PM Salutes Salmon Arm

Pierre Trudeau’s infamous one finger salute in Salmon Arm years ago came up at his son Justin’s latest stop on his cross country tour in Winnipeg.

An elementary student asked the prime minister this question: “Why did your dad give everyone in Western Canada the middle finger?” said the youngster, which left other students in complete surprise.

Trudeau replied, “Okay, first question. What’s my favourite spot in Canada? Salmon Arm BC. My father had an approach to politics that not everyone agreed with, and no matter how nice, good or smart a polician is, there is always going to be someone who disagrees with their decisions.”

Trudeau went on to tell the kids, his father tried his best to build a better country.

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was travelling with his sons on a train through Salmon Arm during a vacation in 1982.

When greeted by protesters, Trudeau gave them the middle finger which was caught on camera.

The gesture became known as the “Salmon Arm Salute.”