Justin Trudeau oddly silent on Toronto cop's line of duty death

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The death of Toronto Police Const. Jeff Northrup on the job early Friday has prompted police services – both across the country and around the world – politicians, and people from all walks of life to offer condolences on social media.

But one person who’s been noticeably absent in the Northrup tributes is Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Granted he could have offered his condolences privately to the Northrup family and we don’t know.

But publicly, the optics aren’t great.

So what has the PM been tweeting about? A lot. Just not Northrup.

On Saturday it was about pollution.

“Cutting pollution and getting to net-zero is ambitious, but it’s possible and it’s necessary,” he partially tweeted Saturday noonish.

Friday night, it was the Habs game.

“Back on home ice. Let’s do this, @CanadiensMTL. #GoHabsGo #StanleyCup,” he tweeted.

On Friday, it was the B.C. wildfires, including the devastating Lytton one.

“I’ve spoken with Mayor Polderman and Acting Chief Haugen about the wildfire that devastated Lytton on Wednesday. I told them both that the federal government stands ready to assist – and will provide them with the support they need to rebuild. We are here for you.”

Also, Friday, COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Make sure you get your second dose when you can,” Trudeau partially tweeted. “I got mine today, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the health care workers who’ve made this all possible.”

And finally, the Middle East, also on Friday.

“On the phone today, @KingAbdullahII and I spoke about a number of common priorities – including promoting peace and security in the Middle East, combatting violent extremism and hatred, and strengthening the partnership between Canada and Jordan.”

At least Bill Blair, Trudeau’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the former Toronto Chief of Police, added his voice to the chorus of condolences sent by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Toronto Mayor John Tory, and countless others.

“It is with profound sadness that we learn of the death of
@TorontoPolice Constable Jeffrey Northrup, killed in the line of duty while protecting his City,” tweeted Blair on Friday.

“My deepest sympathies to his family, and to his Toronto Police colleagues. We share your grief and mourn the tragic loss of a friend who died in service to his community.”

Well said Blair.

Now when will the PM publicly weigh in?

As of Saturday early evening, he had yet to do so.

The Sun reached out to the PM’s media relations office Saturday morning but had yet to hear back by press time.

jstevenson@postmedia.com