The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) have named Vancouver (British Columbia - Canada) as the Host City for the 38th Annual JUNO Awards in 2009. All of the popular JUNO Weekend Events including Juno Cup, Juno Fan Fare, JunoFest and Songwriters’ Circle will take place over a four-day weekend alongside local festivities and events starting March 26, 2009. The 2009 JUNO Awards will be broadcast on CTV on Sunday, March 29, 2009.

«As the world watches on, we’re thrilled to be part of Vancouver’s exciting horizon and bring the experience of the JUNO Awards in 2009,” said Melanie Berry, CARAS President. “A city well known for its diversity, inclusiveness and cultural heritage, Vancouver is a natural fit to host Canada’s music awards show.»

«Canada’s music awards and the world’s premier sporting event- a winning combination,” said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. “CTV is proud to shine the spotlight on Vancouver in both 2009 and 2010.»

Preparations are underway in Vancouver for the 2009 JUNO Awards with the help and support of the Vancouver Host Committee, the Province of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver.

«We are delighted to have the JUNO Awards come to Vancouver in 2009», said British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell. «Vancouver is one of British Columbia’s most vibrant cities and we look forward to hosting a national and international event that will celebrate and showcase Canada’s best musical talent to the world.»

On hearing the announcement, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan said, «The JUNO Awards will help showcase Vancouver as a premier international destination for arts and culture. We are blessed to have so many wonderful recording artists from Canada - and Vancouver - that are recognized and successful around the world. The 2009 JUNO Awards will be a great platform to celebrate this success and inspire the next generation of Canadian recording artists. I want to congratulate the Vancouver team for its successful bid.»

Bob D’Eith, Executive Chair of the Vancouver 2009 Bid Committee for the JUNO Awards said, «This bid would not have been successful without the hard work of the bid committee, Tourism Vancouver, the staff of Music BC, the Province of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver who showed great vision in creating a new Cultural Tourism Strategy to fund this initiative.»

Bob D’Eith adds, «Working together, the City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia made this dream a reality and created a legacy which will help to fund other cultural tourism initiatives going into the future. Thanks to CARAS for choosing our wonderful city to host the JUNO Awards in 2009.»

Sponsors of The 2009 JUNO Awards include FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s "Canada Music Fund," The Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts, The City of Vancouver and Radio Starmaker Fund.

Vancouver is Canada’s third largest city and consistently ranked among global surveys as one of the world’s best places to live. It boasts one of the mildest climates in Canada and is renowned for its beautiful vistas, natural resources and bustling metropolis. Vancouver has one of the most ethnically diverse populations, which is reflected in the city’s world-class arts and cultural venues, exceptional events and festivities. Vancouver is a hotbed for musical talent and has helped cultivate mega artists and bands including Bryan Adams, Diana Krall, Hedley, Michael Bublé and Sarah McLachlan.