PM Trudeau shows reluctance to comment on President Trump's actions amidst protests

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked about the protests in the U.S. and President Donald Trump’s talk of deploying the military to stop unrest.

He paused a full 20 seconds, lips pursed, jaw working, before saying that despite watching the United States with “horror and consternation,” Canadians must be aware of the challenges facing black Canadians and other minorities and take steps to address them.

“It is a time to listen, it is a time to learn what injustices continue despite progress over years and decades,” Trudeau said.

“But it is a time for us as Canadians to recognize that we too have our challenges, that black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination as a lived reality every single day.

“There is systemic discrimination in Canada, which means our systems treat Canadians of colour, Canadians who are racialized, differently than they do others.”

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[fiyamage]

I don't understand the criticism for the silence. I'd rather a leader that think about their words as oppose to spew off insults on Twitter. He made it about Canada which is what we want, he understands that we can't claim a moral high ground without fixing our own biases.

[whidbey]

If I were Canadian, I'd be reassured that Canada has leadership the THINKS BEFORE TALKING!!

[brinag]

Interesting to see Canadians versus Americans comment on this. Americans on CNN are impressed that JT didn't just give a knee jerk reaction, he reflected before he spoke. Canadians on the other hand are critical that he didn't bash Trump more. I'm sorry but what good would that do? Other than have a baffoon president turn our PM's comments into a circus show and distract everyone from the real conversation? I agree with JT that we have our own racism we have to deal with right here at home. We need to listen more and recognize it. Great answer 👏

[GMATveteran]

I know Trudeau's answer is all platitudes, & his pause is just hilarious, but it was actually a fairly good answer. The best way Canada can promote change in the US is to set a good example for what a tolerant & peaceful society can be, & let Canada be a model for the US & the rest of the world. If Canada can honestly reflect upon & mitigate its own issues, I have no doubt more & more like-minded Americans who respect diversity & resist intolerance will look up to Canada. If current trends persist, "moving to Canada" won't just be an American trope, it'll be a reality. And all joking aside, such a trend would make Canada a stronger nation.

[justinminhnguyen]

"Take Care Of Your Tongue Like The Way You Take Care Of Gold & Silver".

[JimmyRas]

God bless Canadian reports like them or hate them they ask better questions.

[-phlpnrth-]

The way the Aboriginal Indians are treated by police in Canada is typical of discrimination.

[rawahadi]

Gave himself adequate time to make sure not to mispronounce consternation into constipation smart move very smart move.

[nlpchannel]

Perfect...21 seconds of silence speaks volumes Thank you I'm so grateful I live in Canada. ---

[factcheck]

Wow, he actually thought before he spoke. Would have been so easy to blame Trump for everything, but he didn’t stoop to Trump’s level. He called for unity and understanding.

[noon]

He made a strong statement without a word noticed around the world.

[amunbabar]

In all honesty I’m really happy he took his time to think before he started speaking. That’s what leaders do.

[elonthehill]

His father was PM when the residential schools were still in full action. Has anyone ever asked him about that?

[TheBeaver]

Unfortunately with all this crap we are seeing on Tv this hatred is far from over. This is not the way its done.

[bobt]

This shows true leadership, the pause. Unlike others. Justin thinks about what he has to say and takes into consideration of others feelings, .
Thank You Mr. Prime Minister.

[PreacherAtArrakeen]

In the interests of Canada and Canadians, Justin walks on eggshells around the loony. Given how vindictive Drumpf is, he'd close the border and tear up whatever trade deal he signed with Canada, which would hurt Canadians more than hurt Herr Shitstorm. Though I think he looked like a deer in the headlights, I think his pause conveys, without words, exactly what he thinks of The Man in the High Chair.

[georgeryerson]

LMFAO ! he's quoting simon and garfunkle . GOOD CALL DEACON GREEN .

[npcslayer]

Yes JT there is a racial discrimination problem in Canada.
Only instead of saying racialized Canadians I think it would be more accurate to say White Canadians.
Good job stirring up a bunch of racial tension JT...keep up the bad work!

[PiratesRock]

Lmao, this is reminding me when Keanu Reeves pauses for only like 10 seconds and that made the news. Like, guys, people pause when they answer a difficult question, that should be a normal thing.

[b.k]

That silence is powerful and thoughtful. Two words you could never associate with that racist charlatan crook in the White House. Thank you, prime minister Trudeau. You give us faith.