LONDON –
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the Royal Family’s efforts to reconcile Indigenous peoples in Canada – and in other countries around the world – will be a “continuous conversation”. ” with King Charles III.
Speaking to National News Chief Anchor CTV and Senior Editor Omar Sachedina at Canada House in London on Sunday, Trudeau noted that the new King showed on a recent trip to Canada he was “extremely concerned.” dealing with the legacy of the Monarchy as it relates to colonialism.
Trudeau, who along with his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, also discussed Queen Elizabeth II’s relationship with Canada and reflected on his encounters with her, as well as the memories his family shared. shared with the late king over the years.
Below is the transcript of the interview. It has been edited for grammar and clarity.
Omar Sachedina: Prime Minister, you have brought a diverse delegation to London – First Nations, Inuit and Metis leaders with you – at a time when in our country we are having conversations difficult story about the cruel legacy of colonialism. I wonder – many people would like to see the Crown apologize for its role – is that something Canadians can count on you to bring out the new King?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “Actually, Your Majesty, as he demonstrated a few months ago during his visit to Canada, is extremely interested in the idea of reconciliation, interacting with the Indigenous Peoples and helping Canada on this journey and is quite outspoken. is having that impact around the world where many countries are grappling with how to reconcile with Indigenous Peoples. So that’s an ongoing conversation that we’ll continue.”
Omar Sachedina: Madam Gregoire Trudeau – when you were inside Westminster Hall yesterday, to pay your respects to His Majesty, and you saw lines of people coming to do the same. What are you thinking, what crosses your mind?
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau: “I think it’s a moment of feeling from within, feeling… when we come together for a moment, it’s a moment of unity, harmony and unity, I think we all are need that as deeply as humans.”
Omar Sachedina: And she’s an important part of the Canadian story. Of course, there’s that iconic photo with your father, I think back in 1982, when she signed the Constitutional Declarations Act. Tell us, apart from the public images we’ve seen of her, you’ve talked about her sense of humour, what else most of us probably don’t know about her?
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau: “She loves her grandchildren. She was so generous and understanding with my little one when we brought him into the Palace.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “Yes, when we brought Hadrien in, he was probably only two or three years old, and of course he was running around looking at the little trousers on the table and we were like, ‘No, no no.’ And she said, ‘It’s okay, I have a niece. I’m used to this.’ It’s the genuine warmth you hope to see that you have to see.”
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau: “And I think the mother in her also felt her profound integrity in service and her deep reassurance when it came to such serious matters, and she was very persevering, insightful, and concerned with the well-being of the people on this planet.”
Omar Sachedina: And she’s in a special position to work not only with you but with your father as well. What did your father say about her?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “My mother told me stories about how deeply my father and the Queen had developed feelings for each other, quite fond of each other, always there to tease each other and encourage and challenge each other. I think my father has a very special relationship with her – and her with all her prime ministers – but he is her fourth Canadian prime minister, and I is her twelfth.”
Omar Sachedina: She had a remarkable life and a remarkable legacy. Appreciate your time. Thank you very much.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “Thank you, Omar.”
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau: “Thank you.”
