The PM went on a trip to Tofino and people aren't happy about it
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has received criticism for going on a vacation with his family on Canada's first National Truth and Reconciliation Day - a trip that was not originally reflected on his official itinerary. Trudeau's official itinerary said that the prime minister was supposed to be in private meetings in Ottawa - but instead he was found vacationing with his family in Tofino, British Columbia, a claim the Prime Minister's Office confirmed.
"Yes the PM is spending time in Tofino with family for a few days," the office confirmed to Global News in a message, adding that Trudeau would also be speaking with residential school survivors from across the country after.
#Wreckonciliation?
Trudeau's trip, however, left a bad impression on the public, after it was found that he was invited by Tk'emlúps Nation to speak to survivors - an invitation that the prime minister failed to follow up.
"@Tkemlups sent two heartfelt invitations to @JustinTrudeau to join survivors and their families today. #wreckonciliation," said the group on Twitter.
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is a B.C. First Nation that announced early this year the discovery of more than 200 unmarked graves in a former residential school. A spokesperson for Conservative leader Erin O'Toole also slammed Trudeau for his little trip, saying the prime minister says "nice things about reconciliation but never follows through."
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Denial, apologies
Later on, events on Trudeau's official itinerary were updated to reveal private meetings in Tofino. Press Secretary Alex Wellstead also told The Canadian Press that Trudeau spent hours on the phone talking to school survivors, adding that Trudeau was not on a holiday. On Sunday, CBC reported that Trudeau spoke with Tk'emlúps Nation Kukpi7 (chief) Rosanne Casimir to apologise for not following up on her invitations.
Wellstead confirmed to the Daily Hive Trudeau's reaching out and apology to Casimir, adding that they also "discussed the path forward." The press secretary said the prime minister is looking forward to visiting the community soon.
RoseAnne Archibald, chief of the Assembly of First Nations, called Trudeau's apology "hollow" and said the prime minister should demonstrate his commitment to healing.
"As I stated to the Catholic church, hollow apologies will no longer be accepted. As National Chief, on behalf of all First Nations, I expect concrete action and changed behaviours," she said. "The Prime Minister must demonstrate through actions that he is committed to the healing path forward."
Archibald also urged the media to feature stories of survivors the way they covered Trudeau's trip.
"I ask media outlets to give as much to Survivors' stories as they are giving to the Prime Minister's behaviour on September 30," she said in a statement.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was commemorated on September 30 to remember the children who died while attending residential schools. The Liberal government passed a law for its annual commemoration just this June.