MONTREAL – Justin Trudeau took aim at Stephen Harper’s “politics of fear and division” in his opening night speech at his party’s policy convention Thursday, contrasting himself with both Harper and NDP leader Tom Mulcair.
“My friends, I have no interest in joining Mr. Harper and Mr. Mulcair in a competition to see who can make Canadians angrier,” he said.
In a speech that spanned about 15 minutes and included a Skype call to his young family, Trudeau slammed the government’s new elections act saying it will make it harder for Canadians to vote.
READ MORE: It’s the economy, stupid: Justin Trudeau to take on economy at first policy convention in Montreal
“For me, the legislation can be summed up as this: the government will let you vote, if you insist.”
He also suggested the Quebec governing party’s proposed values charter – which bans public servants from wearing certain religious symbols – developed because of economic worries.
“In a growing and fair economy, the Parti Quebecois’ divisive plan would not only be unrealistic, it would be unthinkable,” said Trudeau.
“But in the absence of a real and fair chance, fear and division can take root anywhere.”
Trudeau walked through the crowd from the back of the room on his way to the stage, stopping to shake hands with the estimated 3,000 delegates who came to show their support. Many stood at the back, unable to find seats.
He continued his narrative on the middle class, which is expected to be a theme of the weekend policy convention.
“The idea I need you to focus on all weekend; that if we do not give everyone a fair chance to succeed, then you are not living up to this country’s basic premise,” he said.
“You see, we have a real problem. The middle class is in trouble. People haven’t had a real raise in 30 years, while inequality has increased, and household debt has exploded.”
Even before Trudeau took the stage, the Conservatives released a statement criticizing the Liberal leader’s ability to manage the economy.
“While our prime minister is building a stronger Canadian economy, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau openly admits he doesn’t have one single idea on the economy. In his own words: “the budget will balance itself,'” said Minister of State for Democratic Reform Pierre Poilievre, who also released a fundraising letter prior to Trudeau’s speech.
Trudeau opened his speech by praising Montreal and its diversity, and also paid tribute to longtime MP Irwin Cotler, who received a standing ovation.
Frank Tersignini, a University of Guelph student who stood to watch the speech from the back of the room, said it was “amazing.”
“I think he showed he has a commitment to his family and a commitment to his country,” said Tersignini.
He also said he liked the criticism of the government’s Fair Elections Act. “That’s something that’s really important to me,” he said.
Saturday’s keynote speech is expected to be more substantial, with Trudeau focusing on some key resolutions passed by his fellow Liberals.
The party is hoping the weekend will focus on economic policies affecting the middle class, as well as introduce Trudeau’s new, young team in preparation for the 2015 election.
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