Rachael Dyal
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waited about 20 seconds before addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy military action against protesters during his morning’s update.
The prime minister appeared uncomfortable when a reporter asked for his opinion regarding the president’s warning he would unleash the military on protestors.
Many citizens across America have been demonstrating against years of police brutality after the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd, a Black man who died May 25 when a police officer placed a knee on his throat during an arrest.
Trump announced Monday that military action is needed to stop violent protests and riots in the streets of the U.S. over the past week.
Derek Chauvin is charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers who were involved in the arrest remain under investigation
Trump said in the press conference Monday that mayors and governors need to establish an overwhelming presence of law enforcers until the violence from protests cease.
“If the city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,” he said.
The announcement came right after police tear gassed peaceful protesters so Trump could pose with a Bible at a nearby church.
The prime minister hesitated to respond to a reporter’s question regarding his thoughts about Trump’s threats to deploy the military.
“We all watch in horror and consternation about what’s going on in the United States,” Trudeau said. “It’s a time for us as Canadian’s to recognize that we, too, have our challenges.
“That Black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination as a lived reality every single day,” he said. “There is systemic discrimination in Canada.”
As Canadians “we need to be allies in the fight against discrimination” and find out how people can be part of the solution, Trudeau said.
When pressed by the reporter why Trudeau hesitated to comment on Trump’s threat to use the military on Americans, Trudeau again avoided the question saying it’s his job as prime minister to stand up for Canadians.
“My job as a Canadian prime minister is to stand up for Canadians, to stand up for our interests, to stand up for our values,” he said. “That is what I have done from the very beginning, and that is what I will continue to do. Canadians need a government that will be there for them and to support them, and I will do that.”