Close X
Thursday, December 12, 2024
ADVT 
National

Trudeau's comments on Kamala Harris 'not helpful,' premiers say, as Musk blasts PM

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Dec, 2024 05:32 PM
  • Trudeau's comments on Kamala Harris 'not helpful,' premiers say, as Musk blasts PM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments likening Kamala Harris's election loss to an attack on women's rights and progress earned him criticism from the country's premiers and from American billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday.

Speaking on Tuesday night at an event hosted by the Equal Voice Foundation — an organization dedicated to improving gender representation in Canadian politics — Trudeau said there are regressive forces fighting against women's progress.

"It shouldn't be that way. It wasn't supposed to be that way. We were supposed to be on a steady, if difficult sometimes, march towards progress," Trudeau said, adding he is a proud feminist and will always be an ally.

"And yet, just a few weeks ago, the United States voted for a second time to not elect its first woman president. Everywhere, women's rights and women's progress are under attack. Overtly, and subtly."

In a post on X on Wednesday, Musk responded to Trudeau's remarks, saying, "He’s such an insufferable tool. Won't be in power for much longer."

The comments also didn't sit well with the country's premiers, with whom Trudeau and several cabinet ministers met late Wednesday to discuss Canada's approach to negotiations with the U.S.

Incoming president Donald Trump has threatened Canada with a 25 per cent tariff on its imports to the United States unless the country meets his demands to improve security at the border.

The Liberal government has been urging the premiers and opposition leaders alike to present a united "Team Canada" front to the Americans. 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who chairs the Council of the Federation, said the premiers let Trudeau know his comments were "not helpful at all." 

"Donald Trump was elected democratically," Ford said. "If you like him or you don't like him, that's not our issue."

He added that he's sure Trudeau "got the message loud and clear."

When asked about Ford's criticism after the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said in French that Trudeau has always been a champion of women in politics.

Earlier this week, Trump taunted Trudeau on social media, referring to the prime minister as the governor of what he called the "Great State of Canada."

The post was an apparent reference to a joke Trump cracked at a dinner with Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago estate nearly two weeks ago. 

In response to Trudeau's concerns that a 25 per cent tariff would deal a massive blow to Canada's economy, the president-elect teased that Canada could join the U.S. as its 51st state. 

He later posted an AI-generated image on social media of himself standing atop a mountain with a Canadian flag flying, with the caption "Oh Canada." 

MORE National ARTICLES

Avian flu at another farm

Avian flu at another farm
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says avian flu has been detected at another commercial poultry farm in Abbotsford.  The agency says there are now 66 locations in B-C where the virus has been found.

Avian flu at another farm

Shooting suspect on the lam in Abbotsford

Shooting suspect on the lam in Abbotsford
Police in Abbotsford say a shooting suspect is on the loose after officers were called to a Harris Road property early yesterday morning.  Police say the owner encountered an unknown man on his property and the suspect fired shots before running away after an unspecified interaction with the property owner. 

Shooting suspect on the lam in Abbotsford

Body found in Burred Inlet

Body found in Burred Inlet
Police in Port Moody say they're investigating the discovery of a dead body floating in Burrard Inlet over the weekend. Police say the body was reported on Saturday at a boat launch at Rocky Point Park. 

Body found in Burred Inlet

Edmonton police investigating after infant found dead in parking lot

Edmonton police investigating after infant found dead in parking lot
Police in Edmonton are investigating the death of an infant discovered in a shopping centre parking lot.  They say officers were called Saturday afternoon to the shopping complex in the city's south end and found the body. 

Edmonton police investigating after infant found dead in parking lot

BoC expected to lower interest rates again, with odds leaning toward larger cut

BoC expected to lower interest rates again, with odds leaning toward larger cut
Financial markets and forecasters are betting on another jumbo interest rate cut from the Bank of Canada this week. Statistics Canada's latest job report tilted expectations in favour of a larger cut. 

BoC expected to lower interest rates again, with odds leaning toward larger cut

Salvation Army says holiday donations down 50 per cent since mail strike began

Salvation Army says holiday donations down 50 per cent since mail strike began
The Salvation Army says holiday donations are down 50 per cent since the Canada Post strike began, amounting to a drop of roughly $9.3 million in seasonal giving compared to this time last year. 65 per cent of The Salvation Army's annual fundraising occurs between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, roughly two-thirds of that by mail.

Salvation Army says holiday donations down 50 per cent since mail strike began