Scheer or Sheeran? Here’s What Canadians Googled in 2017

Search engines reveal some odd information. By recapping Google searches for the year, the tech giant often simultaneously gives a country insight into both what matters the most—and what does not matter at all.

Take the number one and number two most Googled terms in Canada this year: Hurricane Irma and Meghan Markle. The former is a natural disaster that caused untold damage, while the latter is a soon-to-be member of the British royal family.

The search giant released its trending searches and topics for 2017 and recapped what Canadians asked about, searched for and furiously debated over throughout the year. The search giant split everything into lists, including diets, technology, and yes, memes.

The top searches in Canada, starting with number one, were Hurricane Irma; Meghan Markle; Tom Petty; Ottawa Senators; and North Korea.

In terms of individuals who were most searched, the top four consisted of notable figures who have allegations of sexual harassment or assault against them, including Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, Kevin Spacey, and Eric Salvail. The U.S. First Lady Melania Trump rounded out the top five.

The “how” and “why” questions Google sees can often leave people scratching their heads, but Canada’s queries are relatively tame. As an interesting note, the “why” questions are often directed towards protests and gatherings. Here are the top searches for both.

1. How do they name Hurricanes.
2. How many teaspoons in a tablespoon.
3. How soon should you take a pregnancy test.
4. How to make solar eclipse glasses.
5. How to buy bitcoin in Canada.

1. Why are NFL players protesting the national anthem?
2. Why are flags in Canada at half mast?
3. Why are there so many hurricanes?
4. Why are women marching?
5. Why does Catalonia want independence?

In terms of news, political storylines and weather phenomenon dominated the list for both Canada and abroad.

Consumer technology was a huge talking point for Canadians in 2017, but the number one searched piece of tech might not be what everyone thinks.

1. iPhone 8
2. iPhone X
3. Nintendo Switch
4. Instant Pot
5. Xbox One X

For political instigators and music creators, an odd balance between genres and ideologies is apparent. Below are the most searched musicians and political figures.

1. Neil Young, a celebrated Canadian singer.
2. Ed Sheeran, an English pop singer.
3. Shania Twain, a Canadian pop star with a huge voice.
4. Ariana Grande, an American pop star.
5. Lil Pump, an American rapper.

1. Donald Trump, president of the United States.
2. Andrew Scheer, Canadian Conservative party leader.
3. Jagmeet Singh, Canadian NDP leader.
4. Roy Moore, American politician.
5. Emmanuel Macron, president of France.

And it wouldn’t be a Google list without a little bit of fun. Below is a list of the most searched memes—but we can’t guarantee everything you read will be funny if you search these up.

1. Cash Me Outside memes.
2. United Airlines memes.
3. Donald Trump memes.
4. Joe Biden memes.
5. It (The Movie) memes.

Check out the full list of trending searches here.