Durrant Pate/Contributor

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is heading back to Jamaica this week for a family vacation over the holiday break.

The Office of the Prime Minister says Trudeau will travel with his immediate family to the Caribbean country from December 26, to January 4, 2024.

Last year, Trudeau found himself in hot water facing public backlash over the cost of his much-publicised Jamaican family vacation, which cost Canadian taxpayers at least CAD$162,000.

Our Today reported at the time that Trudeau and his family stayed in the North Coast villa of a long-time family friend, who made a large donation two years ago to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. The foundation is named in honour of Trudeau’s late father, Pierre Trudeau, who also served as Canadian head of government.

Jamaica is a frequent vacation spot for Trudeau, who spent time there in August as well as after Christmas last year. He will be travelling with estranged wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, after the pair announced earlier this year they were separating following 18 years of marriage.

At the time, the Prime Minister’s Office said Canadians could expect to see the family together, and both said in individual statements they would remain close.

The Prime Minister’s Office says it consulted the federal ethics commissioner ahead of the coming trip, and that the family will cover the cost of its stay as well as reimburse the cost of travelling on a government plane.Trudeau will also remain in contact with staff and receive briefings on issues of the day.