Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called a group of protesters who swarmed him outside a Hamilton, Ont. restaurant on Tuesday a “handful of angry people.”
Video posted to social media, shows the prime minister walking into Jackson Square, a plaza located near James Street and York Boulevard, while a large group of people yell, swear and call on him to resign.
Uniformed officers are seen protecting Trudeau, ensuring he’s able to walk through the street safely.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Trudeau reiterated that he has received a warm welcome from most people in the city, where is he visiting for a Liberal cabinet retreat.
He was asked by a reporter if he felt the incident was a “secure situation.”
“A handful of angry people do not define what Hamilton is or what democracy is in this country,” he replied. “The welcome I've gotten here in Hamilton has been extraordinary."
“It’s really, really important in our democracy that people can express their disagreement or displeasure or even anger with various governments.”
When asked if he’s holding fewer large, open events because of this anger, Trudeau answered no.
“We’re going to continue to be out there,” he said. “We’re not going to let a handful of angry people interfere with the democratic processes that Canadians have always taken pride in.”
Trudeau is in Hamilton for a three-day retreat with his cabinet. Health-care funding, in addition to the threat of a recession, were two topics being actively discussed.
CTV News Toronto has reached out to Hamilton police about the incident but has yet to receive a response.
