ON Thursday, Trudeau came under fire for flying to Tofino, B.C., for a family vacation even as the country marked the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. His official schedule had listed him in Ottawa for “private meetings,” but that was changed once the media reported that he was in Tofino.

Later, Trudeau tried to defend himself by tweeting: “I spent some time on the phone today with residential school survivors from across the country, hearing their stories and getting their advice on the path forward. By listening and learning, we can walk down that path – and advance meaningful reconciliation – together.”

NDP MP Charlie Angus slammed Trudeau, tweeting: “Dear @JustinTrudeau. No public official goes skiing on November 11 because we show respect to the veterans. On this day of reconciliation, you don’t skip town and go to the beach because its about showing respect to survivors. This is not a holiday its a day of atonement.”

The Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc First Nation in Kamloops noted: “@Tkemlups sent two heartfelt invitations to @JustinTrudeau to join survivors and their families today. #wreckonciliation.”