It’s the scandal that is making waves throughout the country.
Northern Ontario is reacting to the bombshell photos released Wednesday night that show Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau wearing racist makeup, blackface and brownface.
"To say that I’m disappointed in the photos is a gross understatement. I think that when you bring something like this to the foreground and when you participate in something like this, it brings up some really raw emotions and it’s a hurt that anybody who has been discriminated against understands,” says Anthony Rota, Liberal MP for Nipissing-Temiskaming.
"We really, really focussed a lot of our policies to make sure that we’re more inclusive and that’s the record of our Prime Minister, of inclusiveness, of making a difference for people. And he continues and he did apologize and we’re moving forward on it," said Liberal Nickel Belt Candidate Marc Serré.
Requests for interviews with local MP’s were being diverted to the national Liberal team.
Laurentian University Political Science Professor Nadia Verrelli isn’t sure if this is a smart strategy.
"Something as potentially explosive as this, I imagine the PMO’s (Prime Minister's Officer) office will want to control the message. Is it smart? I don’t know, time will tell. Is it surprising? No," said Verrelli.
As for if Trudeau should step down, Rota says he needs to think about the situation.
"I hope he takes time to reflect on it and what he’s done in the past. I don’t believe it’s happening now and I want to see it act as a catalyst, so that we can look at racism and deal with it and make sure that it doesn’t happen today," said Rota.
This is a developing story. More to come.
