Justin Trudeau Explained His Silent Moment But Still Didn't Mention Trump

One of the major topics of discussion this week is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's silent moment when asked about the situation in the United States. He was asked about his response again today. However, he would not directly say why he took so long to answer.

During his June 4 address, Trudeau announced new COVID-19 modelling, as well as some updates to benefits for seniors.

However, during the question period, the prime minister received queries about his silent response to a question about the ongoing protests over racist police brutality in the United States.

"Canadians continue to watch with consternation and horror at what's going on in the United States right now," he said, echoing the response he offered after his 21 seconds of silence.

Trudeau followed this by saying that Canadians cannot let it distract from their own country's issues and the work that needs to be done at home. 

The questions didn't end there, however, with one reporter speaking in French about how Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet referred to Trudeau as "spineless" for his response, and also mentioning criticisms from Jagmeet Singh and Reverend Al Sharpton.

"My job as prime minister is to stand up for Canadians' values, to express those values, and to ensure that I'm standing up for Canadians' interests as well, and I'm defending those interests, and I will continue to do that," Trudeau answered.

He also said that he would continue to support racialized Canadians and people all over the world in the fight against racism.

The reporter was apparently not satisfied with the answer, asking if Trudeau was afraid of reprisals from the Trump administration.

Trudeau was more succinct in answering this question, again saying he stands up for Canadians' values and interests while making it clear what those are. He concluded with "That's exactly what I've done."