PM makes Stampede rounds

The Canadian Press
Lauren Krugel

CALGARY–Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made the Calgary Stampede rounds, with his first stop being at MP Kent Hehr’s pancake breakfast.
Hehr lost his cabinet post earlier this year after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct with women.
Trudeau has been dogged by negative headlines of his own centred on an 18-year-old allegation he groped a reporter at a B.C. festival.
Hehr said his boss has addressed the matter in an appropriate fashion and he’s proud to continue to serve in the Liberal government.
He added he agrees with Trudeau 100 percent that misconduct cases should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Hehr’s event drew a big crowd of Calgarians keen to have their photo snapped and shake hands with the prime minister.
Trudeau had warm words for the MP.
“We’re so lucky to have him and his voice here in Calgary Centre,” Trudeau said Saturday.
“He’s a strong member of the team.”
Hehr said he’s optimistic heading into next year’s federal election.
“In politics, sometimes things happen that make it a little bit stressed . . . but there is no doubt I am committed to the Liberal government, to the Liberal team, to running in the next election and to sharing the good work that our government has done for not only the people in this country but the people of the city of Calgary,” he told reporters.
Trudeau drew cheers when touched on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which would enable Canadian oil shipments to Asia.
“I don’t know many people who, particularly given the trade context with the United States right now, would continue to argue that it’s a good thing that we only have one market, the United States, for our oil resources,” he said at the pancake breakfast.

Trudeau also visited the Stampede grounds and addressed supporters at a Liberal fundraising event.