Pubdate: Fri, 23 Jan 2015
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Craig Pearson
Page: A1

ONE-ON-ONE WITH TRUDEAU

Liberal leader on the auto industry, pot and his dad

During a 10-minute interview Thursday in a Caesars Windsor suite
overlooking the Detroit River, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau answered
questions on a range of topics, from the auto sector and the Paul
Martin Building to marijuana and his late father, former prime
minister Pierre Trudeau.

The 43-year-old Trudeau was in town following a national caucus
meeting in London, for a rally Wednesday night at the Ciociaro Club, a
$500-a-plate local fundraising dinner, and a Thursday Windsor-Essex
Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

This is an edited version. Read the full version at
http://windsorstar.com/

Q You're back in Windsor. Does that mean you think this could be a
battleground?

A The reality is that with 35 seats across the country, every region
where we don't have seats is going to be a battleground area. We're
committed to forming a truly national government with strong voices
from every corner of the country.

Q A couple of days ago you said that you felt Southwestern Ontario
should expand beyond auto manufacturing.

A Manufacturing will always be an important part because there's such
expertise and resilience here. But we have to understand that a
diverse economy is essential. Moving into a huge range of things is
going to be helpful. But there will always be an important core in
manufacturing in Canada that will be centred very much in Southwestern
Ontario.

Q Do you think we should have an auto strategy?

A Any strategy by the federal government needs to focus on investing
in education and training that's going to draw in plants and
corporations who want to set up where there's a strong and willing
workforce with the qualities of great work. That there's an
infrastructure investment that's going to make sure we can get our
people to work, make sure there is a reliable way of reaching out to
customers across the country, across the continent and around the world.

Q We have a couple of places beginning medical marijuana grow
operations. What do you think about that?

A The current approach on marijuana by this government is a total
failure. The prohibition is leaving our young people more exposed to
marijuana than any other country. Out of 29 different developed
countries, according to a U.N. study, Canada has the No. 1 use by
underage citizens of marijuana. That means young people in real terms
find it easier to buy a joint than buy a beer. And that's wrong.

That's why we need to control and regulate so that we're protecting
our young people. It also means we have to prevent the tens of
millions of dollars that goes every year into the pockets of organized
crime and street gangs.

That's funding criminality, at the same time preventing a revenue
stream that would be significant for Canadians. So I think legalizing,
regulating, allowing for access by responsible adults for medical and
recreational use is something Canada should be doing because other
jurisdictions have shown it works.

Q There is a federal building here called the Paul Martin Building
which has fallen into disrepair. What do you think about that?

A Honestly, I think the partisanship of the government is hurting them
in silly ways. A Liberal government would go out of its way to restore
a Diefenbaker Building (named after former Progressive Conservative
Prime Minister John Diefenbaker), for example, just to show that we're
reaching out across party lines. But they can't help themselves but be
partisan. I think it's a part of not just Windsor's civic and cultural
history, that building, but an important part of our political history
to recognize the incredible contributions of Paul Martin Sr. We should
make sure federal buildings like that are kept up.

Q You would put the money into it?

A I would put the money into it, yes.

Q Speaking of political legacy, how do you think your father would
have helped you with this run for prime minister?

A Oh, first of all, he has already helped me immensely, understanding
that what is important in politics is trusting Canadians and staying
true to your values, and to stay connected and to earn people's trust
by working incredibly hard.

I grew up around a kitchen table with him from the age of 13 onwards,
when he left politics, where we debated everything large and small and
challenged each other in all sorts of different ways. He made me the
man I am today, as did my extraordinary mother, as you know. But the
fact is, politics today is done in a very different way than it was
years ago. The kind of outreach, the kind of people connection that I
love so much - my father wasn't naturally as good at. He was much more
of an intellectual. He got along well with people but he wasn't a
people person the way my mom has allowed me to be. I miss him every
day and I'd love for him to be by my side. But he still is in many
ways.

Q Speaking of knowing about people, what would you say the average
Canadian would be most surprised to learn about you?

A The fact that I am not particularly distant or aloof. I actually
enjoy meeting people. I'm not someone who makes people feel
uncomfortable. I really like hanging out with people. I like sitting
down having a beer at the end of the day with them.
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MAP posted-by: Matt