Steve Patterson

Steve Patterson

Host of CBC Radio One The Debaters, Corporate Comedian & MC

A mainstay on CBC and The Comedy Network, comedian Steve Patterson has been described as part Jon Stewart, part Robin Williams, with hints of Wayne Brady and can adapt to any crowd he faces with an arsenal of wit, sarcasm and song. Always insistent on doing his homework for every crowd he faces, audiences of Patterson are treated to a one-of-a-kind performance and personal connection every single time.


Contact Speakers' Spotlight

Familiar to over 750,000 weekly listeners as the host of CBC Radio's The Debaters, Steve Patterson was awarded the title "Canada's Best Male Stand-up" in October of 2011 at the Canadian Comedy Awards.

When comedy icon Steve Martin introduced him at a gala performance at Just For Laughs in 2010, he was being facetious when he said "When I say the name Steve Patterson two words come to mind. Steve... and Patterson."

Clearly Martin had not yet met the comedian who was one of many performing that evening.

But after Patterson's performance, which earned him a Gemini nomination and legions of new fans when broadcast nationally and internationally, Martin remarked "If I knew he was going to be THAT good I would have cancelled him."

So what makes Patterson "THAT good?"

He is up-to-the-moment with current events, meticulous in creating material and lightning-quick with a comeback. He is confident but also self-deprecating and while he will have fun with his audience he will never make fun of an audience member unless the target of his joke is laughing the loudest in the room.

Patterson is also a well sought after emcee with his ability to deliver content, be quick on his feet and bring the funny out of anyone or any situation. In 2011 alone he hosted the radio and televised versions of The Debaters, CBC's Short Film Face Off, Gemini Awards Industry Night and the Canadian Comedy Awards to name only a few. 

Most importantly, Patterson prepares for each live show as a stand-alone event. Including, on a 22 city cross-Canada theatre tour in the Fall of 2011, customizing each show opening for the city he was playing that night.

It's certainly more challenging than building one generic set of material for any crowd.  However, it IS greatly appreciated by the audiences lucky enough to have Steve host or perform live at their event.

So if you are looking to book a "good" comedian to do a show, there are several good choices. But if you would prefer to book a one-of-a-kind performer who has been recognized as the best in the business you have one best choice: Steve Patterson.

Steve's Blog Posts:

A Great Night, A Great Honour, A Terrible Hangover

  • 2. Celebrity Division

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  • 1. The Debaters: Live

    Based on the CBC Radio Show, The Debaters, Steve Patterson offers a customized version of the show written specifically for your company.
  • I have never seen such preparedness in a stand-up comedian. You had quite obviously done your homework on the school and me....you had everyone laughing from the word go and kept it up for the entire set.
    Roger Martin, Dean, Rotman school of Management, University of Toronto
  • Steve is a master at adapting his script directly to the audience he addresses. He creates presentations that talk directly to the people present in the room...we will definitely hire him again.
    Jim Hicks, Executive Publisher, Cosmetics Magazine
  • His talent borders on a type of brilliance I've rarely seen in either the worlds of comedy or business. Sold-out audiences consistently pointed out Steve as the highlight of the night.
    Drew Robertson, Marketing Manager, Investors Group
  • I have heard nothing but rave reviews as to the quality, wit and intelligence of your show...you had our audience in fits of uncontrollable laughter for sixty minutes!
    Kathryn Clark, National Manager Event Management Services, Price Waterhouse Coopers
  • Not only did your style of humour appeal to our diverse group, it was clear that this was a customized show based on the research you did within a very short time frame.
    Darcie Clark, Learning & Growth Coordinator, Deloitte & Touche LLP
  • He is at the top of his field and demonstrates extraordinary style and talent in handling performances.
    Millan Curry-Sharples, Producer, Comedy Now!
  • He has proven himself in the midst of the top comedians from around the world and we look forward to working with him again in the future!
    Brent Schiess, Talent scout/Producer, Just For Laughs Comedy Festival
  • His unique blend of well written prepared material, improvisation skills and charismatic demeanour made him an instant hit with our live audiences and our associated television producers as well.
    Fiona Diamond, Co-producer, Halifax Comedyfest