Anka, 60, thrilled to be home: 'I was born about a hundred yards from here,' singer tell MPs at Hill reception

Paul Anka, Ottawa's prodigal son, returned home last night to a triumphant welcome at a reception on Parliament Hill only blocks from where he grew up.

The blast of his song Jubilation rocked the Speaker's Dining Room as a tanned and fit Mr. Anka entered the hall to the warm applause from dozens of MPs, family and longtime friends. The reception was the first of many events for Mr. Anka, who is in town after more than 20 years of being away to perform a concert Saturday night at the Congress Centre in aid of the Canadian Liver Foundation.

"This is quite a thrill and being back home is a very important moment for me," said Mr. Anka, 60, at a reception where he received a Canadian tourism award from Jim Watson, president of the Canadian Tourism Commission, for his ongoing promotion of Canada abroad. He was also given a Roots jacket, which he joked was "extra-small" in size.

"I was born about a hundred yards from here on O'Connor and Slater, and my family owned a restaurant down there. In fact, many government officials patronized the restaurant and they never paid their bills, but I think the statute of limitations is up," he quipped.

He said he left Ottawa at a young age to follow his dream of writing and performing and to try and break into the tough world of showbusiness. Even as he travelled the world performing in concerts, his thoughts would often harken back to Canada, his upbringing and the friends he left behind.

"Being Canadian has served me very, very well, and there's always a different kind of feeling I get from people when I arrive (in different cities). I'm sure it will be part of my job to tell the world what an incredible country this is."

Mr. Anka seemed overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection from family members, old friends and several politicians who were present at the reception. He was mobbed by well-wishers who either wanted an autograph or a photograph with the singer.

His aunt, Souad Tannis, was also at the reception and said she was overjoyed her nephew had finally returned home.

"I'm so happy he's back and so is the rest of his family in Ottawa," said Ms. Tannis, whose husband, Toufic, was a brother to Mr. Anka's mother, Camelia. She said she has kept in touch with Mr. Anka over the years and last saw him perform in November at Casino Rama in Orillia, Ont.

As a special treat, Ms. Tannis said she cooked up a few special Lebanese dishes yesterday and had them sent over to his hotel room.

"I wanted to treat him to some Lebanese home-style cooking. I was told he didn't eat the food yet, maybe later, he was very busy today."

Today he is to meet with Mayor Bob Chiarelli who will proclaim tomorrow _ the day of the concert _ Paul Anka Day.

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