Source: Playback

CBC has tapped Jeopardy!'s Alex Trebek to host the upcoming installment of its one-hour special Canada's Next Great Prime Minister.

Trebek -- who takes over for comedian Rick Mercer -- will lead four young aspiring politicians as they are grilled by a panel of former PMs including Paul Martin, Brian Mulroney, Kim Campbell and Joe Clark. The studio audience will decide the winner.

"I'm honored to take part in a show of this caliber and share the stage with this esteemed panel of prime ministers and young leaders in the making," said the Sudbury, ON native in a release.

The candidates will compete for a $50,000 cash prize and a coveted six-month paid internship at high-profile firms such as Magna International.

CBC looks to grow ratings for Next PM, which grabbed a solid 865,000 viewers in 2007, but declined to 400,000 last year. (All numbers 2+.)

Next PM airs March 18 at 8 p.m.

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