Canada’s Walk of Fame just got better, with Speakers’ Spotlight talent Ron MacLean, Silken Laumann, and Lawrence Hill were inducted into the hallowed institution on Saturday in Toronto.
At the 17th annual red-carpet event, tributes were unveiled for famous names in Canadian culture. Those honoured will have their names engraved onto inlaid stars on the sidewalks near the downtown intersection of King Street West and Simcoe Street in Canada’s largest city.
Don Cherry, who was also inducted, said receiving the honour with his colleague Ron MacLean, “really means a lot” after the duo spent more than three decades appearing together on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada.
“All of the sudden, here we are — stars,” Cherry said.
MacLean, who began working at CBC at 26 years old, called Cherry a “mentor” for his guidance through the years.
“I just feel like we were on a good team, and that’s nice to have been a part of.”
Laumann has received many sporting accolades, but she said “this is the one that really transcends sports. It’s about being Canadian and achieving a high level in a given field.”
Laumann, whose 2014 memoir Unsinkable chronicled a troubled upbringing, does about five speaking engagements a month, mostly with non-profits.
“It’s a busy life and very fulfilling,” added the 50-year-old.
I was honoured to be inducted — alongside Michael Bublé, Wendy Crewson, Don Cherry and Ron MacLean, Lorne Greene and Silken Laumann — in Canada’s Walk of Fame 2015!” said Lawrence Hill.
The award comes with a $10,000 honorarium and will be presented during the gala, to be hosted by actor Jason Priestley.