By Canadian Press

PM accused of ‘callousness’ for heading to Tofino during reconciliation events

Oct 1, 2021 | 10:48 AM

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing backlash over his decision to fly to British Columbia to spend time with his family on the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

The Native Women’s Association of Canada says it is shocked that Trudeau “ducked out entirely” from a national day set aside to reflect on the legacy of residential schools.

Lynne Groulx, the head of the organization, says in a statement she is astounded by the “sheer level of callousness” of Trudeau’s decision.

The prime minister flew to Tofino, B.C., on Thursday, where Global News filmed him walking along the beach at one point, refusing to comment.

His office says he also spent several hours on the phone talking to residential school survivors and Trudeau did participate in a ceremony on Parliament Hill on Wednesday night.

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His daily public itinerary said at first that he was in “private meetings” in Ottawa Thursday, though this was later changed to reflect the actual location. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2021 

The Canadian Press