Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau says his party will focus on addressing the economic challenges facing the middle class as it prepares to fight the next election.
He also told reporters in Prince Edward Island that he doesn't regret speaking out against a proposed Quebec "charter of values."
At a barbecue Wednesday night, Trudeau noted the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech at a rally in Washington and then made reference to Quebec's proposed ban on the wearing of religious symbols or headwear by public workers.
Asked Thursday whether he was drawing a parallel between segregation and the proposed Quebec charter, Trudeau said no, but added that he was proud of Canada's "open society," and would fight to protect it.
Trudeau spoke to reporters after wrapping up a summer caucus retreat with his MPs. The get-together included a full day of discussions Wednesday and the evening rally that attracted hundreds of people.
Trudeau heads now for Nova Scotia for more touring and events later in the day.
On Thursday morning, the caucus heard from finance critic Scott Brison and held a discussion about the struggles facing the middle class.
Heading into the meeting, MP Irwin Cotler said the mood at caucus had been "very positive."
"The discussions have been good. I think Justin inspires an approach of transparency and frankness," he said. Cotler said the party is demonstrating that it offers an open, transparent, accountable alternative to the Conservatives.
In Trudeau's nearly 20-minute speech Wednesday night at the Liberal event, he addressed the controversy he prompted last week with his admission about smoking marijuana about three years ago.
"Only in Stephen Harper's Canada could people actually argue that being honest was a calculated risk," Trudeau said.
The Montreal MP said he wanted to be honest because of the policy position he's taking that calls for the legalization of marijuana.
Trudeau pumped up the crowd and said that through his travels across Canada this summer, he has learned people are open and hopeful about the Liberal Party, but that they still have work to do to win back Canadians' trust and confidence.
He also took a few shots at Prime Minister Stephen Harper, saying people are tired of his leadership. "He's unambitious, he lacks hopes and dreams for this country," he said.
Harper's office, when asked for comment, rejected Trudeau's assessment.
"Prime Minister Harper has a proven plan for the economy that is creating jobs and growth right across Canada. In contrast, Mr. Trudeau openly admits that he has no economic policy or plan," Andrew MacDougall, Harper's director of communications, said in an email.
The big crowd drawn to local MP Lawrence MacAulay's home for the BBQ wasn't a surprise given that Prince Edward Island is mostly Liberal territory — the party holds three out of the four federal seats — but organizers said attendance surpassed their expectations. People arrived on buses from different parts of P.E.I. and MacAulay's lawn was packed with cars.
Trudeau 'building a movement'
Beth Butland had never been to any kind of political event, but when she heard Trudeau was going to be on the Island, she wanted to come see him. She said she's tired of the way politics is being done in Canada and that "we need a change."
"He is building a movement," she said. "We need fresh and we need new, and we need accountability."
Trudeau's admission that he smoked marijuana since getting elected as an MP didn't bother her. "He gave a direct answer instead of a direct lie."
It didn't bother Butland's mother, who is in her 80s, either. "Oh no," Frances Hanscome said, shrugging it off.
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, left, was asked by a young man at a Liberal rally Wednesday night in Prince Edward Island for tips on training for boxing. (Meagan Fitzpatrick/CBC News) Hanscome brought a book to the event that she wrote about her brother, a fighter pilot who died in the Second World War, and planned to give it to Trudeau as a gift. She wrote a message inside telling him he hopes it will one day be on his bookshelf at 24 Sussex Dr.
Liberal MPs said Canadians are enthusiastic about the hope and hard work that Trudeau has been showing since he took over the leadership in April.
"I feel that we've been rejuvenated by the expressions of confidence from Canadians to us over the summer," said Frank Valeriote, MP for Guelph in Ontario.
Kevin Lamoureux, MP for Winnipeg North, credited Trudeau for generating excitement among Canadians. "People love the guy, they want pictures with him. Trudeau Mania 2, whatever you want to call it, it's great to see," he said.
The MPs said they have no problem with the decision to post their expenses online, and they have nothing to hide.
The Liberals will begin doing that this fall on the party's website. They also announced Wednesday that they would be back at work in Ottawa the third week of September, as scheduled, despite Harper's plan to ask the Governor General to prorogue Parliament until later in October.
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