PM ‘low-key,’ ‘respectful’: B.C. ski resort addresses ‘misinformation’ over Trudeau vacation

The RED Mountain Resort in British Columbia, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family spent their Christmas holiday, has spoken out against the misinformation that spread widely on social media about their visit. In an email to CBC News, a representative for the resort described the allegations as disappointing and clarified that Trudeau and his family were respectful, low-key, and waited in line like everyone else during their time at the resort.

The prime minister and his family visited the resort on December 27, located near the town of Rossland in B.C.’s West Kootenay region. Prior to Trudeau’s arrival, rumors started circulating on social media about a “big shot” and his security detail cutting into line and behaving poorly at the resort and in Rossland. However, Sean Smillie, a long-time friend of Trudeau and a local from Rossland, refuted these claims, stating that he was with the prime minister and his family the entire time they were on the mountain and that they waited in line just like everyone else.

Other skiers at the resort also confirmed that there were no lineups or crowds during Trudeau’s visit, with some even expressing support for the prime minister. Despite the positive experiences shared by those who encountered Trudeau at the resort, a Facebook post from a closed group called “Ranting And Raving in the Kootenays” went viral, accusing Trudeau and his security detail of disrupting the slopes and the local hotel and restaurant.

Rossland Mayor Andy Morel mentioned that Trudeau was warmly greeted by locals and left alone for the most part during his visit. The Facebook post that sparked controversy was eventually removed by the moderators of the group due to the overwhelming number of comments, some of which turned hostile and threatening in nature.

Trudeau’s trip to RED Mountain Resort was part of a Christmas vacation in Western Canada, with the prime minister arriving in Kelowna on December 26. Despite the negative social media attention, Trudeau’s friend Smillie posted a video of the prime minister expressing gratitude for the warm reception his family received in Rossland and praising the community.

The social media backlash against Trudeau’s visit to RED Mountain Resort marks the end of his nine-year tenure as prime minister. While the incident contrasts with previous social media events where Trudeau was celebrated for his casual interactions with Canadians, it serves as a reminder of the power of misinformation and the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.