Jason Priestley Joins the Celebration as Host of the 2014 Canada's Walk of Fame Tribute Show

Priestley Adds to the Starpower of Previously Announced 2014 Honourees Including Louise Arbour, The Band, Jeff Healey, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Reynolds, Hayley Wickenheiser, and The Weeknd

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TORONTO, Sept. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Shaw Media and Canada's Walk of Fame are proud to welcome Jason Priestley as Host of the 2014 Canada's Walk of Fame Tribute Show, as announced by ET Canada. The beloved Actor and Director will emcee the star-studded, two-hour event airing on Friday, December 19 at 8 pm ET/PT on Global. Canada's Walk of Fame Tribute Show celebrates top-notch Canadians who have made a substantial contribution to Canadian culture, treats viewers to show-stopping performances, and showcases the incredible talent this country has to offer. Presenters and performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

"Jason is an exceptional talent and a very proud Canadian. We couldn't be more excited to have him at the helm of this year's Canada's Walk of Fame Tribute Show," said Barbara Williams, Executive VP, Broadcasting and President, Shaw Media. "His charisma and charm are the perfect complement to a broadcast that's all about celebrating the accomplishments of these outstanding Canadians."

Actor, Director, Producer and Author, Priestley has enjoyed a robust and diverse career in entertainment. Best known for playing the charming Brandon Walsh on Beverly Hills 90210, Priestley is a seasoned actor and has received multiple awards including a Canadian Screen Award for "Best Comedy Actor" in 2014 for his role on Call Me Fitz. His talent on screen translated to a passion behind the camera, spending a significant portion of his career directing numerous episodes of successful programs such as Rookie Blue, Saving Hope and Haven. He recently completed filming Zoom starring alongside Gael Garcia Bernal in Toronto. Priestley is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia.

"A true Canadian ambassador, consummate entertainer and beloved television icon, we're thrilled to welcome Jason Priestley as host of the 2014 Canada's Walk of Fame Tribute Show," said Melanie Hurley, CEO, Canada's Walk of Fame. "Never shy to express his homegrown pride and Canadian heritage, it's going to be an unforgettable night of celebration as we spotlight this year's inductees."

"I'm honoured to be hosting this year's Canada's Walk of Fame Tribute Show and excited to pay tribute to these exceptional inductees," said Priestley. "We have a lot to celebrate in this country, and a great show in store for Canadians – with a few tricks up our sleeves."

The following remarkable individuals will join Canada's Walk of Fame's long list of celebrated Canadians, bringing the total number of inductees to 157: Louise Arbour, Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and International Lawyer; The Band, Musicians; Jeff Healey, Musician; Rachel McAdams, Actor; Ryan Reynolds, Actor and Hayley Wickenheiser, Athlete.

In addition, the show honours The Weeknd, the recipient of the Allan Slaight Award. The 2014 Canada's Walk of Fame Tribute Show is held at Toronto's Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, October 18^th.

The two-hour 2014 Canada's Walk of Fame Tribute Show honours a selection of internationally acclaimed Canadian visionaries for their lifetime achievements in music, sport, film, dance and television, as well as the literary, visual and performing arts, science and innovation. A limited number of tickets to the star-studded tribute show are available for purchase. To buy tickets, go to sonycentre.ca or call 1-855-872-SONY (1-855-872-7669). Canada's Walk of Fame is produced by Insight Productions.

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About Shaw Communications Inc.
Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications and media company, providing consumers with broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Home Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business), satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct) and engaging programming content (through Shaw Media). Shaw serves 3.2 million customers, through a reliable and extensive fibre network. Shaw Media operates one of the largest conventional television networks in Canada, Global Television, and 19 specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, HISTORY® and Showcase. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX – SJR.B, NYSE – SJR). For more information about Shaw, please visit www.shaw.ca.

About Canada's Walk of Fame
Established in 1998, Canada's Walk of Fame (CWOF) aims to celebrate Canadians who have excelled in music, sport, film, television as well as the literary, visual, performing arts, science and innovation in order to engage and inspire the next generation. In 2010, CWOF expanded to include a festival featuring some of Canada's most popular and iconic performers, as well as emerging artists from across the country. The annual celebration culminates in a televised special that celebrates the achievements of Canada's finest stars. With 2014's additions, Canada's Walk of Fame will have 157 inductees, each immortalized with their names forever cemented into the sidewalks of Toronto's Entertainment District. For a complete list of inductees along with more information on Canada's Walk of Fame visit: www.canadaswalkoffame.com

SOURCE: Global Television

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