Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau corrects a woman for saying mankind: ‘We’d like to say peoplekind’
US conservative critics went into a lather over the comments – but the full exchange suggests the reaction may be misplaced
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau drew cheers – and then some backlash – after he told a woman to use the word “peoplekind” instead of “mankind.”
Trudeau was quickly criticised by conservative media outlets and personalities who said his political correctness has gone haywire. But others said the comments, which were made during a town hall event, were taken out of context.
The exchange happened last Thursday when Trudeau was fielding questions from the audience in Edmonton, Alberta. The woman, who said she was with the World Mission Society Church of God, first thanked Trudeau, a self-proclaimed feminist, for filling his Cabinet seats with women and recognising the “ability and power that women actually possess.” She went on to talk about concepts such as “maternal love” and “God the Mother” and said the world needs more female leaders who possess such love.
She then proceeded to ask Trudeau to look into policies on volunteering for religious charitable organisations and pivoted back to “maternal love”, describing it as “the love that’s going to change the future of mankind.”
Trudeau waved his hand to interrupt.
“We’d like to say ‘peoplekind’, not necessarily ‘mankind,’ ” Trudeau said.
Many in the audience cheered, including the woman, whose name is not known.