Trudeau meets faithful

Federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau autographs a photo of his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, for P.J. Brown, during a meet and greet at the Da Vinci Centre in Thunder Bay on Monday. Brown has had the photograph since the 1970s. Trudeau’s visit to the city concludes Tuesday. (Brent Linton)

Thunder Bay gave federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau a rousing welcome with an estimated 700 supporters and curious packing the Da Vinci Centre Monday evening.
Patty Hajdu, the Liberal candidate for Thunder Bay-Superior North, introduced Trudeau and spoke on how his compassion drew her to politics.
“I was so impressed with the courage and tenacity that he has as a leader to say the true thing,” said Hajdu during her introduction.
She also admitted to being “a little bit starstruck to be in the presence of an honourable great leader.”
Trudeau returned the accolades to Hajdu for her work on substance abuse and homelessness.
He went on to say that the plan for Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire mining region needs to be made in partnership with local communities and Aboriginal peoples.
He closed his remarks by saying, “Canadian’s have learned one thing about this (Harper's) government: it will never change. So this year, if we work hard, Canadians will change the government.”
After his 10-minute speech Trudeau spent time going around the room, posing for selfie photographs, signing books and speaking with people.
“I think he hit the nail on the head. It’s . . . all about working together,” said Cathy Moreau, who got a photograph with Trudeau.
P.J. Brown had Justin Trudeau autograph a photograph of his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, which the former prime minister had signed for Brown in the 1970s.
“I think he has a lot of charisma and I think him coming here is absolutely fantastic. It’s an opportunity for the voting people to do a meet and great,” said Brown.