Canadian diplomats told: 'No more Justin Trudeau cut-outs'
Authorities take action after cardboard replicas of charismatic Prime Minister pop up around the US
Canadian diplomats have been instructed to stop using cardboard cut-outs of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to promote their country abroad.
Life-size Trudeaus were spotted at an official tourism stand at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, and at the Canadian consulate in Atlanta, Georgia, the BBC reports.
Visitors lined up to take a selfie with the cardboard PM and share the photo on social media.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
However, the authorities in Canada did not share the joke and have instructed diplomats to put the replicas back in the cupboard.
Michael O'Shaughnessy, Canada's global affairs spokesman, told CBC: "We are aware of instances where our missions in the United States had decided to purchase and use these cut-outs.
"The missions have been asked to no longer use these for their events."
Trudeau's youthful charisma has attracted international attention and turned him into a major selling point for delegations promoting Canada abroad.
His first meeting with Donald Trump was the subject of particular mirth on social media.
A video clip of Trudeau resisting one of the US President's trademark aggressive handshakes went viral, as did photos appearing to show Trump's daughter, Ivanka, supposedly "swooning" as they were introduced.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - anti-fascism, early voter turnout, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published