'We Are All Canadians': TIFF stars rally around Canada amid U.S. tensions

The growing rift between Canada and the U.S. amid ongoing trade tensions is seeping into the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), with some of Hollywood's biggest stars putting up their elbows in support of Canada.

From the red carpet to TIFF premieres and interviews, actors have been talking about what makes Canadian culture and the country's film industry worth protecting at a time when the relationship between the two neighbours has become increasingly strained.

Dame Helen Mirren wore her heart on her sleeve when expressing her love for Canada.

"I want to defend all of Canada, French and English." the British star said in an interview with CBC Radio-Canada. "I wanted to print T-shirts before I came here that said 'We Are All Canadians,' because I believe it's important that everyone supports Canada in this particular moment."

The timing is hard to miss. TIFF is taking place as the relationship between Canada and the U.S. are growing increasingly strained amid an ongoing trade fight, with tariffs and counter-tariffs putting pressure on businesses on both sides of the border.

The film industry has its own complicated history with that relationship.

For decades, American productions have come to Canada to make movies and television shows, bringing work to Canadian actors, crews and production companies while giving Hollywood access to the country's talent, locations and production infrastructure.

Mirren's comments came as she received the TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award at the festival's annual Tribute Awards gala.

The star wasn't alone in showing some love for the land of maple syrup, moose and saying "sorry" when nobody asked.

Jay Baruchel: 'We will be fine'

Jay Baruchel arrived at TIFF for "The Stunt Driver," a Canadian film about stuntman Ken Carter, known as "The Mad Canadian."

The Canadian actor, who has spent plenty of time working south of the border, said there is nowhere else he would rather be.

"Because I'm a Canadian and I live here and I participate in this country and I think it's the best country the world's come up with so far," he said in an interview with The Canadian Press.

And, in a wonderfully Canadian admission, Baruchel said his feelings are partly selfish.

"You know, selfishly I just don't want to leave. I'd rather just be here."

At a time when Canada's relationship with the U.S. is under unusual strain, Baruchel said the country's "sovereignty and way of life seems to be under constant threat," in his opinion.

He described Canada as a country built on "compassion and reason," adding that those qualities are "in short supply elsewhere lately."

For Baruchel, the moment is also a reminder that none of it should be taken for granted.

"I think I wish it didn't take an existential threat for people to appreciate how good we have it here," he said.

If Sarah Paulson was busy falling more in love with Canada, her "Closing Night" co-star and Toronto-born co-writer Devon Bostick was ready to make an even bigger declaration.

Bostick, who co-wrote the film, said he feels "we're part of a Canadian renaissance right now."

The timing was fitting as "Closing Night", which also premiered at TIFF, follows a movie star played by Paulson as she tries to reconnect with her estranged family.

Bostick now lives in the U.S., but said he has been watching Canada from afar and likes what he sees.

"I live in the States now and from afar I just think Canada's got it going on, and I feel like it's a beacon of light, that what is happening here is thriving and resisting," he said.

Then came the question of whether he was worried about Canada's film industry as tensions with the U.S. continue.

"I think I'm not afraid for Canada, I'm afraid for the States," he quipped.

Mary Walsh wants Canadians to back their own stories

Mary Walsh was not about to let the moment pass without delivering a little tough love for the Canadian film industry.

The comedian, actor and writer said the industry is stronger than ever, even as tensions with the U.S. continue to raise questions about its future.

Mary Walsh is pictured on the red carpet for "Below" at the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Laura Proctor

"The Canadian film industry is bigger than it's ever been, and it's growing," Walsh said in a red carpet interview with CBC News.

The "Below" star had a theory about what all the pressure from south of the border might actually accomplish.

"The more Mr. Trump threatens to attack us, the more we pull together and become stronger," she said.

Walsh suggested the threats could even be the "kick in the arse that the Canadian film industry needed."