Five Things: Justin Trudeau’s trip-up track record
OTTAWA — The newly unearthed images of Justin Trudeau wearing brownface and blackface that have rocked the federal election campaign comprise only the latest example of private-life revelations, gaffes or missteps that have undermined the Liberal leader’s carefully cultivated image as a standard-bearer for inclusiveness and tolerance. Here are some others:
‘THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION’ — At a $1,500-a-ticket Liberal fundraiser this past March, a protester interrupted Trudeau’s remarks to demand the Liberal government make good on its promise for a mercury treatment centre for Grassy Narrows First Nation. “Thank you for your donation,” Trudeau told the protester as security escorted the banner-toting woman from the room. “I really appreciate your donation to the Liberal Party of Canada.” The comments were captured on video and posted to social media.
“From time to time, I’m in situations where people are expressing concerns or protesting a particular thing, and I always try to be respectful and always try to engage with them in a positive way,” Trudeau said after the video surfaced. “That’s how I believe democracy should function, and I didn’t do that last night. Last night I lacked respect towards them and I apologize for that.”