Despite being the leader of the third-place party in Canada, Justin Trudeau drew a huge crowd at the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market Saturday morning.
And while the celebrity-like nature of Trudeau’s popularity can draw numbers to a public appearance, he’s aware that the west isn’t traditionally fond of the Liberal Party.
“Part of the approach is understanding the Liberals are a tough sell across the country. That’s why we’re down to 35 seats,” he told reporters after touring the market.
The usually quiet market became the backdrop for harsh words from the young leader about Saskatchewan's representation in Ottawa.
“Does anyone in Saskatchewan call Pamela Wallin ‘our senator’? Is she really from Saskatchewan? That’s one of the hearts of the question right now,” Trudeau said. “We have two people right now, particularly Pamela Wallin and Mike Duffy who were appointed for the senate for one reason – to raise money for the Conservative Party.”
Only one seat belongs to the Liberal Party in Saskatchewan, and Ralph Goodale, MP for Regina Wascana, was out supporting Trudeau on his travels through the province. “He obviously has an amazing way of attracting people to him, raising interest, raising excitement, developing momentum. That’s the first stop in developing people’s interest in the Liberal Party,” Goodale said.
Trudeau still has time to try to turn his popularity into votes. For now, he sits as leader of the least powerful major party in the country.
