist Assistant
Three adjectives that describe you: Funky, outgoing, fabulous!
Why did you want to be in Big Brother Canada?
I live my life like I’m on camera – I’m always dressed up and looking good, so I thought what better way to have the attention on me 24 hours a day than to be on Big Brother Canada?
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
My strategy is to be really social and friendly to everyone. When you’re social you get information from everyone and then I will decide how to use the information that I get.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other house guests? 
In the beginning I’m going to try and hide that I’m actually athletic. I want to make them think I’m really weak in that way at first and then later start winning and shock everyone.
Do you think the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you? 
I don’t think the physical challenges will be hard for me. I’m really athletic under all the fabulousness, so I can hold my own. Mental challenges – like scholarly type challenges – might be a bit tougher.
Describe your perfect day. 
I’d wake up at noon, call a bunch of my girls and go shopping, go to the spa, and then meet up for some pre-drinks. Then we’d go to a show, like an art show or a fashion show, and then hit up a bar and party all night!
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I don’t like it when people are fake – like someone who will say something to you and then go two feet away and talk behind your back.

Name: Kat Yee
Age: 27
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Occupation: Bartender
Three adjectives that describe you: Nutty, silly, and honest
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada?
I’m a roll with the punches person. My gut told me to do it, so here I am. My gut is my best friend. Tells me where to go, who to sleep with, and what to stand up for.
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
I’m going to lay low and keep the target off my back. I’ll downplay my physical ability until the people that I see as threats are out of the house. I’ll also try to be a fly on the wall whenever I can.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other houseguests?
I’m going to hide my athleticism. They’ll see that I’m fit and I’ll try to work out in the house but I’ll tell them that I work out because I love to eat – which is very true.
Do you think that the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
The mental challenges will be the hardest for sure. I’d compete physically hard even if it meant blowing out my knee. I’m not a bullsh*tter so it’ll be difficult for me to get bogged down in dirty details. I say what’s on my mind.
Describe your perfect day?
I’d wake up naturally at a decent hour – like 10am, and then skate to the beach with friends. I’d chill, play volleyball, drink, and grab a big meal on my way home. At night, I’d sit back and watch movies until I fell asleep. My perfect day will always be my perfect day no matter how much money I have.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Nose whistlers! You know those guys on the plane – drives me crazy. Open mouth gum chewers are also terrible. Self-centered people also piss me off.

Name: Liza Skinner
Age: 29
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Occupation: Tanning Salon Owner
Three adjectives that describe you: Fabulous, confident, and sexy – I could go on and I will. Awesome, amazing, loyal and supportive. I would say that I’m perfect but I know you need humility to be perfect – humility is one thing I don’t have.
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada?
I’m definitely a fan but really, timing is everything. My Dad died last year so now I just don’t care. There’s no need to mask who I am anymore. Also, I’ve never been better looking – seriously.
Do you have a strategy going into the house? 
My short term plan is not to get evicted in the first week. After that, it’s game on. It’ll be all about living in the now and taking every moment as it comes. My strategy is to shut up and listen more than I talk – but that in itself will be my very own minute-to-minute challenge.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other houseguests?
I’m absolutely going to hide the fact that I’m an entrepreneur and business owner. I’m going to play the lowly tanning salon employee role. My age might make that unbelievable but I’ll just say that I’ve been promoted to senior employee status.
Do you think that the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you? 
The physical. I’m thin-ish, fit-ish, and sure, I’m stronger than I look but I have poor endurance. Mentally, I’m unbreakable. I had a good mom and dad growing up. They gave me a solid base. I’ve never met a more confident, secure, or grounded individual than myself.
Describe your perfect day?
After a big breakfast, I’d go chill on the beach. At night, I’d have a fancy dinner with wine and lots of cheese at the Ritz. Later, a live show of some kind, and I’d cap the day off with sex.
What’s your biggest pet peeve? 
I can’t stand it when people speak with grammatical errors. “I seen” is one of the worst – ugh!

Name: Peter Brown
Age: 26
Hometown: Surrey, BC (originally from Millville, NB)
Occupation: Web Content Curator
Three adjectives that describe you: Mean, funny, and intelligent
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada?
I’ve watched every season of the American show and some seasons of the British show and I’ve always wanted to play. As soon as it was announced that it was coming to Canada I had a lot of people telling me I should try out.
Do you have a strategy going into the show?
My strategy is to be nice to people – it’s the most duplicitous thing I can do. In real life I’m nice to the people I like, but to me these people aren’t people, they are characters to be overcome in my narrative to the end.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other house guests?
I’m going to be as forthcoming as possible. In a game where everyone is lying all of the time, the trickiest thing you can do is just be up front. Then again, I also plan to be nice, so I’m not necessarily going to be honest as much as make people believe I’m being honest.
Do you think the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
I think it will depend on what type of challenge it is – all challenges can be tricky depending on what they are. I don’t foresee the day-to-day minutiae of the game being something I have a hard time with.
Describe your perfect day.
I would probably go to a multi-million dollar theme park because it is the ultimate manufactured experience.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People moving slowly. Walking on the street or an escalator, basically just slow people in general.

Name: Suzette Amaya
Age: 36
Hometown: East Vancouver, BC
Occupation: Support Worker, Radio Producer and Host, Motivational Speaker.
Three adjectives that describe you: Outgoing, thoughtful and funny
Why did you want to be on Big Brother Canada?
I’m an uber fan! I’m a support worker helping with women and children dealing with addictions, mental health issues, fleeing abuse or living in poverty, and watched each season with them when I was working in a shelter. It was a chance for the women to get out of their own reality and enjoy watching something else, and I got addicted! I’m also excited to represent as an aboriginal person, a plus size woman and a mom on the show – it’s a dream come true!
Do you have a strategy going into the show?
I think the skills I’ve attained through my education and overcoming adversity will be a big help. I also plan to do some manipulating, some stroking of egos, riding some coat tails and floating my way to the top. I’ll be the ultimate floater!
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other house guests?
My career experience – people won’t know I do support work and counseling and that my education is in criminology and anthropology. I don’t want people to feel that I’m a threat because of my life and professional experience. I just want them to think I’m a mom of three and a wife.
Do you think the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
The physical challenges will be the hardest part. I’m on the curvier side and have had three kids – my daughter is only one – so I’m still not in the greatest physical shape. I’m going to have fun out there though!
Describe your perfect day.
Being home with my family, enjoying some chai tea and TV, and going on a family outing and then going out at night to party with my girlfriends. I’m a true Gemini – I’m the Suzy Homemaker during the day and the wild puma at night!
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who are judgmental and ignorant. I’m not fond of people who complain a lot. I also can’t stand being around people who judge others on their appearance.

Name: Talla Rejaei
Age: 26
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Occupation: Independent Living Support Worker and Social Work student
Three adjectives that describe you: Boisterous, genuine and hilarious
Why did you want to be in Big Brother Canada?
I have always said if the show ever came to Canada I would audition, and here I am. My mom helped me make the video – she sat through 50 takes – so she was encouraging me to do it as well. She always said that we came to Canada to have every good opportunity available and this is a big one!
Do you have a strategy going into the house?
I’ve learned that going into the house with a strategy doesn’t usually work out the way you planned. What I would like to do is keep a low profile since I’m loud and it stands out.
Will you hide anything about yourself from the other house guests?
I don’t want to go into detail about my personal life. I’m loud and outgoing but I don’t want people to know everything about me so I will keep details about my real life vague.
Do you think the physical or mental challenges will be more difficult for you?
I’m not worried about the physical challenges – I see a personal trainer and even though I’m little I’m going to do my very best. I’ll push myself as far as I can go – that is just the way I am. The mental part will be so much harder since you never know who you can put your trust in.
Describe your perfect day.
Wake up, and have oatmeal and milk for breakfast. Then I’d have a session with my personal trainer, and spend the rest of the day on my couch having quiet time and watching TV.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I hate when people burp without saying excuse me, and when people cough without covering their mouths. If I see people do that in the house I will call them out.
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We want to know your initial thoughts/first impressions of the cast? Who do you think has what it takes to make it to the end to win the grand prize? Who will crack under the pressure and pull a Willie Hantz? Who is the most likely to have a Showmance? What Big Brother strategies will they use? What twists/a> will make the first season of Big Brother Canada the best season ever? Will they have slop and if so will it be made with maple syrup? So many questions that will soon all be answered! ..Tell us your thoughts!

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