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PHOTOS: Trudeau visits South Surrey, White Rock pier

More than a thousand people gather to meet prime minister
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The line wrapped around the corner of Semiahmoo Secondary School Saturday morning with residents waiting to meet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

More than 1,400 people registered to attend the event, which was held in the gymnasium of the school. Organizers had to open a second gymnasium to accommodate residents that could not fit into the main gymnasium.

After being welcomed by Semiahmoo First Nations Coun. Joanne Charles, South Surrey-White Rock Liberal candidate Gordon Hogg spoke for several minutes before he introduced the prime minster.

Trudeau spent about 15 minutes talking to the crowd before walking clockwise through the gymnasium and taking selfies with those who wanted. Although not mentioning specific plans or projects for the South Surrey-White Rock area, Trudeau touched on supporting the middle class and reconciliation with First Nations.

Following the public event, the prime minister and Hogg went to White Rock’s waterfront and walked along the closed section of Memorial Park before taking a brief stroll on the White Rock pier. The public was not informed of the visit to the pier, but a small gathering of residents waited at the foot of the White Rock Museum to catch a glimpse of the prime minister.

Trudeau, who did not take questions from the media, was in South Surrey and White Rock for a community meet and greet, and to show support for candidate Hogg.

Trudeau last visited White Rock on Nov. 15, the same day Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer visited South Surrey to greet supporters. The Conservative campaign told Peace Arch News that Scheer will be returning to the riding Monday and Tuesday.

Seven candidates are participating in the Dec. 11 byelection, including Larry Colero (Green); Kerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative); Michael Huenefeld (Progressive Canadian); Jonathan Silveira (NDP); Rod Taylor (Christian Heritage Party) and Donald Wilson (Libertarian).

All seven candidates in the running for the upcoming byelection have confirmed they will be at Tuesday’s all-candidates meeting, organizers say.

The meeting is set for 7-9 p.m. at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Ave.).

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About the Author: Aaron Hinks

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