Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apparently stopped in Tofino, British Columbia on Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apparently stopped in Tofino, British Columbia on Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, despite being invited to the residential school in Kamloops where 215 unmarked graves were found.
The prime minister did attend a ceremony for the launch of the new statutory holiday on Wednesday in Ottawa, which honours the "Indigenous children who died while attending residential schools, survivors, families, and communities affected by the legacy of Canada's residential school system."
Trudeau's itinerary for the next day, however, showed that he would be in Ottawa for "Private meetings," with no mention of travel to British Columbia.
According to Mercedes Stephenson and Rachel Gilmore of Global News, a spokesperson at the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the Trudeaus flew to Tofino "for a few days off."
"Yes the PM is spending time in Tofino with family for a few days," Trudeau’s spokesperson wrote.
"And, following his participation in last night’s ceremony marking the first National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, he is speaking today with residential school survivors from across the country."
Trudeau's time in Tofino appears to be in passing. According to the Toronto Sun's Bryan Passifiume, the prime minister would fly shortly after to Victoria, BC.
According to a tweet from the Tk’emlúps Te Secwépemc First Nation, the prime minister was invited in two locations to join "survivors and their families today" in Kamloops, where 215 bodies were discovered in May of this year.
According to Mercedes Stephenson, the PMO says Prime Minister Trudeau’s schedule is now being updated to accurately reflect where he is.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
