Trudeau Addresses Protests in Canada and the US and Announces Support for Municipalities

Monday, 1 June 2020 11:51

The Prime Minister addressed growing protests in the United States and Canada today and also announced more support for municipalities.

CANADA - The Prime Minister addressed growing protests in the United States and Canada today.

Prime Minister Trudeau says he understands why people are frustrated.

"For far too many Canadians, the images and stories coming out of the US are all too familiar. As a country, we cannot pretend that racism does not exist here. Unconscious bias is real and systemic discrimination is real and they happen here in Canada. Over the weekend, we saw 1,000's of people gather across the country, to join peaceful protests against anti black racism."

Trudeau says by standing together and denouncing the few who would try to derail these demonstrations, Canadians are sending the message that they will never tolerate injustice.

"To young black Canadians, I hear you when you say you are anxious and angry, when you say this brings back painful experiences that you have faced. I want you to know that I am listening and that your Government will always stand with you. Together we will keep taking meaningful action to fight racism and discrimination in every form. The status quo where people face violence because of the colour of their skin is unacceptable. No parent should have to explain to their kids that they or their friends might face racism. It is time, it is past time for this to change. As leaders and allies, we must do the hard work to listen and learn, we must ensure that everyone is safe and respected. That includes journalists who do there work on the front lines to expose the truth and tell the stories we need to hear and we must as Canadians, always keep working together to build a fairer, better more equitable country for all."

Trudeau also announced support for municipalities today.

"In response to COVID-19 we will make available $2.2 Billion dollars for municipalities in the coming weeks through their yearly Federal support with the gas tax fund. Normally, municipalities receive these payments in two instalments but we know that Cities and Towns need this money right now because of COVID-19. That is why we are making the full 2020,2021 payment available now."

Municipalities will be receiving letters this week to explain how this support will work.

You can listen to Trudeau's statement regarding the protests below.