In July 2025, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who led the country from 2015 to 2025, was spotted in Montreal with singer Katy Perry during her tour stop in the city. Their relationship, which has drawn public attention since early 2025, became more visible after Trudeau announced his resignation on January 6, 2025. At the time of his exit, his approval rating was 22 percent, a sharp decline attributed to criticism of his government's handling of migration policies, the housing crisis, and the state of healthcare. After stepping down, Trudeau was seen in public with Perry, including a visit to a Montreal restaurant and attending one of her concerts with his daughter, Ella-Grace. The pair’s public appearances together sparked a range of reactions. They were spotted at various events, including a festival in Santa Barbara, California, the World Cup held in the United States that summer, the Coachella music festival, and a Parisian nightclub called Crazy Horse. Their attendance at a World Cup match in the U.S. drew criticism from some Canadians, who felt they had missed the opening match of Canada’s team against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. Public reaction was described as "scathing," with many expressing frustration on social media, using sarcastic or bitter comments to voice their disapproval. Despite the controversy, Maclean’s magazine, a longstanding Canadian publication, suggested that the relationship between Trudeau and Perry is not entirely unexpected. Both were prominent figures in the 2010s: Trudeau was elected in 2015 as a symbol of progressive politics, known for his photogenic image and appeal to younger voters, while Perry was a global music star with her popular album Teenage Dream. However, both have seen their public influence decline as global and political landscapes have shifted over the years. Maclean’s, founded in 1905, has long covered politics, society, and culture in Anglophone Canada. Originally a conservative publication, it has evolved into a more centrist voice over time. The magazine has faced its share of controversies, including accusations of Islamophobia and a contentious cover on Quebec. It transitioned to a monthly publication in 2017 due to declining circulation but was recognized in 2023 as the best magazine in the News, Business, and General Interest category at the Canadian Magazine Awards.