BREAKING: Trudeau apologizes for role in We Charity scandal but won’t resign

Controversy arose after the prime minister attempted to award a near-billion dollar contract to the WE Charity—a contract which was eventually cancelled after media began to scrutinize the contract and his ties to the charity.

"I made a mistake in not recusing myself immediately from the discussions, given our family's history, and I'm sincerely sorry about not having done that," Trudeau said outside of Rideau Hall during a press conference.

Justin Trudeau has had a close relationship with the WE Charity and their co-founders. Trudeau has hosted multiple events for the charity, even when he held elected office.

He has a close family connection with the WE Charity, with his wife, brother, and mother all receiving honorariums for their appearances at WE events.

The apology comes shortly after Trudeau told media that the decision to move forward with the WE Charity contract was finalized by cabinet, though he did not recuse himself from the decision.

"We've long worked on youth issues, both as before I got into politics and since I've been in politics as youth critic, getting young people involved in serving their country, recognizing their desire to build a bigger, better Canada, particularly through this time of crisis, is something I believe in deeply," said Trudeau.