Justin Trudeau brought his family to the final resting of place of his youngest brother on Monday.
Just after 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Trudeau posted a photo on Twitter with the words: “Made my way up to Kokanee lake this morning.”
The newly elected federal Liberal Party leader is currently on a western road swing with his wife Sophie Gregorie, son Xavier (6) and daughter Ella-Grace (4). They are traveling in a RV and stopping to meet supporters as they make their way to the west coast.
Late Sunday afternoon, Trudeau arrived to Nelson’s Lakeside Park via Streetcar #23 to shake hands and pose for photos with supporters.
He told local media that the stop in Nelson was a special one.
“It’s where my little brother is, in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I want to share that with my family,” he said.
On November 13, 1998 Michel Trudeau was swept in Kokanee Lake by an avalanche in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park while on a ski tour with friends. Michel drowned in the lake and despite an extensive search, his body was never recovered. Michel was 23 and living in Rossland at the time.
Justin Trudeau has been back to the Kootenays on several occasions and was a big part of the campaign to build a new cabin in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. He told local media that he has been to the lake “many times” over the years, but has never brought his family.