Justin Trudeau’s town hall in Edmonton sees him field questions on pipelines, veterans and racism
The prime minister faced tough questions from a disabled veteran, an Indigenous woman angry about racism and people worried about stalled oil pipelines during a town hall meeting in Edmonton Thursday.
A former soldier who lost a leg in Afghanistan was critical of Ottawa’s plan to reform some veteran’s programs, including changes to disability pensions.
“I was prepared to be killed in action,” said the man who had military medals pinned to his shirt. “What I wasn’t prepared for Mr. prime minister is Canada turning its back on me.”
Trudeau thanked the man for his service and said his frustration and anger are justifiable.
He said the government is investing more in programs to help veterans throughout their lives instead of the lump sum payments under the old system.
Trudeau said that program spending must be taken into account.
“Why are we still fighting against certain veteran’s groups in court? Because they are asking for more than we are able to give right now,” Trudeau said to some shouts and boos from the crowd.
“You are asking for honest answers.”
A woman told Trudeau that Indigenous people continue to face racism and called for more action to better their lives.
The woman’s voice shook with emotion as she spoke of the media vilifying Indigenous people. She mentioned murder trials underway in Winnipeg and in Saskatchewan where the victims are Indigenous.
“Racism is alive and real right now in Canada. It is happening to Tina Fontaine’s family. It is happening to Colten Boushie’s family,” she said.
“What are you going to do for our communities because I don’t see you doing a lot, and that kind of hurts my heart.”
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