Election fallout from Trudeau’s brown face photos yet to be determined

Cook notes that the issue is drawing widespread attention to the federal election, and speculates that the photos give the NDP and Green parties an opportunity to have more voters listen to their platforms.

“But if you’re going to look at it in a cold realist way, which political scientists should do. We’ll see how it’s going to be spun, how he’s going to react to it, and his leadership qualities will be put to the test here with how he’s going to deal with this. But I expect him to get through it.”

On the other hand, some who saw the footage feel it raises questions around the Liberal leader’s character.

Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo NDP Riding Association President Bill Sundhu, says he was disappointed to see the display.

“We all make mistakes, we can be forgiven, but there appears to be a pattern now with a third video that emerged. I think this fails to acknowledge, and mocks the lived reality of millions of Canadians. people of colour, Indigenous persons who have had the lived experience and pain, the humiliating pain of racism.”

Liberal party candidate for the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo riding, Terry Lake, was unavailable for an on-camera interview but released a written statement regarding the photos that surfaced of his party’s leader.

“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made an unequivocal apology for his action, particularly for the hurt that it causes people of colour who have experienced discrimination throughout their lives. His actions as an MP and Prime Minister have demonstrated his commitment, and the commitment of the Liberal Party, to diversity and inclusion. Today, like every day, we should examine how discriminatory actions and comments affect our friends, neighbours and colleagues and we need to redouble our efforts to ensure all Canadians feel valued, and above all, equal.”

Local Conservative candidate, Cathy McLeod could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

Acknowledging how offensive the pictures are first, Green Party candidate Iain Currie says he thinks too much focus on the photos can detract from platform policies.

“This is just going to drum up more conversations about who do we like better, whose personality is is better suited to what the voters want. As opposed to whose platforms, whose policies (are better)- issues that Canadians really care about.”

As for how far-reaching the impact could be for the Liberal party, that will be made clear after the October 21 federal election.

by Dylana Milobar

Election fallout from Trudeau’s brown face photos yet to be determined

Our Community