Matt Canadien. Photo: Josh Hotz

Per capita Ottawa, a city with a population of just over a million, has produced as much and possibly even more skateboard talent than any major American city. With names like Wade Desarmo, Spencer Hamilton, Rick McCrank and Gailea Momolu to it’s credit it’s no wonder that the younger generation continues to push the level of skating in the nations capital. At the forefront of the next generation of up and comers is Matt Canadien. Part in parcel with his close friend Mitch Barrette; the two continue to be some of the most prolific skaters in the city. Having said that, I shall not further prolong the inevitable. We at Push.ca are proud to present to you, Matt Canadien’s freshman interview.

So Matt this is your first interview, I am going to throw you a softball to start off. Who you skating for these days?
   
I'm skating for Top Of The World, Famous Stars and Straps clothing and shoes.

I have always wondered, how did you end up with such an awesome last name? I mean I don't know too many Johnny Americans.
   
I don't really know how I got a last name Canadien but I guess the best about being a ‘Canadien’ is I'm from Canada.  I imagine that if I lived in the States I would probably get kicked out and sent back to Canada cause of my last name.
   
You have been down south a few times recently. How do people react when they hear your name?
   
Everyone usually is stoked on my last name down South. Most people think I'm from Texas cause I have kind of an accent or something when I talk.
   
That's nuts you never struck me as a Texan. Who are you usually on these trips with?
   
Some people do (think I am from Texas).  As for the trips, they are always with Mitch Barrette. Our last trip was to California and we had the best Canada house to live in. I left with Mitch Berrette, and J.S. Lapierre , and when we got to the Canada house we met up with homies like Chad Dickson, Sean Lowe and Rich Odam. A couple weeks later Spenny and Wade came to meet up with us for a while, which was tight.

Heelflip Front Board. Photo: Terry Worona

Speaking of Wade and Spenny it seems like Wade helped show Spenny the ropes career wise. I see a similarity with you and Mitch. Would you say it's similar?
   
For sure I would think so, when you skate with someone killing it all the time it just motivates you to try harder.

All you guys have come to Ottawa, with so many rippers why do you think Ottawa does not get ranked up there with Toronto and Vancouver as far as skate cities go?
 
Toronto and Vancouver are just way bigger cities so there are way more spots to hit up, Ottawa might not be ranked up there with Toronto or Van, but I would say it’s because of our winters. In Toronto you can skate indoor spots and parks. Vancouver is defiantly skateable in the winter time, you just have a lot of rain. But I think Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa are all great cities to skate in.

Varial Heel. Photo: Erik Dunlop.

Do you think you need to make the move to make it in the industry?
   
Not completely. Like, you don't have to live in the U.S to make it, it’s just harder to make it living in Ottawa. Vancouver would be a perfect place to live for a skateboarding career.
   
You are pretty involved in the Ottawa scene, do you think you will ever make the move yourself?
   
I love the Ottawa skate scene. Some day I will for sure end up making the move. Vancouver is where I would like to end up ‘cause all the Ottawa guys live there now.

You are skating in the Battle of the Barrics tonight, any game plan?
   
Just going to stay focused on the tricks that I know I got on lock, and have a good time skating the boys.

Switch Frontside Flip. Photo: Josh Hotz.

Solid, all right a little word association time. First thing that comes to mind. No thinking.
   
Darren Harper: Good skater an also a part of the Famous Crew.
   
Reality Television: Too much drama.
   
Labatt 50: My favorite beer, better in a can!
   
Mike Pragnell: One of the nicest guys I have ever met.
   
Switch Frontside Boardslides: Actually broke my wrist trying one of those down a 12 rail.

Finally, Shout outs?

I would like to thank Mitch Barrette, Joel Acton, Eric Dionne, everyone at Top of the World, Ian Gauthier, my moms an pops, Paul Trep, Chad Dickson, J-S Lapierre, Terry Worona, Josh Hotz, Erik Dunlop, Mike Pragnell at No Limits an for everyone else who has helped me in skateboarding much love.

Matt and Mitch having some Manny fun.

You can see more from the cedited photographers here: Terry Worona, Josh Hotz, and Erik Dunlop to come.

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