Basil the Bear was the main character on the Canadian

Canada

Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...

 children's show Sesame Park

Sesame Park

Sesame Park was a Canadian version of Sesame Street. In its first format, it was referred to as Canadian Sesame Street and was a re-edited version of the American series; it adopted a new format and the Sesame Park title in 1996....

. He was portrayed by puppeteer Tim Gosley

Tim Gosley

Tim Gosley is a Canadian puppeteer who is primarily known for his work on numerous Muppet productions. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from the University of Alberta and studied puppeteering with Richard Hunt from 1981-1983. He began his career portraying several minor characters on the...

 from 1987-1996, and puppeteer Bob Stutt

Bob Stutt

Bob Stutt is a Canadian puppeteer/writer, who has starred in various children's television programs throughout his career.He has appeared in the following television series:* Canadian Sesame Street – Basil...

 from 1996-2002.

Along with Dodi and Louis, Basil was one of the three original Canadian Muppets, beginning in the period when the program was called "Canadian Sesame Street".

Despite his deep voice, Basil has been shown to be the most child-like of the characters, having difficulty dressing himself, and the most curious. He struggled to learn French from his bilingual friend Louis. Basil starred in the first "Canadian Sesame Street" special, Basil Hears a Noise, though he shared the spotlight with special guest Elmo

Elmo

Elmo is a Muppet character on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a furry red monster and currently hosts the last full 15 minute segment on Sesame Street, Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. His puppeteer, Kevin Clash, uses falsetto to produce his voice...

.