Canada's Walk of Fame inductees for 2017 are being honoured at a gala event in Toronto today (November 15).

The inductees represent the organization's five areas of recognition.

Vancouver scientist, broadcaster, author, and activist David Suzuki was chosen for science and technology. Suzuki has hosted CBC's The Nature of Things (now in its 56^th season) since 1979 and cofounded the David Suzuki Foundation in 1990 with Dr. Tara Cullis, which is dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability.   

Civil-rights pioneer Viola Desmond, who died in 1965, will be featured on the Canadian $10 bill in 2018, was selected for philanthropy and humanities. Desmond was a Nova Scotian businessperson who challenged racial segregation, leading to the Canadian civil-rights movement.

Sprinter, two-time Olympic champion (100-metre and 4 x 100-metre relay), three-time world record holder, three-time world champion, and sports media analyst Donovan Bailey was named in sports and athletics.

Although actor Anna Paquin grew up in New Zealand, she was born and lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She became the youngest Canadian to win an Academy Award when she won the Oscar for best supporting actress for the 1993 drama The Piano. Paquin has starred in the X-Men films, CBC's Alias Grace, and was chosen in the arts and entertainment category.

Folk singer-songwriter Stompin' Tom Connors, who died in 2013, is this year's Cineplex Legends inductee. Considered the nation's unofficial poet laureate, Connors wrote over 300 songs and devoted himself to Canadian culture.

Communications pioneer and business leader Ted Rogers, who died in 2008, will be honoured in business and entrepreneurship. Rogers founded and was the CEO of Rogers Communications in 1960.

The 2017 Allan Slaight Honour, which recognizes young Canadians who have achieved international success in music, will go to British Columbian singer-songwriter Shawn Hook. (Previous recipients have included B.C.'s Carly Rae Jepsen).

The gala event will include the unveiling of a Star for Canada to commemorate Canada 150.

A one-hour special hosted by Eric McCormack (Will and Grace), entitled Beyond Famous: Canada's Walk of Fame, will be broadcast on Global TV at 8 p.m. on December 3.