Following the death of George Floyd, the pain that the black community has been feeling manifested into a powerful protest — one aimed to stop systemic racism and police brutality once and for all. And while the height of the movement has been taking place within the United States, countries around the world have taken it upon themselves to fight for the cause and honor the memory of those who lost their lives to the police.

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Many Canadian cities staged protests of their own, and despite certain provincial leaders naively claiming that systemic racism is basically nonexistent, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared ready to acknowledge the role anti-Black racism still plays in Canada. “Over the weekend, we saw thousands across the country join peaceful protests against anti-black racism,” said Trudeau, during a press conference. “By standing together and denouncing the few that would try to derail the demonstrations, Canadians are sending a message that they will never tolerate injustice.”

“To young black Canadians, I hear you when you say you are anxious and angry,” he continues. “When you say you this brings back painful experiences of racism that you’ve faced. I want you to know that I’m listening and that your government will always stand with you.” When asked about Donald Trump’s use of militarized police against protestors, making direct mention to his church-photo op moment, Trudeau took over twenty seconds to contemplate his response.

“We all watch in horror and consternation at what is going on in the United States,” he continues. “It is a time to pull people together, but it is a time to listen. It is a time to learn what injustices continue despite progress over years and decades. But it is a time for us as Canadians to understand that we too have our challenges. Black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination every single day. There is systemic discrimination in Canada, which means our systems treat Canadians of color differently than they do others. It is something many of us don’t see, but it is a lived reality for racialized Canadians. We need to see that…and take action.” 

HotNewHipHop sends our support to the entire Black community and all of those doing their part to ensure that justice is achieved.

Canada is banning assault weapons, following the deadliest mass shooting in the country’s history.

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“These weapons were designed for one purpose and one purpose only: to kill the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. “There is no use and no place for such weapons in Canada.”

The new policy forbids the use, purchase, sale, transportation, and import of 1,500 different assault weapon models.

“Their families deserve more than thoughts and prayers,” Trudeau continued “Canadians deserve more than thoughts and prayers.”

22 people were murdered in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19 by a gunman equipped with semi-automatic rifles and handguns.

Opponents of the decision cite the illegality of means by which weapons used in mass shootings are acquired. Andrew Scheer, the leader of the Conservative Party, reacted in a statement, explaining his position that this will not stop criminals from accessing guns: “Taking firearms away from law-abiding citizens does nothing to stop dangerous criminals who obtain their guns illegally. The reality is, the vast majority of gun crimes are committed with illegally obtained firearms.”

Politico reports that over 72,000 gun-owning Canadians will be affected by the new assault weapon policy.

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Twenty-four hours after it was announced that Tom Hanks, his wife Rita Wilson, and NBA star Rudy Gobert were all diagnosed with coronavirus, another famous figure has stepped forward with COVID-19 news. The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, shared that his wife tested positive for the virus and that the couple would continue to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.

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"I have some additional news to share this evening. Unfortunately, the results of Sophie’s COVID-19 test are positive," he tweeted. "Therefore, she will be in quarantine for the time being. Her symptoms remain mild and she is taking care of herself and following the advice of our doctor." He added that he's not exhibiting any symptoms, but he'll "continue to work from home and conduct meetings video & teleconference."

"Tomorrow, I will be speaking with Indigenous leaders and premiers from across the country to coordinate our response to the outbreak and to talk about next steps to keep Canadians safe and limit the impact of COVID-19 on our economy," Trudeau continued. The Prime Minister's wife reportedly began experiencing symptoms after returning from the U.K. where she completed speaking engagements. Officials are attempting to locate and test everyone she came into contact with.

The global response has intensified over the last week as schools, events, companies, and venues shut their doors until further notice.