the Brits. Bell Media president Randy Lennox said in an interview with The Canadian Press that initial discussions with Russell Peters began in early November when the comedian offered to take the hosting gig if Bublé needed someone else to step in. Shortly after Bublé opted to forgo the Brit Awards hosting plans, singer Adams also began talking with Juno organizers about taking a role in the Canadian broadcast. On 9 March 2017, the Juno Awards announced that Bublé would be replaced by Adams and Peters. Indigenous introduction The telecast began with a sketch introducing the co-hosts prior to taking the stage. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared in this segment, phoning Adams to request a performance of "Summer of '69". Buffy Sainte-Marie appeared on stage at the Canadian Tire to declare that the event was held on traditional Algonquin territory. She then introduced A Tribe Called Red who performed music from their album We are the Halluci Nation accompanied by throat singer Tanya Tagaq. Leonard Cohen tribute Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau paid tribute to musician Leonard Cohen who died in November 2016. Feist then sang Cohen's song "Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye", accompanied only by her acoustic guitar and singers Ariel Engle and Daniela Gesundheit of Hydra. Cohen's album You Want it Darker was later awarded a Juno for Album of the Year. He won the Artist of the Year category during the previous night's gala. McLachlan joins Hall of Fame Sarah McLachlan was this year's inductee to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. A video montage featuring of her career began with a tribute from former American president Bill Clinton. Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Diana Krall, James Taylor and Tegan and Sara also provided statements in honour of McLachlan's career. McLachlan took the stage to make an acceptance speech which noted the presence and importance of diversity, politeness and the arts in Canadian society, declaring that "[w]e Canadians, we're far from perfect, but we have a lot to offer the world and we have to continue to set the bar high." while expressing gratitude to those who supported her career. Peters controversy During the ceremony broadcast, co-host Russell Peters spotted some young women in the audience and remarked "Look at all the young girls. This is a felony waiting to happen." Furthermore, when announcing that Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly was co-presenting