"Cordial" Conversation on the Abortion Right Between
Trudeau and Pence
OTTAWA - It was a "cordial" conversation that ended with the two men agreeing to disagree. Justin Trudeau and Mike Pence talked about the right to abortion during their tête-à-tête Thursday in Ottawa.
In an afternoon press conference, the US Vice President expressed "great pride" in being part of a "pro-life" administration. The Prime Minister emphasized the "difference of perspective" he has on the subject.
On the eve of Mr. Pence's visit on Wednesday, Prime Minister Trudeau announced he would raise the issue.
"I am very concerned about the Conservative movement that is beginning to take away the rights of women in the United States and elsewhere," Trudeau said when he arrived at the Commons door on Wednesday afternoon. "I will certainly talk about it with him," he said.
Several laws restricting the right to abortion have been adopted in recent months in different states.
Vice President Pence is a strong advocate for those he calls the "unborn Americans".
Presenting themselves to reporters after their official meetings, the two men listed the topics they had discussed. Abortion shone by his absence. But in response to a question, Mr. Trudeau confirmed that he did speak to Mr. Pence.
"I pointed out to the Deputy Speaker the concern of many Canadians about the passage of new anti-choice laws in several US states," he said.
"I expressed that we are a country, a government that will always stand up for women's rights, for the free choice of women and that we are concerned about the situation with regard to women's rights," she said. he added.
"It was a cordial conversation, but obviously we have different perspectives on it," he concluded.
Asked if the subject had offended him, the vice president said the conversation was "very respectful". "Friends may disagree and remain friends," he offered before listing everything that brings the two countries closer together.
"We can be candid with each other," he said. "But let me be clear: I'm very proud to be part of a pro-life administration. And our administration has taken action to defend the sanctity of life, at home and abroad, "he insisted.
The Vice-President then launched an attack on his Democratic opponents who, he said, would allow late abortions "and even infanticide."
"But these are internal debates in the United States and I know that Canada will manage these issues the way Canadians decide it is appropriate to do so. But for President (Donald) Trump, for me, for our administration, we will always defend the right to life, "he concluded.
This "cordial" and "respectful" conversation took place at the Prime Minister's Office during a meeting that lasted about an hour.
It was impossible to know how many minutes were allocated.
In an afternoon press conference, the US Vice President expressed "great pride" in being part of a "pro-life" administration. The Prime Minister emphasized the "difference of perspective" he has on the subject.
On the eve of Mr. Pence's visit on Wednesday, Prime Minister Trudeau announced he would raise the issue.
"I am very concerned about the Conservative movement that is beginning to take away the rights of women in the United States and elsewhere," Trudeau said when he arrived at the Commons door on Wednesday afternoon. "I will certainly talk about it with him," he said.
Several laws restricting the right to abortion have been adopted in recent months in different states.
Vice President Pence is a strong advocate for those he calls the "unborn Americans".
Presenting themselves to reporters after their official meetings, the two men listed the topics they had discussed. Abortion shone by his absence. But in response to a question, Mr. Trudeau confirmed that he did speak to Mr. Pence.
"I pointed out to the Deputy Speaker the concern of many Canadians about the passage of new anti-choice laws in several US states," he said.
"I expressed that we are a country, a government that will always stand up for women's rights, for the free choice of women and that we are concerned about the situation with regard to women's rights," she said. he added.
"It was a cordial conversation, but obviously we have different perspectives on it," he concluded.
Asked if the subject had offended him, the vice president said the conversation was "very respectful". "Friends may disagree and remain friends," he offered before listing everything that brings the two countries closer together.
"We can be candid with each other," he said. "But let me be clear: I'm very proud to be part of a pro-life administration. And our administration has taken action to defend the sanctity of life, at home and abroad, "he insisted.
The Vice-President then launched an attack on his Democratic opponents who, he said, would allow late abortions "and even infanticide."
"But these are internal debates in the United States and I know that Canada will manage these issues the way Canadians decide it is appropriate to do so. But for President (Donald) Trump, for me, for our administration, we will always defend the right to life, "he concluded.
This "cordial" and "respectful" conversation took place at the Prime Minister's Office during a meeting that lasted about an hour.
It was impossible to know how many minutes were allocated.