Courtney Gilmour

Courtney Gilmour is a JUNO-nominated stand-up comedian, television writer, and finalist on Canada’s Got Talent. She has written for and made appearances on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, CBC’s The Debaters, CBC’S Humour Resources alongside Jon Dore and Sarah Silverman, and is featured on two episodes of CTV’s Roast Battle Canada. Her debut stand-up album Let Me Hold Your Baby was released under Comedy Records in 2022 and was nominated for a JUNO award in 2023 for Comedy Album Of The Year. She is a frequent performer at Just For Laughs and can be heard regularly on SiriusXM.
 

Jacob Balshin

Jacob Balshin has recorded sets for CBC’s New Wave of Comedy and CBC's Lol. His debut comedy special Thirty and Breathing Funny was released in 2023 on YouTube. He has performed at JFLNW, JFL42 and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
 

Dakota Ray Hebert

Dakota Ray is an actor, comedian, and writer on the rise. Born and raised in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, she is a member of English River First Nation. On the small screen, Dakota co-stars in the CTV comedy Shelved. She also co-hosts the APTN series Crazy Like a Lynx, and can be seen on this season’s Run the Burbs on CBC, as well as on Roast Battle Canada. Performing across Canada, the US and Mexico, including a sold out show headlining at Just For Laughs Toronto, she was recently selected among a small group of rising, gifted comedians named to JFL’s New Faces, which showcases the best new stand-up talent from around the globe. Dakota can be seen on JFL/CBC’s television show Comedy Night with Rick Mercer. Her first comedy album I’ll Give You An Indian Act is out and available for purchase, and can be streamed on all platforms.
 

Faris Hytiaa (host)

Born in Toronto to Sudanese parents and then raised in Alberta, Faris Hytiaa brings a unique mix of storytelling and observational humour to the stage. Known for his relaxed delivery and quick wit, his unpredictable style makes for big laughs and unforgettable crowd work moments. Faris partnered with Telus STORYHIVE to film Telus' first ever comedy special, SEND HELP, released in February 2023. Since then, Faris has been named as a New Face of Comedy with Just For Laughs, and featured at all Canadian JFL Festivals along with the Winnipeg, Halifax and HubCap Comedy festivals. He’s toured all over Canada and has worked with the likes of Hasan Minhaj, Christina P, Dulcé Sloan, Neal Brennan and more. You can hear Faris on the Just For Laughs: Originals album, Substitute Teacher Energy, now playing on Sirius XM and all streaming platforms.