Trudeau accused of 'callousness' for heading to Tofino instead of reconciliation events

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced backlash Friday over his decision to fly to British Columbia to spend time with his family on the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) said it is shocked that Trudeau “ducked out entirely” from a national day set aside to reflect on the legacy of residential schools.

Lynne Groulx, the head of the political advocacy organization for Indigenous women, said in a statement that she is astounded by the “sheer level of callousness” of Trudeau's decision to take a trip to B.C. rather than attending events marking the historic day.

She added it showed “disregard for what the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people have endured as a result of colonization.”

The prime minister flew to Tofino, B.C., on Thursday, where Global News filmed him walking along the beach at one point, refusing to comment.