Audience

The speech “Remarks by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to apologise to LGBTQ2 Canadians” was delivered by Justin Trudeau in front of the House of Commons, to apologise to LGBTQ2 Canadians for the mistreatment suffered as a result of discriminatory and oppressive government policies and practices.

The video recording of the speech shows the people present in the House of Commons applaud during and at the end of Trudeau’s speech, suggesting that his speech was well received, and that Trudeau’s sentiments were generally supported by the rest of the government. The video recording also shows Trudeau speaking in both English and French. This is customary for official speeches in Canada, as the country has both English and French as official languages.

At the beginning of the speech, Trudeau addresses the Speaker: “Now imagine, Mr. Speaker, being subjected to laws, policies, and hiring practices that label you as different – as ‘less than’.” (ll. 9-10). Note, however, that this is a formal phrase that indicates that Trudeau is addressing the members of Parliament, encouraging them to empathise with LGBTQ2 Canadians who were oppressed by the government.

The speech is primaril...