Election
‘I didn’t think it was racist at the time,’ says apologetic PM, confirming he will not step down amid scathing ‘brownface’ Time report
By Mike Lapointe Sep. 18, 2019
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who told reporters he only found out the story was breaking hours before, says he's 'going to be asking Canadians to forgive me for what I did.'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Sept. 18, 2019, addressing reporters on the Liberal campaign plan following Time Magazine's report of him appearing in brownface, robes and a turban at a 2001 'Arabian Nights' event. Screenshot courtesy of CBC
OTTAWA—Following a bombshell Time Magazine report on Wednesday night detailing a 2001 incident in which he appeared in “brownface” at an event, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “he didn’t think it was racist at the time,” expressed regret, and confirmed he would not be stepping down.
Mike LapointeMike Lapointe joined the The Hill Times in June 2019 and covers the federal public service, deputy ministers, the Privy Council Office, public service unions, the Phoenix pay system, the machinery of government, and the Parliament Hill media.
Follow - mlapointe@hilltimes.com
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