Poilievre ally calls Trudeau one of the 'most successful' politicians of his generation
CBC
One of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's most prominent supporters praised Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political leadership during a conference on Tuesday.
Trudeau was delivering an address at the Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum in Toronto. He was introduced by former Conservative cabinet minister John Baird, who currently serves as one of the forum's Canadian co-chairs.
Last year, Baird was quick to endorse Poilievre when he announced his bid for the Conservative leadership. He also served as a national co-chair of Poilievre's successful campaign for the top Tory job.
But Baird praised Trudeau's political acumen when he introduced the prime minister on Monday.
"It's my great privilege to introduce one of the most successful political leaders of our generation," Baird said before Trudeau came to the podium to speak.
WATCH | Baird introduces Trudeau at Australia-Canada forum
Baird left politics just before the 2015 election that brought the Trudeau Liberals to power.
Baird balanced his praise of the prime minister with a joke indicating his political allegiance hasn't changed.
The former foreign affairs minister told the audience a story about visiting the Philippines shortly after Trudeau attended a summit in that country. Baird said that while he was getting a ride to the airport, he told the driver he was from Canada.
"'We love Canada. We love your prime minister,'" Baird recalled the driver saying in response.
"I smiled. I paused, and I said, 'Why?'"
Trudeau thanked Baird for his work at with the forum, adding that different political perspectives are important when promoting Canada on the world stage.
Later in his speech, Trudeau took a shot at Poilievre without naming the Conservative leader.
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