Topic

Topic overview

“Remarks by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to apologise to LGBTQ2 Canadians” focuses on two main topics: the formal apology for Canada’s mistreatment of LGBTQ2 Canadians, and the future of Canada.

With his speech, Trudeau intends to deliver an apology to the LGBTQ2 Canadians who were oppressed by the Canadian government through discriminatory laws and practices, including a campaign called the Purge meant to remove them from public service. The apology is especially addressed to the victims of the Purge, as well as their families and friends, but also to Canada’s LGBTQ2 communities in general.

Trudeau also speaks about Canada’s future. First, he announces the government’s resolution to erase the records of those who were criminalised for same-sex activities, and to offer compensation to the victims of the Purge. He explains that LGBTQ2 Canadians still face discrimination and violence in today’s society and promises that the government will no longer tolerate their oppression, and that it will work for their inclusion. Secondly, he makes an appeal to all Canadians to fight for equality.

Structure

Beginning

Justin Trudeau begins his speech with a formal parliamentary phrase – “Mr Speaker” (l. 1). Addressing the speaker is a standard procedure in the Canadian House of Commons, indicating that the speech is a formal proposal to the Parliament.

Trudeau asks the Speaker (and implicitly, all the members of Parliament) to imagine being refused the opportunity to serve their country because of their sexuality, being subjected to discrim...