A tale of two leaders

Canada’s prime minister and leader of the Official Opposition made visits to the Okanagan within 10 days of one another. The difference in the ways the events were orchestrated is night and day.

Conservative leader Andrew Scheer made a brief stop in Naramata where he met with party faithful. The media was allowed to attend but the event wasn’t opened to the public.

Trudeau, on the other hand, arrived in Kelowna Tuesday and gave multiple oneon-ones to various media outlets, did some photo-ops and tonight he’s facilitating a town hall meeting in Kelowna where anyone may attend (provided they’re among the first 900 in line.)

The prime minister is clearly putting himself in the hot seat by opening himself to criticism — something his predecessor Stephen Harper skillfully avoided.

Advocates opposed to the small business tax will be among those in attendance.

Trudeau deserves a lot of credit for listening to the people.

Shortly after being elected he did a series on CBC where Canadians with issues were able to address him face-to-face on national television.

The Conservatives’ model also has some merit. During his stay in the South Okanagan, Scheer wouldn’t have picked up any new supporters unless someone was inspired by the media coverage.

But die-hard Conservative supporters in the last election were allowed to meet the new leader. That’s not necessarily the case with Trudeau. It doesn’t appear that everyone who worked or voted for Connie Denesiuk or Stephen Fehr will necessarily get in the doors tonight.

Which method attracts more members? It depends on whether you're a faithful party loyalist. But attracting new voters is another question.