Billboard Canada at Canada's Walk of Fame 2023

On Dec. 2, Canada's Walk of Fame celebrated its 25th anniversary with an esteemed group of honourees from music to science to sports.

This year's inductees included pop veteran Avril Lavigne, hockey superstar Connor McDavid, Canadian musician and record mogul Kardinal Offishall, music philanthropist Gary Slaight and more, including a group of Degrassi stars stretching back to 1980. Find the full list of 2023 Canada's Walk of Fame inductees here.

Billboard Canada was there on the red carpet with camera in hand, learning more about the new inductees and their champions.

First, Canada's Walk of Fame CEO Jeffrey Latimer explained why it's important to be proud of Canadian talent, going for the gold instead of for the bronze.

Edmonton Oilers captain Conor McDavid was inducted this year, and he took a few moments to tell us about the music he listens to when pumping up for a big game. That included a song from Nickelback, whose singer Chad Kroeger was there to induct him.

Kardinal Offishall earned the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, an annual recognition that celebrates the achievements of Canadian musicians who have used their voices and talent to inspire and drive positive impact in the music industry. He told us five things we don't know about him, including the clothes he wears (or doesn't) when recording his hit songs.

Veteran Canadian music video turned film and TV director Director X was there to induct Kardinal, and he told us about the artist's impact and why we should big up our own. He also talked about the making of his new show Robyn Hood.

Linda Schuyler, a.k.a. the Mother of Degrassi, was there with 25 cast members from the 40 years of the beloved Canadian high school show. That didn't include Aubrey Graham, a.k.a. Drake, but she did have some words for the hip-hop star and one of his songs that "sort of pissed me off."

Country singer Brett Kissel was there to pay tribute to the late Gordon Lightfoot, but first he told us five things we don't know about him, including a "redneck sport" that his family invented.

Video Editor: Yasseen Ashri

Behind-the-Scenes & Video: Ali El Moudia

Photography: Daniel Victor Louis

Produced by: Jackson Turner and Daniel Victor Louis