Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has captured the internet’s attention with a viral video showing him dancing in celebration following his surprise election win — a moment many have dubbed the “cool dad” dance, reflecting a wave of national pride and defiance.
Carney’s relaxed and upbeat celebration followed a historic election outcome widely seen as a rejection of U.S. President Donald Trump’s antagonistic posture toward Canada.
Throughout the campaign, Trump’s controversial remarks — including calling Canada the “51st state” and hinting at annexation — sparked outrage.
His imposition of tariffs and inflammatory rhetoric triggered a nationalist backlash, prompting Canadians to rally around Carney’s centrist message.
In the lead-up to the election, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was the favorite, buoyed by dissatisfaction with the incumbent Liberal government.
However, his perceived alignment with Trump-like policies — including calls to defund the CBC and cut foreign aid — ultimately alienated voters amid rising nationalist fervor.
As tensions with the U.S. escalated, many Canadians embraced Carney’s vision as a stabilizing force.
The election ended in a shocking upset: not only did the Liberals reclaim power, but Poilievre also lost his longtime Carleton seat in Ontario — making him the first major party leader to be unseated in a federal election since 1993.
Despite the loss, Poilievre has announced plans to remain Conservative Party leader. Meanwhile, Carney’s dance has become an enduring symbol of Canada’s political shift, encapsulating a sense of renewed unity and resilience in the face of global uncertainty.
Watch the viral video of Prime Minister Mark Carney dancing here
