Prime Minister Carney throws shade at Maple Leafs

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks about the trade dispute with the United States at the Davie Shipyard in Levis, Quebec, Canada on August 24, 2026. The administration of US President Donald Trump warned on August 23 that Canada would be "foolish" to think it could win a trade war with the United States, predicting a "devastating" impact on its northern neighbor. Negotiations between Washington and Ottawa broke down late August 22, putting into force new 50-percent US tariffs impacting about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, or 5.5 percent of Canadian exports to the US. Canada in retaliation said it would match US tariffs, with new levies notably targeting the US steel and dairy industries to take effect on September 8.

ANDREJ IVANOV / AFP / Getty

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took a lighthearted jab at the Toronto Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup drought while announcing a federal investment in building cars for Via Rail trains Thursday.

"Our rail cars on our long distance and remote routes are more than 70 years old," Carney said. "They were built when the NHL had six teams. Goalies wouldn't wear masks. The Leafs would win the Cup. That's a long time ago."

Carney: "Our rail cars on our long distance and remote routes are more than 70 years old. They were built when the NHL had six teams. Goalies wouldn't wear masks. The Leafs would win the cup. That's a long time ago." pic.twitter.com/av1efaD4Yt
— Scott Robertson (@sarobertson_) September 3, 2026

The Maple Leafs haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1967, the longest active drought in the NHL. The Montreal Canadiens were the last Canadian team to win the Cup in 1993.

Carney grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, and is a fan of the Oilers.