Jaydon Flett
APTN National News
For the first time in history, a sitting Canadian Prime Minister sat down with APTN National News for an exclusive one-on-one interview.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined APTN‘s Cheryl McKenzie for a one-hour long discussion on indigenous issues. The discussion was broadcast nation-wide, streamed live on Facebook and the APTN website.
@JustinTrudeau Thank you for making more history. So grateful to see you answering questions right there on @APTNNews. #aptntrudeau
— Veronica Thornton
We asked our viewers to interact with us and tweet their questions using the hashtag #aptntrudeau.
Viewers also had the chance to email or call-in to the studio during the show.
“APTN is being watched by indigenous Canadians across the country, but it’s also being noticed by non-indigenous Canadians,” Trudeau said.
It is clear those very viewers were looking forward to the chance to ask the prime minister tough questions.
You better believe our National Aboriginal Caucus is tuned in to #aptntrudeau Call in NOW at 1-877-647-2786 #fcee16 pic.twitter.com/xJnFItdGaa
— CFS-FCEE (@CFSFCEE) June 3, 2016
Among the first topics discussed was the Prime Minister’s stance on natural resources and development, pipeline projects, Site C and the Grassy Narrows’ mercury clean-up.
#APTN viewer asks when feds will step in and clean up Wabigoon river system which has mercury poisoned Grassy Narrows residents #aptntrudeau
— APTN News (@APTNNews) June 3, 2016
Some were not satisfied with his response.
https://twitter.com/peachbennett/status/738775731153428480
But the twitter community commended APTN National News host Cheryl McKenzie for moderating the difficult discussion.
Wow, @CMc_Kenzie is doing a fantastic job with this interview! Holding PMJT to account & reminding him of previous promises #aptntrudeau
— liz ✨ (@yanoforsure) June 3, 2016
Shout out to @CMc_Kenzie -grace under fire asking the hard questions! @APTNNews #aptntrudeau
— Rachel Ann Snow (@RachelAnnSnow) June 3, 2016
Have to say @CMc_Kenzie is amazing: https://t.co/sB9mzCkIWM #aptntrudeau
— Jorge Barrera (@JorgeBarrera) June 3, 2016
This was the first time in history, the Prime Minister of Canada joined APTN for a sit down interview.
Although some questions didn’t make it to air, Friday’s interview could set a precedent for all future Canadian leaders.
Author(s)
A first step in the right direction…#aptntrudeau