'A kick in the teeth': Local candidates react to Trudeau brown face scandal

Sudbury.com asked 10 candidates in Sudbury and Nickel Belt to comment

Justin Trudeau wearing an elaborate Aladdin-themed costume, complete with dark face makeup, at a 2001 party.

Controversy is swirling around Prime Minister Justin Trudeau amid revelations he wore blackface or brownface on several occasions, at least twice in the 1990s and once in 2001.

On Wednesday, Time ran an image of the man who would be the prime minister dressed in an elaborate Aladdin-themed costume, his face and hands painted a dark shade of brown. The image was from a 2001 costume party at West Point Grey Academy, where Trudeau was a teacher at the time.

Trudeau also admitted, in apologizing for the Aladdin costume, to wearing blackface to perform the song 'Day O' (actually titled the 'Banana Boat Song' made famous by Harry Belafonte) in high school. Then, Global News released a video clip, also from Trudeau's high school days, where he is again shown wearing blackface.

Trudeau apologized Thursday for the scandal.

"I didn't understand how hurtful this is to people who live with discrimination every single day," he said in Winnipeg, a day after the first evidence of what are now three instances of him in black- or brown face was published around the world.
"I've always acknowledged that I come from a place of privilege but I now need to acknowledge that comes with a massive blind spot."

The scandal was front page news across the globe Thursday, but Sudbury.com wanted to give the 10 declared candidates running in Sudbury and Nickel Belt in the Oct. 21 federal election a chance to offer their views.

Here's what we have received so far. More comments will be added should candidates respond in the next day or so:

Beth Mairs, NDP candidate in Sudbury

“Racism — past and present — is woven into Canada’s history and our institutions. I feel for everyone who experiences this as another kick in the teeth, including racialized candidates running under the Liberal banner. Like Andrew Scheer’s opposition to same-sex marriage, this is not entirely surprising, but still evokes an attitude that certain of us are second class. Reminders that some people in high places hold these views is hurtful and depressing. However, having been recently in the presence of Jagmeet Singh, as he is a living emblem for triumphing in spite of racism, I see hope for Canadian politics.”

Sean Patterson, Peoples Party of Canada candidate in Sudbury

"Justin has completely damaged our society with his divisional politics and claimed to be above the standard Canadian in his ethics. This just goes to show that all people have their good and bad points, and branding people racist to further one's agenda is hypocritical. When looking at what he has done in his past and the agenda he has put forth, it just goes to show he will say and do anything to empower himself, and blame everyone else for his own divisive actions.

"Political correctness has gone too far in this nation. But to promote it and know that you do not follow it in your own daily life is extremely hypocritical. Justin Trudeau has failed the Canadian people on multiple fronts and has put his own agenda ahead of the Canadian people. This is unacceptable to all Canadians!"

Pierre St. Amant, Conservative candidate, Sudbury

"Justin Trudeau's action were disappointing. We would expect better judgement from a teacher."

Stef Paquette, NDP candidate in Nickel Belt

“For people who have never faced racism, the responses to Mr. Trudeau's decision are varied. For people who have experienced the pain of prejudice and racism, I share the words of my leader Jagmeet Singh: 'Please don’t let this make you give up on yourself, or give up on Canada. Because we live in a beautiful place.' Let me add that racism is never OK.”

Mikko Paavola, Peoples Party of Canada candidate in Nickel Belt

“My only comment is that I'm not surprised by his actions, given how he acted in India, and other posts I've seen on different news sites. He is not acting in a professional way, and needs to be held accountable for his breach of ethics rules with SNC Lavalin.”