Did Justin Trudeau talk about legalizing pot with elementary school students?
Another day, another attack against Liberal leader Justin Trudeau by the Harper Conservatives.
Some might argue, however, that Trudeau walked into this one.
[ Related: Is Justin Trudeau being muzzled? Should he be? ]
According to a series of tweets by the Brandon Sun newspaper editor, James O'Conner, Trudeau was speaking to Sioux Valley First Nation students on Wednesday night, when the topic of legalizing marijuana came up:
Big applause from Sioux Valley FN students for @JustinTrudeau when he explained why he's in favour of legalizing & controlling pot. #cdnpoli
— James O'Connor (@Monstereditor) November 13, 2013
In context, @bcbluecon @gjbangar, @JustinTrudeau was asked if he'd legalize pot. "Yes," but it's bad for kids & gov. control safer. #cdnpoli — James O'Connor (@Monstereditor) November 14, 2013
@aaronleewudrick The audience was combined younger kids and high school.
— James O'Connor (@Monstereditor) November 14, 2013
The Tories — obviously — jumped all over this story, sending out a fundraising email, late Thursday, signed by Justice Minister Peter MacKay.
Yesterday, Justin Trudeau took his reckless plan to legalize marijuana to a new audience: elementary school students. Trudeau visited the Sioux Valley First Nation school outside of Brandon, Manitoba.
While speaking to a gym full of children, he outlined his plans to legalize marijuana. His plan to make marijuana available like alcohol and cigarettes available is bad policy, but this crosses the line.
Promoting his plan to children is completely unacceptable and grossly inappropriate. He’s already sending children the message recreational drug use is okay. Now, he’s delivering that message directly to children. That’s wrong, on so many different levels.
We’re fighting four by-elections right now, including one in Brandon-Souris, where Trudeau made his irresponsible remarks.
We need your financial support so we can fight back against Trudeau and his allies in the media – who are still making excuses for his mistakes.
Following the Tory statement, O'Conner tweeted saying there were no children in the audience.
FACT CHECK: #CPC @LarryMaguire4MP says @JustinTrudeau promoted legal pot to #bdnmb-Souris elementary students. Totally wrong. 1/2 #cdnpoli — James O'Connor (@Monstereditor) November 14, 2013
FACT CHECK: #LPC @JustinTrudeau answered question on pot policy from high school students & adults. No #bdnmb-Souris children. 2/2 #cdnpoli
— James O'Connor (@Monstereditor) November 14, 2013
Cory Hann — the Conservative Party's director of communications —then accused O'Conner of changing his story.
@journo_dale Last night "younger kids & high school". Today younger kids not there https://t.co/phNg3wViMb Was "odd" https://t.co/LmPNTOx7na — Cory Hann (@coryhann) November 14, 2013
Regardless of whether it was elementary students or older, should Justin Trudeau be talking about pot with school-aged kids? How would you feel if you were a parent of one of those students at the school?
Was the Liberal leader correct in answering the question or is this another Trudeau blunder?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press)
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