Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney displayed a markedly different side to his public persona this week, transitioning from high-stakes global diplomacy to playful red carpet banter at a film industry event in Ottawa.
From Davos Realism to Ottawa Levity
Just days after delivering a sobering address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he warned about the fracturing of international norms and called for middle powers to unite, Carney appeared in decidedly lighter spirits. The economist and former central banker attended a gala celebrating Canadian cinematic achievement, where he shared the spotlight with Hudson Williams, the acclaimed star of HBO's hit ice hockey drama Heated Rivalry.
A Fleece and a Photographic Pose
The evening's most memorable moment occurred on the red carpet, where Williams presented Carney with a distinctive fleece jacket adorned with maple leaves, an item featured prominently in the television series. As photographers captured the scene, Carney turned to the actor with a playful instruction: "Do the leg thing." Williams complied, striking a coordinated pose with the prime minister that resulted in broad grins from both men.
Championing Canadian Creative Freedom
During his subsequent speech at the gala, Carney offered effusive praise for Heated Rivalry, even jokingly referring to Williams as his "new best friend." He revealed that production studios from the United States had attempted to dilute the show's content, a suggestion he firmly rejected.
"What is the point of that?" Carney asked the audience, drawing appreciative laughter. He emphasised that the series, which explores the complex relationship between two closeted ice hockey rivals, could only have been produced in a nation like Canada that genuinely "celebrates what makes us different."
Defending Representation and Taking Credit
Carney spoke thoughtfully about the show's central characters, noting they represent "two young men who are terrified of being their fullest selves." He connected their fictional struggle to contemporary global challenges, stating we live in "an increasingly dangerous, divided and intolerant world" where hard-won rights for the 2SLGBTQI+ community face renewed threats.
Displaying characteristic political humour, Carney then claimed partial responsibility for the drama's success, despite not holding office when its funding was approved. "I'm a politician, I'm not above taking credit for the Canadian funding that helped you share this story with the world," he quipped. "I greenlit this thing. I stood up to the Americans."
This lighthearted event provided a striking contrast to Carney's typically serious economic and diplomatic engagements, showcasing his ability to connect with cultural industries and champion homegrown creative expression.
