Google released its Top Trending News Stories for 2016 and it should come as no surprise that Canadians were searching for coverage of the man who is both hated and loved: Donald Trump.
Whether it was for the lewd comments he made during an interview with Billy Bush or the questions surrounding his tax returns, the U.S. President-elect was in the headlines daily as Trump seemed to constantly court controversy.
Even after being elected, Trump has continued to garner attention by seemingly turning his decision on a Secretary of State into a reality TV show through the numerous appearances by prospective candidates. His decision to give the nod to Rex Tillerson is expected to continue to cause controversy going forward.
WATCH: Donald Trump caught making vulgar comments about women in 2005 leaked tape
While few polls seemed to suggest Trump would win the nomination, he shocked the world and pulled it off.
Unsurprisingly, the U.S. Election itself was the second-most searched news story by most Canadians.
The tumultuous campaign was a continuous cliffhanger right up to the end as Hillary Clinton seemed to be on the verge of becoming the first female U.S. president before being bested by Trump.
Even after election night, there were calls for recounts across the U.S. as people were left in shock.
READ MORE: Donald Trump still declared a winner after Wisconsin recount
While the first two stories to catch Canadians’ attention occurred south of the border, the third and fourth sprung out of Brazil.
The Zika Virus left many worried as many took to Google to find answers about a monster virus which was being spread by mosquitoes.
Zika seemed to emerge into people’s consciousness just ahead of the start of the fourth most searched subject of the year, the Rio Olympics.
Canadians were captivated as Penny Oleksiak and Andre De Grasse made the country proud while many were also stunned by the strange story of the non-robbery of Ryan Lochte.
WATCH: The Ryan Lochte Rio Scandal
Number five on the list was close to home for many Canadians – too close for some.
The Fort McMurray Fire was the most searched story from Canada by Canadians on Google. The blaze, which caused billions of dollars of damage and raged for almost two months, was the costliest disaster in Canadian history.
WATCH: Global crew remembers live TV report covering the Fort McMurray wildfire
The remainder of the top 10 was filled out by international stories although a couple Panama Papers (No. 8) and Black Lives Matter (No. 9) had Canadian ties as well.
Brexit (No. 6), the Orlando Shooting (No. 7) and the Nice Attack (No. 10) filled out the list.
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