Mike Myers doesn’t just bring laughs — he brings a little Canadian spice to the Saturday Night Live stage. During his surprise appearance on this weekend’s episode, the beloved SNL alum and Austin Powers icon made headlines not just for his comedy, but for his wardrobe choice. Myers proudly revealed a T-shirt reading “Canada is not for sale”, a direct clapback to President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion that the U.S. should consider annexing its friendly northern neighbor.
The message was clear, bold, and dripping with the kind of cheeky humor that’s made Myers a comedy legend. But beyond the laughs, his choice to make a political statement during SNL’s iconic curtain call is part of a long tradition of performers using their final moments on stage to say something a little louder than a punchline. And with fellow Canadian Martin Short recently caught in a similar cross-border gag, Myers’ timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
As Myers stood proudly beside host Shane Gillis, vest wide open to reveal his sartorial protest, it was a reminder that even in comedy, patriotism can have a place. And in Myers’ case, that place is right over his heart, proudly displaying a maple leaf.
A Legacy of Laughs and Statements
Mike Myers has been cracking up audiences for decades, from Wayne’s World to Austin Powers, but his love for Canada has always been part of his comedic DNA. Whether it was his frequent nods to his Toronto roots or his hilariously exaggerated Canadian politeness in sketches, Myers has always worn his nationality with pride. So, it’s no surprise that when the political chatter turned to Canada becoming America’s 51st state, Myers couldn’t resist chiming in — and in style.
His “Canada is not for sale” T-shirt wasn’t just a throwaway gag; it was a playful yet pointed jab at the absurdity of the whole idea. With the Canadian flag proudly displayed, Myers was effectively saying, “Thanks, but no thanks,” with the charm and wit only he could deliver. The placement — during SNL’s famous curtain call — ensured maximum visibility and impact, adding a touch of rebellious flair to the end of the show.
This kind of subtle political theater has become a hallmark of SNL’s modern era. Stars from Michael Keaton to Billie Eilish have all used their final bows to send messages, whether urging audiences to vote or raising awareness for important causes. Myers joined that legacy with a distinctly Canadian twist, proving that patriotism and punchlines can share the same stage.
Two Weeks, Two Shows, One Proud Canadian
If Myers’ appearance felt like déjà vu, that’s because it was his second SNL cameo in just two weeks. He also popped up during the SNL50 anniversary special, where he dusted off his beloved Linda Richman character and reminded audiences why he’s one of the show’s all-time greats. But even in that celebratory moment, the Canada-U.S. tensions weren’t far from the comedy.
During the SNL50 monologue, Myers’ fellow Canadian — and longtime comedy partner — Martin Short found himself at the center of a hilarious bit that saw him being “deported” by ICE agents. As he was dragged offstage, Short tried to save his skin by snitching on his fellow Canadian stars, listing Myers, Jim Carrey, and Catherine O’Hara as accomplices. It was classic SNL — silly, exaggerated, and just a little too close to reality.
That setup made Myers’ “Canada is not for sale” stunt feel even more like a sequel. If Short’s bit was the punchline, Myers’ T-shirt was the comeback — a playful yet firm declaration that Canada might laugh at the jokes, but it’s not laughing at the idea of losing its independence. Myers turned his pride into a punchline, and his punchline into a message.
The Spirit of SNL, With a Side of Maple Syrup
Mike Myers’ return to SNL was more than just a nostalgic cameo — it was a reminder of the show’s enduring spirit. For nearly 50 years, SNL has been a playground for comedians to not only entertain, but to push boundaries, challenge authority, and make the audience think. Myers brought that spirit full circle, blending his signature humor with a clear, proud message that managed to be funny, bold, and unmistakably Canadian.
While some might argue that politics has no place in comedy, SNL has always proven otherwise. Myers’ T-shirt was part of that grand tradition — a moment where a comedian’s personal identity, political beliefs, and comedic timing all came together in one perfect, maple-scented moment.
So whether you tuned in for the laughs or just to see what Myers would do next, one thing is clear: Canada isn’t for sale — and neither is Mike Myers’ sense of humor.