Katy Perry's love connection with Justin Trudeau was 'instant'

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry have stirred speculation about a possible romance following multiple sightings together in Montréal this week. Sources speaking to PEOPLE suggest that something may indeed be developing between the Canadian former prime minister and the pop superstar.

According to a Canadian insider, there’s mutual interest now that both are newly single—Perry having recently ended her engagement to Orlando Bloom.

“They are interested in each other, but it will take a while to see where this goes,” the source reveals. “She is traveling around the world, and he is figuring out his life now that he is no longer prime minister of Canada, but there is an attraction. They have a lot in common.”

Their shared outlook and interests may also be a connection point. “Music is one of many things they can share,” the source continues. Optimism is another: “Both are idealists and still live in a world where they think they can make improvements, although it has gotten more difficult.”

Trudeau, 53, separated from his wife Sophie Grégoire in 2023 after 18 years of marriage. The former couple has three teenage children. Perry, 40, confirmed in early July that she and Bloom had ended their engagement. They co-parent their daughter Daisy, born in 2020.

Despite the spark, practical realities could affect how quickly the relationship develops. “Their own personal responsibilities could make this relationship move slower than it would, but there are ways to see the other and still fulfill their parenting responsibilities,” the source notes. “For one thing, they each have an ex. So, duties are split in half. And long-distance relationships, while still hard, are possible for these two.”

The pair were seen walking a dog together through Mount Royal Park on Monday before heading to local restaurant Le Violon for dinner. During their outing, they met with Chef Danny Smiles and later visited the kitchen to thank the staff. TMZ reported that while they enjoyed cocktails and shared a meal, there were no public signs of affection.

“Justin is a [politician] who is used to living a secret life with his personal activity, and wouldn’t put on a public display at this stage,” another Canadian source told PEOPLE. “He knows they were being watched and is smart enough to play it low-key for now.”

That source adds, “[The] timing seems good for them, although a romance is in very early stages.”