It’s not often eight-year-olds get excited to meet a politician. Then again, it’s not every day that children get the chance to ask the Prime Minister a question on national TV. As Isaac Pinarski and his sister were en route to the Maclean’s Town Hall with Justin Trudeau in Ottawa…
Shaking our sillies out before #mactownhall pic.twitter.com/R9OAZDLS6g
— Jen Pinarski (@JenPinarski) December 16, 2015
… final preparations were underway for the set.
Prepping for #mactownhall. pic.twitter.com/6jicyWJGP0
— Paul Wells (@InklessPW) December 16, 2015
Here we go! Trudeau in shirt & tie, no jacket, sleeves rolled up. #MacTownHall
— Laura Payton (@laura_payton) December 16, 2015
Tune into #mactownhall to catch @JustinTrudeau speaking with @InklessPW #cdnpoli @MacleansMag pic.twitter.com/lVahVIwixr
— Adam Scotti (@AdamScotti) December 16, 2015
Trudeau fielded questions from Maclean’s, Chatelaine and L’actualité journalists, not to mention plenty more from Canadians via Twitter or Facebook. Early on, he was asked early about his “charm offensive” such as his trip with children from a local hospital to a sneak peek of the new Star Wars movie or his recent photo shoot with Vogue magazine.
Trudeau says he tries to stay connected w/ ppl who don't read daily politics news (PMO gave that as reason for Vogue interview) #MacTownHall
— Laura Payton (@laura_payton) December 16, 2015
As the conversation turned to policy, one question from Maria Jacko about murdered and missing indigenous women stood out:
#mactownhall: @JustinTrudeau on #MMIW and relations with Indigenous peoples. Watch live: https://t.co/2X4b4mqLJu https://t.co/QZhfvjcrqL
— Maclean's Magazine (@MacleansMag) December 16, 2015
This woman at #mactownhall talking about #MMIW is grabbing my heartstrings.
— Laurie Reece (@CndnSheepdog) December 16, 2015
#mactownhall the current question is bringing me to tears. Woman's niece and friend disappeared 7 years ago. #MMIW
— Shannon (@zchamu) December 16, 2015
During the one-hour event, Trudeau answered questions ranging from child care to the war on terror. He was also asked about Donald Trump’s recent comments towards Muslims.
What would Trudeau say to Donald Trump? Says has to be cautious. Leaders shouldn't engage in talk of other country's politics #MacTownHall
— Laura Payton (@laura_payton) December 16, 2015
HOWEVER, Trudeau says. Lists all topics on which he disagrees w/ Trump. Says diversity is a source of strength, not weakness #MacTownHall
— Laura Payton (@laura_payton) December 16, 2015
"Fear doesn't make us safer, it makes us weaker." @JustinTrudeau on Donald Trump's tactics. #mactownhall
— Sarah Boesveld (@sarahboesveld) December 16, 2015
And when the Town Hall was nearing its end, young Isaac got his chance to speak directly to the Prime Minister.
#mactownhall: 8-year-old Isaac grills the PM on Star Wars. Watch live: https://t.co/2X4b4mqLJu https://t.co/0h3CWFzj2t
— Maclean's Magazine (@MacleansMag) December 16, 2015
Justin Trudeau, shilling for Big Wookiee, urges everyone to see new Star Wars before others ruin it for you. #mactownhall
— Jason Markusoff (@markusoff) December 16, 2015
.@JustinTrudeau has mentioned twice how great the new Star Wars movie is. Perhaps the #MacTownHall isn't commercial free! : )
— Doug Cheng (@DougCheng) December 16, 2015
(For the record: Conservative leader Rona Ambrose is also a big Star Wars fan too.)
Can't wait to see the new Star Wars and the return of my favourite, Princess Leia! #StarWarsForceAwakens #StarWars pic.twitter.com/zSlX3ECeAr
— Rona Ambrose (@RonaAmbrose) December 16, 2015
And, perhaps fittingly for our new Prime Minister, the event ended with a selfie.
#MacTownHall with @JustinTrudeau: Watch the replay of the Maclean's town hall here: https://t.co/gnErdzZ7Kk #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/xlvOVU62kB
— Maclean's Magazine (@MacleansMag) December 16, 2015
