MP hopeful PM’s apology will be helpful (Revised) Yukon MP Larry Bagnell says he hopes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s apology for wearing blackface on several occasions By Gabrielle Plonka on September 19, 2019

Yukon MP Larry Bagnell says he hopes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s apology for wearing blackface on several occasions will be the first step in the Liberal party’s ongoing commitment to fight racism.

“It’s a very unfortunate incident,” Bagnell told the Star Thursday.

“He (Trudeau) took responsibility (Wednesday) night, he made a very long apology, said it was totally unacceptable and denounced his own actions.

“I hope that it’s very helpful to anyone who may have been offended by those pictures.”

Trudeau also held a lengthy news conference in Winnipeg shortly after Bagnell spoke, repeatedly apologizing for his actions of many years ago.

On Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, several photos depicting Trudeau in blackface were publicized.

The first instance, published by Time Magazine Wednesday afternoon, shows a 29-year-old Trudeau dressed as Aladdin with face, neck and hands painted brown.

The photo was taken at an “Arabian Nights”-themed gala at the Vancouver private high school where he taught in 2001.

Since the initial photograph came to light, two more instances of Trudeau painting his face with dark make-up have emerged.

Trudeau admitted to the second instance during an apology Wednesday night, explaining that he had darkened his face for a high school talent show performance of the song Day-O.

The third instance, obtained by Global News Thursday morning, is a video of Trudeau in blackface some time in the early 1990s. He is seen in dark make-up, a white T-shirt and ripped jeans. He is waving his hands and laughing in the video.

Trudeau stated he “deeply regrets this mistake” during the news conference in Winnipeg.

He added he should have recognized the racist history behind blackface, but was ignorant of it thanks to his “layers of privilege.”

Bagnell told the Star he believes the incident, which is receiving intense international attention, will inspire the Liberal leader to work “even harder” to reduce racism in Canada.

“I think he said this certainly wasn’t the end,” Bagnell said.

“He’ll be especially cognizant now to work on it harder, and even more in the coming years to be sensitive and to fight racism, and that’s the right thing to do.”

Bagnell said he hasn’t been approached by Yukoners to respond to the incident since the news broke.

He would not comment on whether he believes the scandal will negatively affect his campaign.

“I just carry on, doing what I think is right, being honest and trying to do the right thing and let the people decide,” he said.

Bagnell added he hopes the incident will serve as a lesson to all Canadians.

“We have to try to be sensitive to the things we do, and how they might affect other people,” he said. “If you think a little deeper, you might change something you’re going to do, because you realize it might be offensive even though at first glance, you don’t think it’s going to be offensive.”

See related coverage in today’s Nation, Opinion sections.