'It's a lovely payoff': Glass Tiger, Sum 41 among the six artists inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in Calgary on Thursday night
It seemed a very Canadian moment: Quiet, modest, a little self-deprecating.
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At the National Music Centre on Thursday evening prior to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, the first of six inductees to hit the red carpet was singer-songwriter Dan Hill.
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While these events tend to be fuelled by the mutual admiration, attendees seemed to be particularly enthused about Hill finally being inducted nearly 50 years after scoring the global hit Sometimes When We Touch.
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These days, the soft-spoken songwriter may be better known for his work behind-the-scenes writing and producing hits for stars such as Celine Dion, Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys and Rod Stewart. But the respect from his peers was apparent. Country singer Beverley Mahood, who inducted Hill into the Hall of Fame later that night, snuck up behind him for a hug when he was being interviewed. Fellow 2025 inductee and Quebecois singer Ginette Reno said she wanted to hug him. 'I'm looking forward to taking him in my arms and holding him,' she said.
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'Dan I know probably better than anybody,' he said. 'If anybody deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, it's Dan Hill.'
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Hill, on the other hand, showed some genuine Canadian modesty when asked how it felt to be inducted after a half-century in the business.
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'I thought I was being pranked,' he told Postmedia on the red carpet. 'I couldn't really believe it. I'm very humbled.'
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On Thursday, the National Music Centre held its third induction ceremony since 2019. Since opening in 2016, the centre has been the physical home of the Canadian Music All of Fame. Hill, Reno, Glass Tiger, pop-punk band Sum 41 and Celtic-classical singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt were in the class of 2025. Maestro Fresh Wes, who was inducted in into the Hall of Fame at the Junos in 2024 in Halifax, was also honoured. He is the first Canadian hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
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The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences began inducting multiple artists in 2019 after realizing there were dozens of worthy contenders who had yet to honoured, far too many to be limited to one a year. The six artists were all on hand Thursday night.
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There was a show-stopping performance by Reno, who turned 79 a few weeks ago, and a Glass Tiger medley to end the evening. Superstar Celine Dion made a surprise appearance, albeit via pre-recorded video, to honour Reno. The members of Sum 41 gathered for what will presumably be the last time after calling it quits this year after a 30-year career. Their final performance was in March during the Juno Awards in Vancouver.
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Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Carefully curated
A new series of books from publisher McClelland & Stewart that contemplates life in Canada coincides with the 10th anniversary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Published on July 15, Kanata Classics' first six titles, which are all previously released works of fiction and non-fiction, feature writing by a range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadian authors and feature new packaging and introductions. The initiative was spearheaded by publisher Stephanie Sinclair, who joined McClelland & Stewart (which is owned by Penguin Random House) in 2022. 'We started to talk about it within six months of my starting … the first conversations were enthusiastic,' she says. 'It felt really important to get it done in 2025 to honour the 10th anniversary of the TRC.' Nishga by Jordan Abel, Halfbreed by Maria Campbell, and Bear by Marian Engel are part of the Kanata Classics lineup. Sinclair worked with Robert Wheaton, Penguin Random House Canada's chief strategy and operations officer, to navigate the bureaucratic details and create an advisory board (which includes McNally Robinson Booksellers co-owner Chris Hall and Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair). 'I could ask them the big questions — not about title selections, but about the framing of the series,' she says. 'It felt really helpful to have this brain trust that I could go to for advice.' Publisher Stephanie Sinclair tapped an advisory panel including McNally Robinson Booksellers co-owner Chris Hall and Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair to curate the first six titles of the Kanata Classics series. One of her first choices was Nisga'a author Jordan Abel's Nishga. (Supplied photo) For Stephanie Sinclair, who identifies as Cree, Ojibwa, and German/Jewish, the first six books — three by Indigenous writers and the other three by non-Indigenous authors — speak to the experience of Canadian life. 'One of the things that was really important to me, as an urban Indigenous person who didn't grow up in ceremony or in community, was that the books speak to all of our relationship with land, and how differently that can be experienced,' she says. 'That's one of the threads through all the books. It's something that is so often overlooked, and that is really, deeply important to our survival on multiple levels.' With the titles selected, Sinclair then turned to finding writers to pen introductions to each of the books (save Maria Campbell's memoir Halfbreed — Campbell wrote her own introduction). 'I had a list of ideal people — I wrote to them, and everyone very enthusiastically and quickly said yes. It was beautiful … it just came together incredibly seamlessly,' she says. (Winnipeg's David A. Robertson wrote the introduction to Richard Wagamese's novel Medicine Walk.) Sinclair then enlisted book designer Kelly Hill to create the look and feel of the Kanata Classics series. 'Kelly really understood my vision for it, and has such an incredibly beautiful esthetic and brought such thoughtful care to all of the choices,' Sinclair says. Edmonton-based author Jordan Abel considers it an honour to have his book, Nishga, included in the Kanata Classics series. (Tenille Campbell photo) One of Sinclair's first choices for the Kanata Classics series was Nisga'a author Jordan Abel's Nishga. Originally published in 2021 by McClelland & Stewart, Nishga sees the Edmonton-based author grappling with the legacy of intergenerational trauma through fragments of memoir, transcriptions of talks as well as visual art and photography. 'I have a difficult relationship with this book — it's about intergenerational trauma and urban indigeneity and the afterlife of residential schools,' Abel says.' When I go to readings and perform parts of the book, there are only four or five pages that I can really even read from.' For Abel, the inclusion of Nishga in the Kanata Classics series was humbling. 'When I wrote Nishga, I had no real understanding of where it would go, or who would pick it up, or if anyone would pick it up, really,' he says. 'It's really an incredible honour for Nishga to be included alongside what I think are some of the best, most canonical texts in Canadian literature and also Indigenous literature,' he adds, calling Maria Campbell's Halfbreed 'maybe the most important book that I've ever read.' Island by Alistair MacLeod, Ru by Kim Thúy, and Medicine Walk, by Richard Wagamese were all previously released works of fiction and non-fiction. As part of Kanata Classics, the books will feature new packaging and introductions. Like Sinclair, Abel sees the books existing in conversation with each other as well as with Canadian readers about the experience of life in Canada. 'The books are all very different — they speak to really specific experiences within this nation … even the ones that resist that category of nation and Canadian nationalism,' he says. 'They attempt to shine a light on certain kinds of experiences that we don't always talk about, or that we don't talk about enough. I think these are underrepresented kinds of experiences of 'Canadian-ness.'' Sinclair hopes the Kanata Classics series is able to continue stimulating conversation and reflections by readers on life in Canada. 'I feel like the scope of how Canadians identify themselves has only gotten smaller over many years,' she says. 'Part of my aim with the series is, of course, to advocate for Indigenous storytelling, which has not been welcomed into the Canadian 'canon.' But I also want to make sure that books like (Vietnamese-Canadian author Kim Thúy's) Ru are there too, because they all speak to an equally important human experience.' Ben SigurdsonLiterary editor, drinks writer Ben Sigurdson is the Free Press's literary editor and drinks writer. He graduated with a master of arts degree in English from the University of Manitoba in 2005, the same year he began writing Uncorked, the weekly Free Press drinks column. He joined the Free Press full time in 2013 as a copy editor before being appointed literary editor in 2014. Read more about Ben. In addition to providing opinions and analysis on wine and drinks, Ben oversees a team of freelance book reviewers and produces content for the arts and life section, all of which is reviewed by the Free Press's editing team before being posted online or published in print. It's part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
The Province
5 hours ago
- The Province
'Living in Canada is simply better': Vancouver pushes for immigration pathway for movie/TV creatives
As Longlegs director tries to gain his residency, the movie's producer is pushing to make the process easier, saying 'If we relocate the people in charge from L.A. to here, then they're going to be even more motivated to make their next movie here' Director Osgood Perkins (right) and D.P. Andres Arochi are seen here in the Lower Mainland working on the film Longlegs. Perkins wants to get his Canadian permanent resident status. Photo by Asterios Moutsokapas Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Film director Osgood Perkins would really like to call B.C. home. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The director of the Vancouver-shot, top-grossing independent films Longlegs and The Monkey, as well as the upcoming Keeper (out Nov. 14), has been working here since 2022. And, for the last year and a half, he has been trying to gain residency status in Canada. But getting that status greenlit has proven to be a challenge. To date, Perkins has been going from work permit to work permit. Every time a project finishes, he and his family must leave Canada until the next job is a go. 'He can't buy a house here because of the foreign buyer ban, his family doesn't feel like they are permanently rooted here,' said Chris Ferguson of Vancouver's Oddfellows Entertainment, which produced the three films Perkins has shot in B.C. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Currently Oddfellows Entertainment is producing the Vancouver-shot A24 science fiction horror film directed by 19-year-old Kane Parsons. Based on the world of Parsons' viral YouTube horror series the film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. Ferguson is also Perkins' partner in the recently formed production company Phobos. Producer and Oddfellows Entertainment founder Chris Ferguson spoke to Vancouver City Council recently in support of the motion Building B.C.'s Creative Advantage: A New Immigration Pathway for Cultural Entrepreneurs. The motion, which passed unanimously, is asking the Provincial Government to develop a pilot Creative Talent Stream under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (B.C. PNP), similar to what already exists for the tech and medical industries. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG Last week, the issue was brought in front of Vancouver City Council and on July 23, the council unanimously approved the motion Building B.C.'s Creative Advantage: A New Immigration Pathway for Cultural Entrepreneurs. This basically means council will be requesting that the province develop a pilot Creative Talent Stream under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (B.C. PNP), similar to what already exists for the tech and medical industries. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'At this point, the living in Canada is simply better than it is in the United States,' Perkins told Postmedia in a text. 'The people are kind and permissive, the skies bluer, and the governing powers really do seem to care for its citizens. Canada strikes me as essentially unafraid, and not interested in threats; there is a peace in the oxygen here and it is a most welcome relief to breathe it in. 'Working in Canada has changed my career entirely; the support from local artists and creative collaborators has made all the difference. I have not experienced the industry fatigue and resistance often present in Hollywood, and the freedom to work economically and quickly in Canada fosters a unique form of inspiration.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. According to 2022 figures from Creative B.C., the B.C. TV/film industry amounted to about $4.4 billion in direct spending and employed 90,000 people, with 40,000 of those being full-time jobs. It is well established as an international industry force. Hollywood North, with its 36 per cent tax credit and the very low Canadian dollar, is a very attractive destination for shooting. But about 85 per cent of that work is service/manufacturing, which essentially means a Canadian company produces an American project. Ferguson believes, if the pathway to residency is made easier, many people will move here and set up production businesses. 'We're like the factory overseas that makes the product for the American headquarters. And if we can start bringing some of these people here, it changes that whole model. Suddenly, we're making stuff for ourselves, and we're building companies,' said Ferguson, who got the ball rolling with Vancouver City Council and spoke at the recent council meeting. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'If we relocate the people in charge from L.A. to here, then they're going to be even more motivated to make their next movie here, because they will want to make it at home, where they live. I realized that if we did build a system like this, we could turn Vancouver from the place that is purely a manufacturing sector and start having some headquarters here.' Ferguson said he knows of others in the industry that would love to move here permanently, and when he spoke to council on July 23, he gave an example of one such player that wants to call Vancouver home. 'We have Mike Flanagan in town right now making the Carrie series. He's done a half-billion dollars of production in Vancouver. He's made five series,' said Ferguson. 'He's been living here for years and he's been waiting two and a half years to get his (permanent resident) status. And (there's) no end in sight … These productions are going to happen here regardless, but if we can invite them to be based here, maybe they'll bring more. I think by setting up a program through the Provincial Nominee Program you create the opportunity to build a real domestic sector.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The motion was presented to the council by ABC council member Brian Montague after local industry members pointed out to him there was 'a bit of a gap in the (Provincial Nominee Program) system.' 'We've been pretty clear from when we got elected in 2022 that we wanted to be a city that was open for business. And we often forget about the creative sector as a real part of the economy in B.C. and in Vancouver, especially,' said Montague. 'We want to make sure that there is all sorts of opportunities for people to set up shop in Vancouver, start businesses in Vancouver and employ talent in Vancouver. And when folks from the industry approached me, it seemed like kind of a no-brainer.' At the end of the day, city council does not have the power to change someone's immigration status. Vancouver hopes to rally other B.C. municipalities to this issue when they meet at the UBCM in Victoria in late September. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In an email to Postmedia, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills noted that the provincial government 'is aware' of Vancouver city council's support for the program. Tasked with 'identifying key skilled worker shortages,' especially following the federal government's reduction in the program allocation for 2025 to only 4,000, the ministry noted that it 'must prioritize the occupations most urgently needed by British Columbians.' The priority, at this time, has been identified within health care services, including physicians and nurses. 'Due to the federal government unilateral reduction of the B.C. PNP, we are not able to consider new streams or pilots for the program at this time,' read the statement, which added that Minister Jessie Sunner 'will continue to advocate to the federal government to increase its B.C. PNP spots, so B.C. can continue to address its workforce shortages.' Dgee@ Read More
Japan Forward
6 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Ichiro Suzuki Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame
Ichiro Suzuki was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 27, a milestone that puts his trailblazing career in its proper perspective. The Aichi Prefecture native is now a baseball immortal and the first Asian to be enshrined at the revered institution in Cooperstown, New York. Ichiro, joined in the 2025 Hall of Fame induction class by pitchers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner and the late sluggers Dick Allen and Dave Parker, put his unique personal touch on his speech during the ceremony. A crowd estimated at 30,000, including 52 returning Hall of Famers, attended the event. Reluctant to speak English in public over the years (opting to use an interpreter in his interactions with the press), Ichiro embraced the challenge of giving his induction ceremony speech in English. Ichiro Suzuki gives his induction ceremony speech at the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27. (KYODO) This resonated with the global baseball community. Seattle Sports, an ESPN Radio affiliate, summed up Ichiro's nearly 20-minute appearance in front of the microphone on X (formerly Twitter): "Ichiro's heartfelt Hall of Fame induction speech had it all ― sage wisdom, deep gratitude, and yes, his witty sense of humor." The fan favorite opened his speech by saying, "Today, I am feeling something I thought I would never know again. For the third time, I am a rookie. First, in 1992, after the Orix BlueWave drafted me out of high school. Then, in 2001, I became a rookie again at 27 when the Seattle Mariners signed me. "As I look over here now, and see men like [Hall of Fame inductees] Rod Carew, George Brett and Tony La Russa, I realized I'm a rookie again." Laughter and smiles from the audience punctuated Ichiro's speech. "Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your great team," he continued. Ichiro Suzuki was a 10-time MLB All-Star. (KYODO, KYODO, SANKEI) A Long List of Baseball Accomplishments On Ichiro's Hall of Fame plaque, the inscription includes the following: "With extraordinary work ethic and unparalleled bat control, brought record-setting hit totals to Major League Baseball as its first Japanese-born position player. Electrified 2001 Mariners to record 116-win campaign…" In the years that followed, his incredible batting skills, including 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons, brilliance on the basepaths and excellence as an outfielder were the stuff of legends. Ichiro Suzuki (KYODO) What's more, best-selling author Robert Whiting observed in 2024, Ichiro had "the best work ethic in MLB history." His all-time record of 4,367 combined hits in NPB and MLB, 10 MLB All-Star selections, 509 MLB stolen bases, 10 Gold Glove awards, two AL batting titles, and the 2001 AL MVP and Rookie of the Year awards were a testament to his talent and determination. He also set the single-season hit record (262) in 2004. Curiously enough, all of the above didn't persuade one Baseball Writers' Association of America voter to include Ichiro on their 2025 Hall of Fame ballot. Ichiro was a near unanimous selection, receiving 99.7% of the vote (393 of 394) in his first year as an eligible Hall of Fame candidate. Laughter and Memories With a deep love of baseball and its rich history, Ichiro Suzuki traveled to Cooperstown, New York, seven times during his MLB career to visit the Hall of Fame, which opened in 1936. Visiting Cooperstown for the first time in 2001, he enjoyed looking at historic artifacts and items on display inside the building. Now, as an inductee, Ichiro says he has a duty to honor the game. "I hope I can uphold the values of the Hall of Fame, but please, I am 51 years old now, so easy on the hazing," he joked. He then said, "I don't need to wear a Hooters uniform again." Ichiro also summed up his lifelong ambition in his speech: "My goal was always clear: to play professionally at the highest level." The new Hall of Famer remarked that "people often measure me by my records" before mentioning some of his most famous feats. Then he quipped, "Not bad, huh?" This drew laughter from the crowd ― and a few shouts of arigatou (thank you). Ichiro Suzuki is introduced before he gives his induction ceremony speech. (KYODO) How Baseball Impacted Ichiro's Life Ichiro offered his insights on the impact of baseball on his life. "Baseball is so much more than hitting, throwing and running," he said, before adding, "baseball taught me to make valued decisions about what is important." And he spoke about dedicating himself fully to baseball in order to be able to keep playing until age 45. Indeed, the Japanese legend took his job seriously. "When fans use their precious time to come watch you play, you have a responsibility to perform for them," Ichiro said in his Sunday speech. "Whether we are winning by 10 [runs] or losing by 10, I felt my duty was to be motivated the same from Opening Day through game 162." About one-third of the way through his speech, Ichiro took a humorous dig at the BBWAA writer who ensured that he would not be a unanimous Hall of Fame selection in 2025. "Three-thousands hits or 262 in one season are achievements recognized by the writers ― well, all but one of you," Ichiro stated. The crowd reacted with "ooh!" and a mix of laughter, too. As a baseball player, the recurring sense of duty that Ichiro highlighted in his speech was a reminder of his love for the game. "By taking responsibility for yourself, you support your teammates and you don't cheat the fans," he said, describing the essence of his approach as a player. Ichiro Suzuki made his first visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, when he was an MLB rookie. (KYODO) The Difference Between Dreams and Goals In a vivid recollection from his childhood, Ichiro told the audience that he wrote an essay when he was an elementary school student. The essay was about his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. Looking back, he said, with the wisdom he gained over the years, he admitted he would now swap "dream" for "goal" in the essay. But why? "Dreams are not always realistic," Ichiro opined, "but goals can be possible if you think deeply about how to reach them." Waxing philosophically, he added: "In order to make your dream your goal, you must be honest in thinking about what is important to achieve it." Hideo Nomo (KYODO) The Influence of Hideo Nomo People that inspire others can also influence us to accomplish things. For example, when star pitcher Hideo Nomo left NPB's Kintetsu Buffaloes and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in February 1995, it was notable for Ichiro and Japan as a whole. Nomo was, after all, the first Japanese MLB player in 30 years. (Masanori Murakami pitched for the San Francisco Giants in 1964-65.) "His success inspired many, including me," Ichiro shared. "Thanks to him, MLB was always in the news in Japan, and MLB games were broadcast on TV because of Hideo Nomo's courage." This inspired Ichiro to pursue playing in the major leagues. And he personally thanked Nomo in Japanese during his speech. Numerous thank-you comments followed for the Orix BlueWave, the Seattle Mariners, the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins, the four teams he played for during his career. "Thank you for giving me the chance to reach 3,000 hits as a Marlin and with those teammates," Ichiro said with gratitude. Ichiro Suzuki's wife Yumiko (center) claps during his speech at the Baseball Hall of Fame. (KYODO) Near the end of his speech, Ichiro thanked his agents, the late Tony Attanasio and John Boggs, his longtime interpreter, Allen Turner, and his wife, Yumiko, for their unwavering support. "It would only be natural if she (Yumiko) had doubts, too," Ichiro pointed out, referring to skepticism about whether he would succeed as an MLB player. "But she never made me feel them. All of her energy was focused on supporting and encouraging me. "For 19 seasons in Seattle, New York and Miami, she made sure that our home was always happy and positive. I tried to be consistent as a player, but she's the most consistent teammate I ever had." Post-Speech Insights In a press conference held after his Hall of Fame induction ceremony speech, Ichiro Suzuki was asked why he decided to give his speech in English instead of Japanese. "Of course it's going to be better to speak in Japanese to get what I am trying to say across," Ichiro said through his interpreter. "But this is America, and being able to speak English, the fans would understand the most and be able to understand and feel how I was feeling. So there was no deciding factor. I always knew that I was going to do it in English." Several of the reporters' questions in Cooperstown in the post-induction press gathering cited Ichiro's humor-laced speech and he acknowledged that there are differences in telling jokes in Japanese and English. But he noted, for example, that he enjoys humor during dinner conversations with American friends. RELATED: Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
