Trudeau says he regrets travelling to Tofino, B.C., on 1st National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized today for travelling for a family vacation to Tofino, B.C., last Thursday on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, saying the decision was a mistake.

"Travelling on the 30th was a mistake and I regret it," he told reporters during his first public appearance since the trip.

He called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation "an important moment for all of us — Indigenous and non-Indigenous – to reflect, and to remember."

Trudeau has faced sharp criticism over his decision to travel. While his official itinerary said he would be in "private meetings" in Ottawa that day, it was later updated to reflect the fact he was in Tofino.

His office noted that the prime minister spoke at a sombre ceremony on Parliament Hill Wednesday night, where residential school survivors shared stories of intense trauma. Trudeau also tweeted that he spoke by phone with survivors "from across the country."

When asked why he went on the trip — and whether he was advised not to — Trudeau said "the 'how it happened' is far less important than that it happened, which I regret."

"We will continue to do even more on the path of reconciliation, whether it's continuing to eliminate long-term boil water advisories, whether it's making sure there's better investments in housing and support for kids going to new and better schools across the country in Indigenous communities," he said.