In a glittering celebration of Canadian excellence, filmmaker Shawn Levy and rock band Our Lady Peace have been named among the prestigious 2025 inductees to Canada’s Walk of Fame, marking another milestone in the nation’s recognition of its homegrown talent.
The announcement, made yesterday at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel, showcased a diverse group of Canadians whose contributions have resonated both domestically and on the global stage. Montreal-born Levy, whose directorial prowess brought us blockbusters like “Free Guy” and “Deadpool & Wolverine,” expressed profound gratitude for the recognition.
“This honour feels particularly meaningful because it comes from home,” Levy shared during the press conference. “Canada gave me my foundation as a storyteller, and to be recognized alongside these incredible Canadians is humbling beyond words.”
Joining Levy in the 2025 class is iconic Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace, whose distinctive sound has defined a generation of Canadian music. Frontman Raine Maida reflected on the band’s three-decade journey since forming in Toronto in 1992.
“From small clubs in Toronto to this moment—it’s surreal,” Maida remarked. “Canada has always been our greatest champion, and this induction feels like coming full circle.”
The induction ceremony, scheduled for September 2025, will also honour Olympic champion swimmer Summer McIntosh, whose record-breaking performances at the Paris Olympics captivated the nation. At just 18 years old, McIntosh becomes one of the youngest inductees in the Walk of Fame’s history.
“Summer represents the brightest future of Canadian athletics,” noted Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “Her achievements have already inspired countless young Canadians to pursue excellence in their own endeavors.”
This year’s slate of inductees also includes pioneering medical researcher Dr. Janet Rossant, whose groundbreaking work in stem cell research has positioned Canada at the forefront of regenerative medicine, and philanthropist Mohamad Fakih, founder of Paramount Fine Foods, whose business success and humanitarian efforts have made him a beacon of immigrant achievement in Canadian business.
The 2025 ceremony marks the 27th year of Canada’s Walk of Fame, which has inducted more than 200 Canadians since its inception in 1998. Each inductee receives the iconic maple leaf star embedded in the sidewalks of Toronto’s Entertainment District, creating a permanent tribute to their contributions.
Jeffrey Latimer emphasized the significance of this year’s diverse group of honorees: “These inductees represent the very best of Canada—innovation, creativity, compassion, and excellence. Their stories reflect our national identity and values on the world stage.”
The selection process involves public nominations followed by deliberation by a committee of distinguished Canadians from various sectors. This year saw record participation in the nomination phase, with over 30,000 submissions from across the country.
As preparations begin for the September ceremony, the question remains: how will these latest inductees shape the cultural landscape for the next generation of Canadian talent looking to make their mark both at home and abroad?
