Trudeau

Community reacts to Trudeau controversy

Sep 19, 2019 | 4:29 PM

Reaction continues to pour in from across the country following the publishing of photos of Justin Trudeau wearing brown face.

Locally, it is no different.

At UNBC, Political science lecturer Jason Morris stated it was a hot topic in the classroom Thursday morning.

“Students were trying to understand if this was a focusing issue that can impact a campaign or one of those things that detract away from issues that be the economy, healthcare, pipelines, and immigration and refugees. Also, should we be forgiving of people that have had problems in their past and that have apologized for it.”

Local candidates for the upcoming Federal election also had a reaction to the photos.

“I heard about it just like everyone else did,” shared Cariboo-Prince George candidate Tracy Calogheros.

“Listening to his apology last night I believe he very genuine and sincere.I thought a lot about it because the best lessons I have ever learned are from the mistakes I have made.”

Calogheros added during her statement that you have to allow political leaders make mistakes and to learn from them because if not, then you demand perfection from people and then you are just asking for them to lie to you.

Todd Doherty of the Conservatives and Heather Sapergia didn’t provide a comment, but Green Party candidate Mackenzie Kerr did provide this statement.

“If at 29 years old in 2001, you still didn’t understand that blackface was racist, then you’re a schmuck and deserve a stiff slap upside the head. Trudeau thinks that he shouldn’t be held to the same standards as regular Canadians, and this is not the first example. This arrogance coming out of our Prime Minister should not be tolerated.”

With these images coming out just 8 days after the WRIT dropped, this could change the theme moving forward for candidates.

“They say a day is like a month in politics so it is still a long campaign. However, the Liberals have really hurt themselves in terms of credibility on social justice and diversity, and multi-cultural issues which could become a theme in the upcoming leader’s debates and on the doorsteps for the candidates in the region,” added Norris.

The next Federal leader’s debate is set for October 4.

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