It was the second Grand Slam event of the 2011–12 curling season and the eleventh time the tournament has been held.

[2] However, concerns were raised that the new rule may possibly hinder teams that are more defence-oriented, an opinion echoed by the Canadian Curling Association.

[2][4] Since the Canadian Open is a Grand Slam event, the Open carried many points on the Canadian Team Ranking System, which plays a role in determining Olympic trials participants.

[4] As a result, the CCA stated that it would not sanction the event unless all players participating in the Open express written consent in regards to the five-rock rule.

[2][5] Not all players had agreed not to challenge the outcome of the Open,[6] but the event went ahead as planned, with the five-rock rule in place.