Legendary comedian Martin Short will host the inaugural Canadian Screen Awards gala, the Academy of Candian Television & Cinema announced today. The SCTV and Father of the Bride star says he is excited to “take the wheel” of the shiny new awards. “I shall endeavour to return it to them at the end of the night with nary a scratch nor door-ding,” said the Canadian treasure. The new awards show consolidates the Genie Awards and Gemini Awards and celebrates the talent of Canada’s television, film and digital media industries at one event as a “true reflection of the multi-platform universe of today.” (Shows currently eligible for the 2012 Geminis will be part of the 2013 festivities.) A nickname for the new awards has yet to be coined, but Academy CEO Helga Stephenson believes one will emerge over time. Submitted for your consideration: The CanConnies.

Whatever they end up calling it, Martin Short will host the Canadian Screen Awards on CBC March 3, 2013. Unless somebody kidnaps him first.

____