In a bold showcase of national pride, Canadian comedian Mike Myers has joined Prime Minister Mark Carney in a new political advertisement aimed at reinforcing Canadian sovereignty and poking fun at U.S. President Donald Trump. The almost one-minute video, which has quickly garnered over 4.7 million views since its release on March 22, 2025, features Myers donning a Team Canada jersey with "Never 51" emblazoned on the back—a direct reference to Trump’s claims that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.
Filmed inside an ice hockey rink, the ad opens with Carney and Myers watching a Team Canada game. In a lighthearted exchange laden with Canadian cultural references, Carney quizzes Myers about his Canadian credentials. The comedic banter kicks off as Carney asks Myers various trivia questions, starting with, “Do you remember Mr. Dressup? What were the names of Mr. Dressup’s two puppet friends?” to which Myers promptly answers, "Casey and Finnegan." As the quiz continues, Myers expertly navigates other questions, including the humorous query about the two seasons in Toronto—"Winter and construction." Carney, visibly impressed, concludes, "Wow, you really are Canadian."
Building on the jest, the two share a significant moment when Myers poses the question, "Mr. Prime Minister, will there always be a Canada?" Carney affirms, "There will always be a Canada." The exchange captures the ad’s essence—an assertion of Canadian identity amidst political provocation.
The phrase "elbows up," a nod to the world of hockey, becomes a rallying cry as both figures repeat it in unison. This term has transcended its sporting roots to symbolize a collective resistance among Canadians against Trump’s tariff threats and his dismissive comments about Canada. Myers popularized this phrase during a recent guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, signaling unity among Canadians facing external pressures.
This ad emerges during a time of palpable tension between Canada and the United States, heightened by Trump’s recent trade policies. In an escalating trade war, Trump implemented a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, significantly affecting the economic landscape. This new approach aims to compel Canadian officials to address security and trade relations, an effort many analysts say could backfire by increasing prices for American consumers.
In light of these tensions, Carney, who was sworn in as Prime Minister on March 14, 2025, has called for a snap election on April 28, seeking a mandate to counteract Trump’s aggressive tactics. Carney described Trump’s tariffs as "unjust" and stated in a recent speech, "President Trump claims that Canada isn't a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen. We need to build the strongest economy in the G7."
The advertisement serves as a crucial platform for Carney in the lead-up to the elections, showcasing his strategy to meld humor and patriotism to engage voters. Political analysts have observed that the Liberal Party faced significant challenges in the polls prior to the announcement of Trudeau's resignation and the rise of trade tensions. However, Carney’s punchy strategy, coupled with Myers' celebrity status, presents a unique opportunity to reshape public perception.
By claiming a narrative of resilience and solidarity, Carney and Myers hope to galvanize voters who may feel uncertain about the direction of the country in light of the growing U.S. influence. With Canada's sovereignty and identity at stake, this advertisement stands tall as a cultural symbol of resistance against external pressures.
As the election draws near, the backing of cultural icons like Myers is pivotal. His involvement in the campaign bridges generational and cultural divides, appealing to younger voters seeking engagement through humor while still addressing serious political concerns. The phrase “elbows up” encapsulates a sentiment increasingly resonating across the nation—an insistence on standing firm in the face of uncertainty and maintaining Canada’s distinct identity.
The stark contrast between Canada’s national pride and Trump’s statements—where he alluded to subsidizing Canada by a staggering $200 billion annually albeit the actual trade deficit stood at $63.3 billion for 2024—serves as a backdrop for vital discussions about immigration, trade policy, and economic stability between the two countries.
As the dust settles post-election, Carney's strategic positioning—using humor and celebrity endorsement—will be put to the ultimate test not only through the results at the ballot box but also in achieving an economically stable relationship with a neighboring superpower.
Regardless of the election’s outcome, both the ad and Carney’s assertions echo a crucial message: Canada’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
