Federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau greets one his youngest supporters at a barbecue at Riverside Park Tuesday evening.
(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
July 24, 2013 - 10:54 AM
KAMLOOPS – Dressed for the weather in a casual polo top and flip flops, Liberal Party of Canada leader Justin Trudeau personally drove his family to Riverside Park in a large RV before speaking to the large gathering about citizen engagement and the importance of getting Canadians to be less cynical when it comes to politics.
“People tend to be happy and very active as citizens in their communities with big issues and causes, helping out in local organizations... but when it comes to politics we tend to be a little more cynical than we should, and it's not like us. Canadians are not cynical people,” he told the crowd of 200 during an impassioned speech.
One of his big concerns as a politician and leader is finding a balance between environment and economy, making sure there are jobs in the future for our kids and grandkids, but also clean air and water for them to enjoy, he said.
When asked about a full panel review for the proposed Ajax mine, Trudeau said there does not need to be duplication of studies, but the environment crosses borders and the federal government should be involved in the process.
“There is always a need for engagement with various jurisdictions," he said. "Environment goes beyond borders. I do not believe in a federal government that steps back and says the environment can be your local concern.... If you ever ask me a question about consultation versus no consultation, I'm always going to say consultation. Governments might grant permits, but only communities can grant permission.”
Trudeau also stopped at the downtown waterfront in Kelowna and Polson Park in Vernon before making it to Kamloops. He and his family head to the Mainland for more gatherings and barbecues over the next couple of days.
To contact a reporter for this story, email jstahn@infotelnews.ca, call (250)819-3723 or tweet @JennStahn.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013