Famous Canadian Politician -- Defends Dwyane Wade ... Diss Wasn't Intentional

Dwyane Wade is finally getting some Canadian love ... after getting blasted for shooting hoops during the Canadian national anthem -- with Drake's favorite politician calling for people to chill out.

In case you didn't know ... Wade's been accused of disrespecting our neighbors to the North for not standing at attention during "O Canada" before the Game 3 playoff game against the Toronto Raptors.

Wade tried to explain himself ... claiming he has a pre-game layup ritual he does before the 'Star-Spangled Banner' -- and innocently forgot to account for the Canadian anthem this time around.

People got pissed -- including the mayor of Toronto who tweeted at Dwyane to "respect the anthem."

Now, another famous Canadian politician is weighing in ... Norm Kelly -- a city counselor in Toronto who's more commonly known as Drake's fave politician ... after he launched a Twitter attack on Meek Mill a while back.

So, how did Kelly feel about the Wade situation?

"I empathize with Wade," Kelly tells us.

"I played hockey, baseball, football ... I understand the rituals athletes go through, especially before a playoff game. I don’t think he intended to be disrespectful."

"He should’ve just been more aware. I don’t think we’ll see a repeat of what he did. He’s smart. He’s aware. He’ll know next time."

Kelly says the bigger issue is that Canada is finally sticking up for itself on the world stage -- and refuses to be a punchline anymore!

"Why did Toronto react like they did? It’s because Canada is starting to flex their muscles. We’ve been the junior partner in North America for a long time. Now, there are people coming from around the world to enjoy Toronto’s way of living. The last Prime Minister was more involved militarily. We’re like the small kid on the block who suddenly has muscles."