Eight, new, internationally recognized Canadian luminaries have been named as the latest inductees into Canada’s Walk of Fame, it was announced today.The eight Canadians will be feted in a two-hour gala special on CTV, to be hosted by Eugene Levy and recorded live on Saturday, June 9th at Toronto’s Hummingbird Centre for broadcast across the country (date TBA).

Representing the worlds of sports, music, film, theatre and television, the 2007 inductees into Canada’s Walk of Fame are:

•    Johnny Bower   - Nickelback
•    Rick Hansen    - Gordon Pinsent
•    Jill Hennessy   - Ivan Reitman
•    Catherine O’Hara  - Lloyd Robertson

Although Ivan Reitman will be honoured at this year’s Tribute Gala, he was originally announced in 2001 but was unable to attend the ceremony.  This year’s inductees will join 101 other Canadians who have received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame since 1998.

“We have an astounding line up of inductees this year covering three generations,” said Peter Soumalias, Founder, CEO and President of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “From inspiring athletes like Johnny Bower and Rick Hansen to world renowned rockers like Nickelback, to national treasures like Gordon Pinsent, we are showcasing the great breadth and depth Canada brings to the world stage.”

“With the always-entertaining Eugene Levy as host and with an eclectic line-up of inductees, this year’s 10th anniversary broadcast promises to be an evening full of emotion, inspiration and celebration,” Susanne Boyce, CTV President of Programming and Chair of the CTV Media Group.

In addition to the induction gala, CTV will once again air eTalk at Canada’s Walk of Fame, a red carpet arrivals special preceding the 2007 Walk of Fame broadcast (broadcast day and time to be announced later).

The 2007 Inductees for Canada’s Walk of Fame are:

Johnny Bower

Bower grew up in rural Saskatchewan, the only boy of nine children.  After playing 14 years in the minors, Bower got his big break in 1958 when he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs.  He led the Leafs into the playoffs in his first season, won 3 consecutive Stanley Cup Championships (1962-1964) and helped the Leafs take the Cup again in 1967. Hometown: Prince Albert,Saskatchewan

Rick Hansen

Hansen began his legendary Man in Motion World Tour in 1985.  Spanning 40,000 km through 34 countries, the journey took over 2 years to complete and raised over $26 million for spinal cord injury research.  Hansen was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1987 and as President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation, he has helped generate more than $178 million for spinal cord injury related programs. Hometown: Williams Lake, BC

Jill Hennessy

Hennessy began her acting career in Toronto appearing in the feature film Dead Ringers.  She has numerous big screen credits but audiences first came to love Hennessy in her role as Claire Kincaid in the Emmy-winning NBC drama Series Law & Order.  Hennessy currently stars in her 7th season of Crossing Jordan. Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta

Nickelback 

With over 21 million records sold worldwide, and 9 JUNO Awards to date, Nickelback shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Over the past year and a half, the band has been recognized with a plethora of awards and nominations including the accolade of most played artist on radio in 2006.  In November of 2006, Nickelback was also named the World’s Best Rock Band at the World Music Awards. Hometown: Hanna, Alberta

Catherine O’Hara

After getting into acting, writing, improvising and directing at Toronto’s Second City Theatre, O’Hara helped found SCTV.  This led to numerous film roles including Heartburn, Beetlejuice and the first two Home Alone movies.  She has been a member of the ensemble casts of Christopher Guest’s Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind and most recently, For Your Consideration. Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Gordon Pinsent

Born in Newfoundland, Pinsent began his career at the Manitoba Theatre Centre.  From there, he quickly made his way to the Stratford Festival and onto to television and feature films where he created some of Canada’s most memorable characters.  A forty-year veteran of theatre, film, television and radio as an actor, playwright, author and director, Pinsent is a legend in the industry. Hometown: Grand Falls, Newfoundland

Ivan Reitman

Director/Producer Ivan Reitman has been the creative force behind films beloved by audiences around the world.  This includes everything from raucous comedies like Animal House, Stripes and Ghostbusters, to more sophisticated delights like Dave, 6 Days/7 Nights, and Twins.  He currently heads The Montecito Picture Company,  a film and television production company in association with DreamWorks, SKG. Hometown: Komrno, Czechoslovakia

Lloyd Robertson

Widely regarded as the dean of Canadian news, Lloyd Robertson is one of North America’s most accomplished and trusted journalists. Over the past 50 years, Robertson has led Canadians through the major events that have defined the nation. As Chief Anchor and Senior Editor for CTV News, Lloyd Robertson is the leader of the country’s most-watched newscast. Throughout his career, Robertson has guided Canadians through such historic events as: the Quebec Referendum, Canadian and U.S. elections, 9/11, state funerals, Papal visits and the Terry Fox Run. During his illustrious career Robertson has received numerous awards for excellence in broadcasting. He also received the Order of Canada in 1998. Hometown: Stratford, Ontario