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Speaker Mark Carney appears at TIFF event

The film's imminent start is a certainty.

Speaker Mark Carney makes an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Speaker Mark Carney makes an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

Speaker Mark Carney appears at TIFF event

Prime Minister Mark Carney Honours John Candy at TIFF

In a heartwarming and humorous tribute, Prime Minister Mark Carney paid homage to the late comedic legend John Candy at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Monday night.

The event began with a screening of a short tribute film, followed by a speech from PM Carney. The audience, filled with film enthusiasts, applauded and many stood in admiration as the Prime Minister spoke about Candy's qualities of humor, humanity, and humility.

PM Carney, who first became a fan of John Candy by watching SCTV, made a veiled reference to U.S. President Donald Trump during his speech. He compared Candy's standing up to bullies to a current situation, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

The production of the film "John Candy: I Like Me," which premiered at the festival, was supported by producers including Colin Hanks and Ryan Reynolds. Hanks, who also directed the film, promised a "little gem" for the Q and A session. Reynolds, in his capacity as a producer, mentioned that Candy's kids and widow were present in the audience.

After the screening, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey took the stage to thank volunteers and welcome former TIFF executives, including Piers Handling, Helga Stephenson, and Wayne Clarkson. In a light-hearted moment, Bailey jokingly offered PM Carney a position within TIFF, stating "Prime Minister Carney, I love how you talk about movies. You are hired!"

PM Carney joked about taking credit for the government's decisions regarding the funding of TIFF, further adding to the festive atmosphere of the evening. He also considered TIFF as part of what makes Canada unique and described the festival as an "unparalleled success story."

The evening was a testament to the enduring influence of John Candy and the power of cinema to bring people together. The premiere of "John Candy: I Like Me" promises to be a poignant and entertaining exploration of the life and career of a beloved comedic icon.

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