As the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics opened Friday, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney used social media to shift the focus beyond medals, calling for unity in an increasingly divided world. In a video message to Team Canada, the PM framed the Games as a rare moment for connection, urging athletes to carry a message of togetherness as global tensions remain high.
“Good luck, Team Canada. You’ve earned this moment. After long days and late nights, through discipline, sacrifice and relentless effort, you’re ready to compete at the highest level,” the prime minister said.
“Our country is right behind you. In a more divided and uncertain world, your success will unite Canadians from coast to coast to coast, and remind us that we are part of something bigger.”
The message comes as Canadians prepare to watch athletes represent their country with a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars. Casting the Games as more than a medal chase, Carney leaned into the emotional pull of sport itself, calling them “nation building ” in a separate press release.
Not everyone embraced the prime minister’s message.
Some took to social media to question his description of the world as “divided” and “uncertain,” arguing it paints a grim image at a moment meant for celebration. Others defended the remarks, saying they added weight to the athletes’ accomplishments and reminded the country of the unifying power of sport.
The prime minister, seated at his desk in what Marie-Philip Poulin Team Canada jersey and pen in hand, closed his statement saying, “You’re wearing the maple leaf with pride in the Olympics and Paralympics, thank you. Thank you for inspiring us and for demonstrating to Canadians, and to the world, the very best of Canada. Your country is with you. Canadians are with you. This is your moment and it’s our celebration of what makes you, and Canada, great.”
‘THIS is how a leader should sound’ to ‘Can’t politics be left out’: Social media divided
The prime minister’s call for unity drew a mix of praise and pushback online. While some Canadians applauded the message as inspiring, others took issue with his description of the world as “divided” and “uncertain,” sparking debate over the tone of his Olympic address.
“The contrast between Canada’s PM and the American President has never been more obvious,” jotted down one user.
X response to Canadian PM’s address to Team Canada. (Image screenshot from @freetoagoodhome/X)
Another user decried the PM’s use of politics in a sports message, keying in “Can’t politics be left out of this message?”
X response to PM’s Team Canada address. (Screengrab courtesy: @consultant_Neil/X)
@Moveebuff1953 said it simply. “Now this is how a leader should sound!”
X response to PM’s Olympic address to Team Canada. (X screencrab via @moveebuff1953)
Other users decried the use of the political messaging in the PM’s statement to Team Canada. “Stop making our hockey teams political tools for you to promote a ‘divided’ agenda.”
X response to PM’s address to Team Canada. (Screengrab via @dkreative1/X)
It seems that wherever people stand on Carney’s message, there’s one thing that Canadians are looking forward to: watching Team Canada compete at the Milano Cortina Olympic Games, after a strong showing at the opening ceremony.