Trudeau criticized for tweet to comedian

OTTAWA— Canada will contribute $50 million to a global charity for children’s education, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted to comedian Trevor Noah, a pledge that quickly drew criticism both for its content and its form.

Celebrities gathered in Johannesburg on Sunday for the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela100, a charity concert honouring Nelson Mandela a century after he was born.

Trudeau tweeted to Noah, who is hosting the festival, that Canada would give the money to Education Cannot Wait, which funds education for children affected by conflicts, natural disasters and other crises. “Hey @Trevornoah — thanks for everything you’re doing to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy at the @GlblCtzn festival. Sorry I can’t be with you — but how about Canada pledges $50M to @EduCannotWait to support education for women & girls around the world? Work for you? Let’s do it,” Trudeau tweeted to the South African comedian and The Daily Show host.

“This is amazing!” Noah said, as Trudeau’s tweet was shown on a big screen at the concert.

But in Canada, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer accused Trudeau of pledging $50 million in a tweet to impress a TV personality.

“He likes to have his tweets liked ... and it seems to be singularly focused on adulation from celebrities,” Scheer said at an appearance in Winnipeg.