(Toronto, ON) Wednesday, October 25, 2017 – Canada’s Walk of Fame announces the 2017 Inductees who represent the organization’s five pillars of recognition: Sports and Athletics, Philanthropy and Humanities, Arts and Entertainment, Business and Entrepreneurship, and Science and Technology. The Inductees will be honoured at the Beyond Famous Gala on November 15 at the Liberty Grand in Toronto. This intimate evening will also feature the unveiling of a special Star for Canada in commemoration of Canada 150.
The 2017 Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductees are:
- Donovan Bailey (Sports and Athletics) – legendary sprinter, two-time Olympic champion in the 100-metre and 4×100-metre relay, three-time world record holder and three-time world champion.
- Viola Desmond (Philanthropy and Humanities)– civil-rights pioneer who will be featured on the Canadian $10 bill in 2018.
- Anna Paquin (Arts and Entertainment) – award-winning film, television and theater actress, and the youngest Canadian to win an Academy Award.
- Ted Rogers (Business and Entrepreneurship) – communications pioneer and visionary business leader.
- David Suzuki (Science and Technology) – scientist, broadcaster, author and global environmental activist.
- Stompin’ Tom Connors (Cineplex Legends Inductee) – iconic songwriter and musician whose legacy extends beyond nearly 5 million records sold in his career into the hearts, homes and classrooms of countless Canadians across the country.
“The remarkable achievements of our 2017 Inductees are truly inspirational and embody what it means for an individual to achieve beyond fame. We are honoured to recognize their incredible accomplishments this year,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “We have an exciting vision for the future of Canada’s Walk of Fame, to ensure that it not only celebrates Canadian achievement but acts as a catalyst for future greatness. We will shine a brighter light on our Inductees, and as we move into our 20th Anniversary in 2018, Canada’s Walk of Fame will mean more to more people, more often.”
Also announced today, the 2017 Allan Slaight Honour will be awarded to multi-Juno Award-nominated singer/songwriter Shawn Hook. The Allan Slaight Honour recognizes young, inspirational Canadians who have achieved international success in the music industry. Hook will be honoured alongside this year’s Inductees on November 15th. Past recipients are Brett Kissel, Shawn Mendes, The Weeknd, Carly Rae Jepsen, Melanie Fiona, Drake, and Nikki Yanofsky.
Global will broadcast a Canada’s Walk of Fame one-hour documentary special on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 8 PM ET/PT.Hosted by Emmy® Award winner Eric McCormack, Beyond Famous: Canada’s Walk of Fame, showcases the 19-year history of inducting great Canadians. Through new interviews with past Inductees, insight from top Canadian cultural commentators, plus iconic moments and performances from past induction galas, the special celebrates the essence of Canada’s Walk of Fame – what it means to be inducted and the culture of Canadian stardom. The documentary also examines the impact of Canadian talent on the arts, science, entertainment and technology industries on a national and international scale.
With 2017’s Inductees, Canada’s Walk of Fame will have honoured 173 remarkable Canadians who have a permanent place of tribute in the streets of Toronto’s Entertainment District.
Canada’s Walk of Fame gratefully acknowledges the support of its 2017 National Sponsors: Cineplex Entertainment, NBCUniversal, Slaight Communications, and Air Canada, as well as our 2017 Broadcast Partner: Global.
The 2017-2018 Canada’s Walk Of Fame Board of Directors, led by Board Chair Cathy Honor, Senior Vice President, RBC Royal Bank, include: Tom Anselmi, President & CEO, Ottawa Senators Hockey Club; Duncan Bureau, Vice President, Global Sales, Air Canada; Nick Di Donato, President & CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group; Randy Lennox, President, Bell Media; Dan McGrath, Chief Operating Officer, Cineplex Entertainment; Lewis Rusen Vice Chairman, Korn Ferry | Hay Group; Walter Schneider, President & Co-Founder, RE/MAX Integra/RE/MAX Europe; Ron Suter, Executive Vice President, NBCUniversal Television & New Media Distribution Canada; and Barbara Williams, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Corus Entertainment Inc.