Diplomatic tensions between Canada and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have escalated further with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismisses the Saudi Arabian call for an apology. Previously, Prime Minister Trudeau criticized Saudi Arabia for jailing women's rights activists. Saudi Arabia does not have a benevolent women's rights track record and has been taking steps to rectify such an image. Under initiation credited to Prince Mohammad bin Salman, women in Saudi Arabia have recently been allowed to drive, whereas they previously were unable to do so. Nonetheless, the Canadian viewpoint illustrated by Prime Minister Trudeau highlights suspicions within the international community as to the balanced authenticity of such moves or whether it is a display of showmanship.
In the meanwhile, bilateral trade between the two countries has been suspended until an apology from the Canadian Prime Minister is issued. A rift has already been created and will continue to widen with escalations occurring from both sides.
