THUNDER BAY – Justin Trudeau will announce the start of his quest for the leadership of the federal Liberal Party later today. October 2nd is a day of note in the Trudeau family. On September 28, 2000, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Justin’s father passed away. On October 2nd the final tributes, in Ottawa, to the former Prime Minister were held.
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and other dignitaries paid their final respects. A 19-gun salute was fired when Trudeau’s casket was brought out. The Canadian Forces Central Band played the national anthem. In the cortege were Trudeau’s sons, the Prime Minister and his wife, and close friends. The band played “Auld Lang Syne” as the cortege left Parliament Hill. (source: Wikipedia)
The potential symbolism of Trudeau launching his bid for the leadership of the Liberal Party on the day his famous father last left Ottawa, and on the eve of the former Prime Minister’s funeral where Justin Trudeau’s eulogy sparked the start of what many felt would be a political career is a part of the Trudeau charismatic style.
James Murray
There is a great deal of excitement being generated by many Liberal Party members as Justin Trudeau begins the quest for the party leadership.
The Member of Parliament from Papineau has youth, enthusiasm and obvious personal and political charisma on his side. Critics will point to his inexperience in leadership roles. The real task facing Trudeau will be not only winning the leadership, a task many feel is a forgone conclusion, but in re-building the Liberal Party and the connections to traditional Liberal supporters.
