Prime Minister Mark Carney joined the stars and creators of Heated Rivalry in Ottawa this week, offering high praise for the show’s international success and its distinctly Canadian voice.
The appearance took place on the red carpet at Prime Time, the annual media industry conference organized by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), which brings together leading figures from Canada’s television, film, and streaming sectors.
Actors Hudson Williams and Sophie Nélisse, two of the breakout stars of Heated Rivalry, were among the guests who met the Prime Minister during the event. Developed for Bell Media’s Crave streaming platform, the series has gained strong domestic and international attention for its storytelling, performances, and cultural authenticity.
During his remarks, Prime Minister Carney congratulated the creative team, emphasizing that Heated Rivalry is a show that only could be made in Canada. He highlighted the importance of Canadian talent, writers, and funding, as well as the show’s ability to reflect modern Canadian identity through themes of hockey, diversity, and inclusion. According to Carney, the series resonates because it celebrates who we are and who we want to love, while remaining grounded in a uniquely Canadian experience.
The event also featured a lighthearted moment when the Prime Minister was presented with a Team Canada fleece jacket worn by Hudson Williams in the series, symbolizing the close connection between the show and Canada’s hockey culture. The creators and producers behind Heated Rivalry were also in attendance, marking the occasion as a milestone for Canadian-made content reaching global audiences.
Prime Time continues to serve as a key platform for recognizing achievements in Canada’s screen-based industries, and the presence of the Prime Minister underscored the federal government’s support for homegrown creative success. For many attendees, the evening reflected growing confidence in Canada’s ability to produce stories that compete on the world stage while staying true to national values.
For this high-profile industry event in Ottawa, Layman Transport was selected to provide professional ground transportation services for participating guests and groups. As one of the experienced charter coach bus companies, Layman Transport supports major cultural and corporate events by offering reliable charter bus rental in Ottawa and charter coach bus with driver in Ottawa, ensuring smooth and coordinated travel for organizers and attendees alike.
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