There were some interesting comments on the live stream today - including the appreciation the synchro skaters expressed about having the opportunity to see the other disciplines both training and competing. There was appreciation for the increased crowd size for the Jr Synchro SP and also about the enthusiasm of the fans. Kaetlyn Osmond was very enthusiastic about seeing the synchro competition (a first for her) and talked about how she joined in enthusiastically with the fans and she pledged to be there tomorrow too
Based on the comments from Ted Barton and Kaitlyn Weaver this evening, the rationale behind the move seems to be to have the whole Skate Canada "family" competing at a single national championship (at the Jr and Sr level, at least), probably part of their "inclusion" initiatives.