Truths for Trudeau

While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wore a typically impeccable suit to the United Nations last week, he also brought along some of Canada’s dirtiest laundry for the world to see.

It must have been surprising for Canadians back home — and even jarring for some — to hear their prime minister devote most of his speech to the UN General Assembly to an exposé of how badly this country has treated its Indigenous peoples.

But Trudeau’s choice was sound. This is true even though it means his Liberal government will face new pressure from Canada’s First Nations to translate his fine words into real action. He portrayed an ugly Canadian Mr. Hyde instead of the kindly Dr. Jekyll we so often like to display. Admissions of guilt are seldom so public.

It gives him and Canada new credibility on the world stage where so many countries are tired of being lectured for their wrongdoing. Not only did Trudeau own up to our mistakes, he showed how we’re trying to set things right, citing the safe water systems delivered to two dozen Indigenous communities.

One certain result of Trudeau’s speech is that it has further raised expectations of Indigenous Canadians. If he can be criticized for anything in the past, it is for promising First Nations the world and delivering mainly smiles, blandishments and “sunny ways.” After last week’s speech, Trudeau will find it harder than ever to avoid the revolution in Indigenous relations he has so eloquently inspired.