Trudeau speaks to Winnipeg supporters amid controversy, boasts party successes

Prime Minister Justin Trudeauspoke to his supporters at a Liberal donor appreciation eventMonday evening, the first event in his two-day stop in Winnipeg.

During his speech, he highlighted the successes of his government, which is currently embroiled ina major controversy as it seeks re-election in October.

"Right now [the Conservatives are] scrambling.They have nothing to say about our budget, they have nothing to propose as an economic plan to go up against ours, so they try to change the channel," Trudeau said.

"We're going to stay focused on Canadians let the world look to Canada as a model."

The SNC-Lavalin controversy continues to reveal more details about the prime minister's suspectedtenuous relationship with former attorney generalJody Wilson-Raybould.

Sources told The Canadian Press on Monday the former justice minister's choice for chief justiceof the Supreme Courtwas a moment of "significant disagreement" with Trudeau, suggesting the prime minister could have had other reasons for removing Wilson-Raybould from theportfolio.

Even the most ardent Liberal supporters wantedmore clarity on the SNC-Lavalin controversy, and the subsequent exits from cabinet of Wilson-Raybould and former treasury minister Jane Philpott.

"I think it would be good if the affected ministers could state their viewsas far as the party is concerned," said George Tabisz, a retired physics teacher who's been a party membersince the mid-1960s.

"There's time between now and October to discuss and make changes if needed."

When it comes to Manitoba, other than jobs, Tabisz hopes the Liberals, if re-elected,make the topic of child poverty a greater focus.

Meetings continue Tuesday

The event,held at the Inn at the Forks,was the second fundraising event of the day for Trudeau, who was in Nanaimo, B.C. earlier Monday.

During his speech, the prime minister focused on the failures of the past Conservative government, indicating the party, now led by Andrew Scheer,is a warmer version of the same.

"The Conservativeswhat are they offering? Balancing the budget bycutting programs and serviceswhile giving advantages to the wealthiest," Trudeau said.

In his speech, Trudeau cited his government's rebuilding of its relationship with the Manitoba Mtis Federation.

"We've focused on respect and shared partnershipsand Ottawa being a partner to our Indigenous brothers and sisters," he said.

Media were not allowed to ask questions at the event, which is common at party fundraising events.

On Tuesday, the prime minister will visitthe Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology with Jim Carr, minister of international trade diversification. Following the tour, media will have the chance to ask questions.

Trudeau and Carr will then meet privately with the Richardsons, finishing his tour of the citywith a visit to the Manitoba Federation of Labour.

An interview with the prime minister will air on CBCManitoba'sUp to Speed onTuesday afternoon at 4:05 CT.