Canadian comedy legend Mike Myers has stepped into the political spotlight, joining Liberal Leader Mark Carney in a new election campaign ad that is already generating national and international buzz. Released on March 22, the 60-second video features the iconic actor alongside Carney at a hockey arena, both dressed in Team Canada jerseys, as they engage in a lighthearted and patriotic exchange rooted in Canadian identity and culture.
The ad, part of Carney’s “Canada Strong” campaign, was released just one day before he formally requested Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament, officially launching the federal election scheduled for April 28. The ad is designed to evoke a strong sense of Canadian pride while offering a humorous yet meaningful start to Carney’s campaign.
In the video, Carney quizzes Myers on classic Canadian trivia — including questions about Mr. Dressup’s puppet friends, The Tragically Hip, and what to do on a two-on-one hockey rush. Myers, a Scarborough native who now lives in the U.S., answers each question with ease, affirming his Canadian roots. The ad concludes with a symbolic moment, as the two share an “elbows up” gesture — a salute to Canadian resilience and unity — and Carney’s promise, “There will always be a Canada.”
The ad has already made waves in the United States, with coverage on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” Commentator Joe Scarborough praised Carney’s presence, calling him “a great political talent.” Former U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill noted that recent rhetoric from former President Donald Trump, including offhand remarks about Canada becoming the “51st state,” has helped shift momentum toward the Liberals, pointing to growing support in the wake of the ad.
Political experts in Canada, including McMaster University’s Peter Graefe, observed that while the ad may lack specific policy content, it effectively appeals to voters on an emotional level. Graefe described the video as “an effective piece of electoral storytelling,” likening it to “Seinfeld nationalism” — nationalism about nothing — but noted its strategic use of a widely beloved figure like Myers to promote unity and cultural identity.
As the federal campaign officially begins, the ad sets a tone of optimism, pride, and subtle defiance, suggesting the Liberals are ready to run on more than just policy — they’re aiming to tap into what it truly means to be Canadian.