PM Justin Trudeau is back on the road, holding unannounced, surprise photo ops where reporters can record but can’t ask any questions.
While in Okanagan for a photo op, reporters were allowed to take pictures and videos but were threatened with police action for daring to shout out a question at the Prime Minister.
As per the Kelowna Daily Courier, “Any shouted queries would result in police-assisted eviction from the various premises, handlers told the media.”
Trudeau stopped at three venues while in Okanagan, a Boys and Girls Club, a packinghouse, and a fruit stand, before being spirited away by a fleet of black SUVs to the safety of his private jet.
Still, while at the Tree Fruits shop, one reported dared to ask Trudeau a question, which was whether he’d meet with the Premier of BC. Trudeau said he would not.
It isn’t too surprising that Trudeau has taken such precautions. Indeed, making unannounced visits to various locations across the country has become somewhat of a trademark of the bumbling Prime Minister, who gets protested at nearly every event he attends that isn’t totally controlled.
Last week, Trudeau was forced to cancel a scheduled event in Ottawa due to a large protest that was planned. Fortunately for Trudeau, only one protester was aware of his presence in Okanagan.
“I’m a free citizen in hopefully a free country, standing on the sidewalk expressing my views,” said the protester. “Freedom is never free. You have to fight for it.”
Earlier this year, Trudeau attempted to hold a speaking event in Kamloops, BC, where he was mocked and ridiculed by an angry crowd of First Nations people calling him a criminal.
“Take your disrespect out of our tribe,” First Nations protesters chanted as Trudeau, and his armed security detail tried to make their way through the crowd.
Eventually, Trudeau made his way to the stage to give his speech, which went about as well as you’d expect.
“Today, we’re here to remember the L—” Trudeau began.
“You’re a criminal,” a First Nations protester interjected
“You’re not welcome here,” First Nations protesters screamed as Trudeau attempted to continue.
Eventually, he was forced to admit the disgust that First Nations had for him.
“I hear your anger towards me. That’s fine,” Trudeau said. “But I’d ask you to respect your elders, please.”
It isn’t clear what Trudeau plans to do once he needs to campaign again for an election, as the level of ire over his mere presence is palpable and is far from the pristine image a leader needs to project if he’s to be re-elected.
Not all events can be controlled in the way Trudeau managed to control his most recent events, and some serious PR work is warranted.
