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Prime Minister Mark Carney to speak at opening night of Toronto International Film Festival

TORONTO — Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to speak tonight at the opening of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival.
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Pedestrians walk by a covered TIFF sign as preparations for the Toronto International Film Festival continue in Toronto, on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

TORONTO — Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to speak tonight at the opening of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival.

He'll be making remarks ahead of a screening of “John Candy: I Like Me,” a documentary celebrating the late Canadian comedian.

Carney has been in Toronto this week for a Liberal cabinet retreat before Parliament resumes later this month.

Producer Ryan Reynolds and director Colin Hanks spoke about the Candy project during a press conference earlier in the day.

Candy’s son and daughter were also on hand to pay tribute to their father, who died of a heart attack in 1994 at age 43 while filming in Mexico.

The film about the beloved comic's life and work features interviews with Conan O’Brien, Martin Short, Steve Martin and Bill Murray.

Another big draw on the first day of the festival was U.K. pop star Charli XCX, who made her feature film debut in the drama “Erupcja.”

Charli hit the red carpet briefly in a black mini dress as onlookers cheered on.

TIFF runs until Sept. 14.

Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press