Video of Justin Trudeau and ‘confused’ PPC supporter shared widely online

A conversation between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and a student at the University of Manitoba, who’s been called out as being “confused” by many online, is going viral.

In a video posted to social media by Reddit user NoahFromCanada, a student is seen confronting Trudeau about party policies. However, many are pointing out that the student, who identifies themselves as a People’s Party of Canada (PPC) supporter, seemed a little out of touch, with a convoluted back-and-forth playing out.

It begins with Trudeau talking about dental care, with the prime minister pointing to his government’s plans to help low-income families.

“Would you support that?” Trudeau asked the student.

“I’m not fully into it. I just know that for sure I’m against abortion,” the student is heard saying in response.

“Hang on, we’ll put that aside for a second. You don’t think low-income families should have access to dental care?” the prime minister continued.

PPC Supporter tries to argue with Trudeau at UofM campus this morning.
by u/NoahFromCanada in Winnipeg

The student then agrees with Trudeau about access, at which point the latter takes aim at Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives, saying the opposition “voted against that.”

It’s then that the student clarifies their position, saying, “I’m not fully Conservative, I’m more PPC.”

The student then talks about their reasoning for being a PPC supporter, citing religion, saying the PPC is “mostly Christian,” and their stance on vaccine mandates as some reasons.

The conversation then turns to the topic of abortion, opening up a debate between the pair about a person’s right to choose.

“I think, mainly, Liberal abortion is against Christianity,” the student said, prompting a rebuttal from Trudeau, who asked, “do you think that women should have the right to choose what happens to their own bodies?”

“Personally, no,” the student answered, following up with, “I think if they’re sleeping around, they shouldn’t be allowed to abort the baby, personally.”

It’s only when Trudeau challenges the student’s assertions and brings up the subject of rape, and whether a person should have the right to an abortion in such a circumstance, that the student says “that’s where it gets complicated.”

The video wraps up with another quip from Trudeau, leaving the student fumbling their words, adding “I honestly don’t know.”

“It sounds like you need to do a little more digging and a little more praying on it, as well,” Trudeau said before the video cuts off.

Many online are pointing out Trudeau’s calm demeanor throughout the sometimes frustrating conversation, with some thanking him for standing up for women’s rights.

Others say his composure harkens back to his time as an educator.

“You can see the teacher coming out in the PM when he has these conversations,” a Twitter user said.

You can see the teacher coming out in the PM when he has these conversations.

— Trust no one ???? (@FeralChristineB) April 13, 2023

“His teaching background really comes through in this video. Less about arguing with the student and more about exploring the students thoughts and giving him things to think about,” another person wrote.

His teaching background really comes through in this video. Less about arguing with the student and more about exploring the students thoughts and giving him things to think about.

— Geoff Olson (@geoffjolson) April 13, 2023