Pierre Poilievre has taken a swipe at Justin Trudeau during a National Prayer Breakfast meeting in Ottawa.
The Tory leader discussed God’s granting of free will to humans at the event this morning, stressing that “we political leaders must give the same.”
He then said that the term “prime minister” does not mean “first master” but rather “first servant.”
“The people, of course, in a democratic system are the masters: they choose the commoners who grant and withdraw – hopefully withdraw at some point in the not-too-distant future – the confidence that allows the ministers to serve.”
He added beforehand that politicians “must have the humility to give up control.”
As Poilievre made the remark about withdrawing confidence, Trudeau, who was a few feet away from the lectern, appeared somewhat chagrinned.
The prime minister smirked, appeared to mumble something and then took a drink from his glass.
Late last month, Poilievre failed in his bid to pass a motion of non-confidence in the prime minister.
The Tory leader has put liberty at the centre of his campaign to lead Canada, pledging to make it the “freest country on Earth.”
Earlier at the event in Ottawa today, Trudeau spoke of his own Christian faith, which he said he doesn't "talk an awful lot" about.
He said his father, fellow prime minister Pierre Trudeau, had raised him to read the Bible every week and regularly say prayers.
"My faith grounds me in a way that is real but quiet," he said.
Trudeau also spoke of climate change and the affordability crisis before reading from St. Matthew.
"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God," he quoted. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are called children of God."
He added: "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
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