The dimly lit conference room erupted in cheers as Canada’s women’s hockey team robbed the United States of a gold medal in overtime.
But what happened next at the Canadian Media Production Association Prime Time event was as exciting as it was unusual.
What was supposed to be an interview with the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada turned into a private show of His Excellency singing our national anthem.
Throughout the luncheon, gasps and shrieks could be heard throughout the boardroom as the game went on, with Canada trailing 2-0 to their U.S. rivals until the last half of the third period.
More and more seats grew empty as the Canadian ladies headed into overtime, as conference attendees opted to watch the game on a giant screen in the lobby instead of sitting through the Governor’s address.
But after what many people dubbed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear the Governor General belt out our nation’s song, those who left the meeting wound up missing out on a quite a performance.
