Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid a visit to Belleville on Thursday afternoon, met by both supporters and critics, but left early due to protests.
During his tour of southern Ontario Trudeau made a brief stop in Belleville at the Farmers Market behind City Hall.
Dozens of protesters join the crowd waiting for Trudeau to make an appearance in Belleville’s Market Square. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele 7/20/2023
Waiting for him, however, was a group including dozens of protesters opposed to Trudeau’s policies.
Members of the protest waved signs and flags, shouted slogans, and used bullhorns to make themselves heard as they gathered in Market Square, while Trudeau was inside City Hall before his appearance.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau moves through Belleville’s Market Square towards his SUV, surrounded by supporters and protesters alike. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele 7/20/2023
Members of the group cited numerous complaints in their protest, including Trudeau’s inaction on foreign interference in elections, support for LGBTQ+, and high taxation.
Many supporters were also present, gathering in Market Square under shade structures as they waited for Trudeau’s appearance.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talking to Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis before his scheduled appearance in Market Square. Photo: City of Belleville 7/20/2023
Trudeau emerged from City Hall, intending to walk the market and meet local vendors, but was unable to reach them due to the protesters as they surrounded him, his security, and his supporters. Trudeau instead took selfies and shook hands with supporters on his way to his SUV, as protesters heckled him from all sides and later surrounded the motorcade before his departure.
Trudeau poses for a selfie with a supporter during his brief appearance in downtown Belleville, surrounded by security, and also loud protesters.
During an early morning interview with Sean Kelly on Mix 97, Trudeau spoke about a six per cent increase to the Canada Child Benefit that took effect that morning.
