Move over, Celine Dion. Canada has a new sweetheart.

Yes, Mel Silverback -- the comedian who dresses like an ape, and still manages to get laughs -- has arrived.

The "old-time mountain gorilla comic who tells it like it is" will be representing our fine country on this season's international version of Last Comic Standing.

Oh, the pride -- it's overwhelming.

While we are certain good ol' Silverback is going all the way, it's always good to have back-up. In this case, that would be Gerry Dee -- who makes fun of educationally challenged kids -- and Debra DiGiovanni, the cat-loving single gal who's turned loneliness into a way of life.

This week, the three Canucks will battle it out in the semi-finals against the inferior Americans and the odd, yet extremely entertaining, Aussies for a spot in the Top 10.

Let the games begin.