Canadian PM Acknowledges Drake In Speech

It seems even the Prime Minister of Canada is a fan! During the recent Juno Awards ceremony, Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged Toronto superstar Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham for his significant contributions to Canadian music and culture. The shout-out came as Carney presented fellow Canadian icon Joni Mitchell with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

A Nod to Canadian Music Greats

Carney highlighted Drake’s musical achievements alongside other celebrated Canadian artists like Mitchell, Rush, and Nelly Furtado. ‘Canada is the third-largest exporter of music in the world,’ Carney stated during the ceremony. ‘It’s a huge industry, but really, at the core of it, it’s our stories, it’s our emotions, it’s our heart, at a time when the world needs more Canada.’

The 55th Annual Juno Awards, held on March 30th at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, celebrated the best of Canadian music. This recognition from the Prime Minister underscores Drake’s global influence and his status as a prominent figure in the Canadian music landscape.

Drake’s Juno Awards Appearance and Past Grievances

While Drake wasn’t physically present to receive the acknowledgment, he did make an appearance via a pre-recorded video tribute to Nelly Furtado, who was being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. However, the tribute also included a playful jab at the Junos, referencing a perceived snub from 2011 when he hosted the awards.

To the Junos, because you are honoring one of my dearest friends tonight, I will spare you, even though I know you’re still thinking about those six awards that you gave to Shad in 2011 when you snubbed ‘Take Care’ as I hosted the 40th anniversary of your award show. But listen, that’s neither here nor there. Tonight we’ll let it go. — Drake

Drake concluded his message by expressing his love for Furtado and reminding the audience that his new album, ‘Iceman,’ is ‘coming soon.’ This dual acknowledgment—from the Prime Minister and through his own playful tribute—highlights Drake’s significant and multifaceted presence in Canadian culture.