Trudeau averaging a photo-op per day
He’s not just taking selfies.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has had about one official photo-op for every weekday he has been in the business of governing.
Considered the most visible Canadian leader since his father, Pierre, Trudeau has participated in at least 168 public events since swearing in his cabinet last November. He has become an international celebrity, even appearing on a comic book cover.
In April, the prime minister participated in more events (36) than there were days of the month.
Despite approval ratings above 60 per cent six months after the government took office, a survey from the Angus Reid Institute found more than half of Canadians think the public relations exercises are too much.
About 36 per cent said the government has been “putting too much emphasis on ‘PR’ and photo ops,” while 25 per cent said it is “making real progress and getting things done.” Another 17 per cent said both statements were true, the pollster’s June 22 report said.
Whether the Prime Minister’s Office’s public relations machine is something the public admires or not, it has become well-oiled.
At the request of the parliamentary press gallery, the PMO puts out a daily advisory detailing what Trudeau is up to.
About 40 per cent of events media were invited to during the past eight months were billed “photo opportunity only,” while the rest involved availability for questions or coverage of remarks.
Some events, such as a day of activities at the United Nations or with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, included multiple press conferences and photo ops. They mainly consisted of meetings with international or provincial counterparts. Only one involved boxing.
Some events went viral on social media — recall the #APECHotties hashtag at the Philippines summit last fall, or the explanation of quantum computing that, despite mixed reviews from physicists, was shared globally. About one in five events took place outside Canada.
Some turned into venues for selfies with fans. Opposition parties have mocked the prime minister for what they call excessive selfietaking. In House of Commons debate, Conservative MPs have made snarky selfie comments 23 times since December, according to Open Parliament.
Unlike his predecessor, Trudeau has regularly held press conferences at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa — four, so far.
Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper used the venue only seven times, the last in 2009. He usually kept strict limits on journalists’ questions and often opted for photo opportunities alone rather than press conferences.