A local bar ditched the usual musical entertainment for politics Sunday night.

Approximately one hundred Winnipeggers dressed in red and white gathered at Blue Note Park the night before many Canadians would head to the polls, waiting for the leader of the Liberal Party, Justin Trudeau.

"One of the areas that I know we here at Blue Note Park that we have to talk about is about arts and culture and about how Winnipeg is such a centre of vibrant culture and creativity and art. And we need to make sure we continue to invest in arts and culture," Trudeau says, pointing to arts and culture funding cuts under the previous Conservative government. "We need to continue to stand up for our identity, our culture, and our future."

Trudeau spent his 25-minute stage time talking about pandemic-related topics including supporting vaccine passports, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, climate change, and restoring jobs lost during the pandemic.

"We are talking about thousands and thousands saved each year by average families," Trudeau says about a $10 a day daycare proposal. "It is also a necessary step to grow the economy to get women back into the workforce after a recession that has hit them hardest.

 

trudeau fist bumpTrudeau bumped fists and took selfies with party supporters Sunday night. 

Musician Karmen Omeasoo and his wife Lisa Muswagon are supporters of the Liberal Party, saying they feel this party will push forward Indigenous issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

"We wanted people to look at the candidate, understand what they are standing up for," Muswagon says. 

Adding in, Omeasoo says it is very important for youth to understand what is happening up north.

"For me, it's a lot deeper than this election; it's about survival," Omeasoo says.

Paul Ong, who is vying for the Winnipeg Centre riding, is running in his first election.

"I am feeling very excited and I am hoping for the best, Ong says. "The whole intent of this was to serve the community and whatever the outcome is, I think I will still serve the community in my own capacity."

Ong is an inner-city teacher in Winnipeg using music and the arts to connect with and empower youth. If elected, he will be one of the first Filipinos in parliament in 17 years.

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole and Green Party Leader Annamie Paul ended the evening off in Toronto while NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is in Burnaby, ending a packed day in British Columbia.

People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier made his last stop in Westlock, Alberta. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet finished the day with media in Cowansville, Quebec.