Trudeau's silence on Trump and protests says more than words

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George Floyd case, how do we get to this point? 3:30

(CNN) - That pause said a lot.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was silent for more than 20 seconds after being asked what he thought of United States President Donald Trump dispersing protesters and calling for intervention. military on Monday night.

During the long pause, Trudeau seemed uncomfortable. The expressions changed across his face as he seemed to consider his answer, before dodging the question.

“We all watch with horror and dismay what is happening in the United States. It is a time to unite people, but it is a time to listen. It is time to learn what injustice is, which continues despite progress over years and decades, ”he replied.

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He continued: “But it is a time for us Canadians to recognize that we too have our challenges, that black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination as a reality every day. There is systemic discrimination in Canada, which means that systems treat Canadians of color, Canadians who are racialized, differently than others. ”

On Monday night, peaceful protesters in Washington were dispersed with tear gas, flash grenades, and rubber bullets, clearing the way for Trump to host a photo shoot at nearby Saint John's Episcopal Church. The move did little to quell the massive protests that have swept across the United States since George Floyd's death in Minnesota.

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Several Canadian cities, including Montreal and Toronto, have also held large protests in recent days. Chanting "Black Lives Matter" lives, protesters stood in solidarity with George Floyd's family, but also called on Canadian leaders to acknowledge that racism remains a problem in Canada.

While most of the protests continue peacefully, the Montreal Police reported on their Twitter account that at least 11 people were arrested on Sunday and investigations continue after looting and vandalism in the city center.

Justin Trudeau