Reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous begins with respect

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As the campaign progresses,  the leaders are facing more questions about how they plan to improve the lives of Canada’s indigenous peoples.

In a look back at the Liberal leader’s missteps, his reaction to an indigenous protester at a Liberal fundraising even in 2019 could be remembered by voters who desire a more urgent approach to reconciliation in Canada.

Trudeau was speaking to donors at an event in a Toronto hotel when a protester stood in front of his podium championing the cause of Grassy Narrows First Nation.

The northern Ontario community is calling for the federal government to provide compensation for years of poisoned water supply that began under Trudeau’s father’s government.

Security quickly moved in to remove the protester from the move.  And as they did, the prime minister had took a parting shot at her.

“Thank you very much for your donation tonight. I really appreciate the donation to the Liberal Party of Canada,” he said sarcastically.

Social media reaction to the Prime Minister’s comment was rapid.

#Thankyouforyourdonation began quickly trending on Twitter.

The next day, the prime minister was forced to apologize and expressed his regret for sarcastically thanking the woman.

“Last night I lacked respect towards them and I apologize for that,” he said.

He also vowed to make the situation in Grassy Narrows a priority.

With First Nations communities across the country discovering mass burial grounds at former residential schools, and with boil water advisories still in place in many communities, many of them say they remain deeply forgotten and disrespected.