Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said sorry for how he treated a First Nations protester at a fundraiser in Toronto.
He was confronted by someone trying to get his attention about mercury poisoning in the Grassy Narrows community in Northwestern Ontario near the Manitoba border.
Trudeau thanked the demonstrator for their "donation" since attending the event required a $1500 contribution.
Trudeau told reports "I always try to be respectful and always try to engage with (protesters) in a positive way. That's how I believe democracy should function and didn't do that last night. Last night, I lacked respect toward them and I apologize for that."
The Prime Minister also announced that the donation to the party will be refunded.
The protester was asking the prime minister about mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows in northwestern Ontario near the Manitoba border, where mercury dumped into the water has now poisoned three generations.
Trudeau says he will follow up with Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O'Reagan to encourage progress on the problem.