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Calogheros says Trudeau was sincere in apologizing for brown-face

Tracy Calogheros

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau was contrite in his apology for wearing ‘brown-face’ at a costume party nearly 20 years ago, says Cariboo-Prince George Liberal candidate Tracy Calogheros.

“Listening to the prime minister’s apology last night, I really believe he’s genuine, I really believe he’s sincere,” said Calogheros. “I thought a lot about it. Quite frankly, the best lessons I’ve ever learned are from the mistakes I’ve made.”

Time Magazine published a photo of Trudeau, dressed in brown-face and a turban, taken at West Point Grey Academy where Trudeau was a teacher in 2001.

Calogheros said Trudeau’s track record in public life has been one of fighting bigotry and racism and to welcome new Canadians from around the globe.

“No, it’s not good, I do believe he’s mortified,” she said, with her voice cracking slightly. “I genuinely believe that and I also believe he’s sorry. I think that we have to allow our political leadership to make mistakes and to learn from them … if you demand perfection from people like that, all you’re doing is asking them to lie to you.”

She said voters should focus on the issues facing communities and criticized the negativity that often comes with politics.

“The political divisiveness that we see in political discourse today is tearing the world apart,” she said.

Conservative MP Todd Doherty declined to comment on the issue.

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