Mark Carney Pictured Hugging Man In Thong At Vancouver Pride Parade

A Reuters photograph circulating online shows Prime Minister Mark Carney embracing a nearly naked man clad only in a pink thong and chest harness during Vancouver’s Pride Parade on Sunday.

Carney’s office had listed only a “1 p.m. appearance at the Vancouver Pride Parade” on the prime minister’s public itinerary after a morning port tour and meeting with British Columbia Premier David Eby. The unscheduled hug — snapped as the Liberal leader threaded through packed crowds — rocketed across social media after it was taken. (RELATED: Trump Threatens Trade Deal With Canada After Liberal Gov’t Moves To Recognize A Palestinian State)

“It’s Pride, it’s a celebration, it’s what is great about our country,” Carney told reporters, according to CityNews Montreal. “I’m just thrilled to be part of it.”

🚨INSANE: Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney hugging a guy in a pink thong at the Vancouver Pride Parade… https://t.co/UqgM4VDGor

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 4, 2025

The prime minister marched roughly a kilometer alongside drag performers and volunteers before departing under heavy security, the outlet reported. Organizers estimated about 100,000 people lined the downtown route despite tightened police presence.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a pride parade in Vancouver recently and shared a moment with a drag queen. pic.twitter.com/gcvgmLUSo0

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 4, 2025

Hours earlier Carney had paced Vancouver’s port with executives, hashing out responses to fresh U.S. tariffs before slipping into the parade. (RELATED: Clock Ticking For US Trading Partners As Trump’s Tariff Deadline Approaches)

Carney took office in late April after defeating Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in a bid to replace then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.