Prime Minister Mark Carney adopted a lighthearted tone at a major industry event in Ottawa, playfully taking credit for the success of the popular HBO ice hockey drama Heated Rivalry. The Prime Minister's remarks came during the Prime Time screen and media industry conference gala, where he highlighted Canada's unique role in fostering creative content that celebrates diversity.
Carney's Humorous Claim at Ottawa Gala
During his speech on Thursday evening, Carney joked about his involvement in the television series, stating, "I'm a politician, I'm not above taking credit for the Canadian funding that helped you share this story with the world." He added with a smile, "I may not have been here when the decision was made, but I am here now. I greenlit this thing. I stood up to the Americans." The Prime Minister's comments referenced reported pressure from studios south of the border to tone down the show's content, which he questioned light-heartedly.
A Show That Could Only Be Made in Canada
Carney emphasized that Heated Rivalry represents the kind of storytelling that thrives in Canada's creative environment. "The show could only be made in Canada as the country celebrates what makes us different," he told the audience. The series, based on novels by Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid, explores the secret romance between two gay hockey players, addressing themes of identity and acceptance in professional sports.
The Prime Minister connected the show's narrative to broader social issues, noting, "They're also two young men who are terrified of being their fullest selves. And we live in an increasingly dangerous, divided and intolerant world and the hard-fought rights of the 2SLGBTQI+ community are under threat." His attendance at the annual conference hosted by the Canadian Media Producers Association underscored the government's commitment to supporting the film and television sector.
Red Carpet Moments and Symbolic Gifts
Earlier in the evening, Carney shared a memorable moment on the red carpet with Hudson Williams, the British Columbia-born actor who stars in Heated Rivalry. According to reports, Carney humorously instructed Williams to "do the leg thing" as they posed for photographs together. Williams presented the Prime Minister with a distinctive fleece jacket from the show, featuring red maple leaves on the arms and the word "Canada" prominently displayed on the back.
This fleece has become something of a cultural phenomenon since its appearance on the series. The show's production company, Accent Aigu Entertainment, partnered with Canadian clothing brand Province of Canada to produce and market the jacket due to overwhelming fan demand. Executive producer Brendan Brady explained that the collaboration resulted directly from audience enthusiasm, with fans even launching a petition requesting that Team Canada adopt the jacket as official merchandise for the 2026 Winter Olympics. That petition gathered nearly 4,000 signatures, demonstrating the show's significant impact.
Celebrating Canadian Creative Independence
Carney praised show creator Jacob Tierney for bringing the project to Canada, noting that Tierney "did the smart thing. He came home to Canada." The Prime Minister's office released a statement confirming that his participation in the event aimed to highlight the strength of Canada's film and television industry. This appearance followed Carney's more serious address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, showcasing his ability to engage with different audiences on varied platforms.
The success of Heated Rivalry and the surrounding merchandise illustrates how Canadian productions can resonate both domestically and internationally. By supporting content that embraces diverse perspectives and challenges conventional narratives, Canada continues to establish itself as a hub for innovative storytelling that reflects contemporary social realities while entertaining global audiences.
