Duncan residents had a chance to meet-and-greet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday.
After finishing up a family vacation in Tofino, Trudeau hung out at the Duncan Farmer’s Market, before heading over to the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre.
His first stop at the Farmer’s Market gave him a chance to sample local goods and talk to farmers from the Cowichan Valley.
The PM’s second stop, at the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre, had a more pronounced political purpose, as he addressed the challenges faced by the forestry industry in light of the recent U.S. tariff’s on uncoated groundwood paper.
“I know you faced some challenging times in the past and there are ongoing challenging times with the neighbours to the South, but I also want you to know that we have your back,” he said.
Another hot topic that came up was the Trans Mountain Pipeline, which many in BC believe to have been pushed through by the federal government without Indigenous consent on unceded territories.
“There are people out there who still think there is a choice to be made between what’s good for the environment and good for the economy. I don’t,” stated Trudeau.
“The only way to build a strong economy moving forward is by protecting the environment and ensuring we are protecting the environment for future generations, is a deep priority.”
Following his appearance in Duncan, the Prime Minister left for the mainland and was spotted at the Vancouver Pride Parade.
Check out these photos/videos of his trip to Vancouver Island:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10160580751430705&set=pcb.10160580752550705&type=3&theater
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmEu7HMji_K/?taken-at=258348685
