Celebrating Canada’s finest with Canada’s Walk of Fame inductees

It’s that time of the year again! On October 6, 2016, six honourees were inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. Every year, a celebration takes place inducting some of our best Canadian talent. Since 1998, more than 160 Canadians have been inducted and received recognition on the streets of Toronto’s Entertainment District. This year’s inductees included musician Corey Hart, actor Jason Priestley, Toronto Maple Leafs alumni Darryl Sittler, Fashion icon Jeanne Beker, Actor Al Waxman and film-maker Deepa Mehta. Presenters included Emmy-winner Tatiana Maslany, 24’s Kiefer Sutherland. Nelly Furtado and Brett Kissel were among the performers.

Montreal born singer Corey Hart who was the most excited on the red carpet quoted that this moment was the most meaningful career event in his life.  “It’s not a Grammy or a Juno for a song, it’s my country acknowledging me, and I’m going to have that star on the Walk, and my grandkids can walk there someday. It’s unbelievable.” Said Hart. “I always wanted to write music, and I always wanted to touch people with what I did. To be recognized by my country for my body of work and what I’ve accomplished in my lifetime is beyond humbling.”

Jason Priestly, best known for international fame on Beverly Hills, 90210, recognized this moment as a way to inspire youth to achieve their goals. “So you’re from Thunder Bay, (Ontario) so you’re from Bella Coola, British Columbia – it doesn’t matter,” said the Vancouver-born star. “You can become a famous artist, you can become a famous musician, you can become a New York Times bestselling novel. Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams and don’t be afraid to dream big. That’s what the Walk of Fame is really all about.”

In additional to the 2016 inductees, Brett Kissel, who performed on the stage, was also recognized as the recipient of the Allan Slaight Honour which is presented annually to a young Canadian making a positive impact in the music industry.

The Walk of Fame Broadcast Gala will air Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. on Global

[Photo credit: George Pimentel Photography/Canada’s Walk of Fame]