Trudeau defends Canada’ response to Burkina Faso attack

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has again defended his government’s response following the terrorist attack that killed six Quebecers in Burkina Faso last week.

Trudeau and his government were taken to task this week by Yves Richard, the husband of one of the victims.

Richard told a Montreal radio station Thursday he was frustrated in the hours after last week’s tragedy with what he called Global Affairs Canada’s lack of tact and empathy.

He also said it “felt good’’ when he hung up on Trudeau after the prime minister called him on Monday.

Richard, whose wife Maude Carrier was killed in the attack, accused him of speaking in a ‘’canned’’ manner and of mentioning them as a source of Canadian pride because they were doing humanitarian work in the African country.

On Friday, Trudeau’s view of the government’s response differed from Richard’s.

“On the contrary, we were able to advise them within a few hours and we did everything possible to help them,’’ he told reporters at the World Economic Summit in Davos, Switzerland.

“Obviously, the situation was extremely complex and difficult in Ouagadougou. Consul officials and Global Affairs Canada worked professionally.’’

The prime minister was also asked for his reaction to Richard hanging up on him.

‘’I can only imagine the grief that this family is going through and I am happy I was able to express my condolences,’’ he replied.