Barack Obama backs Justin Trudeau in 'unprecedented' endorsement ahead of Canadian PM's re-election fight

Justin Trudeau and Barack Obama, pictured at a leaders' summit in 2016
AFP/Getty Images

Barack Obama has voiced his support for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ahead of his re-election fight, in an apparently unprecedented endorsement.

The former US President said he was proud to work with Mr Trudeau and described him as a hard-working, effective leader who takes on big issues like climate change.

Mr Obama’s endorsement, in which he said the “world needs” Mr Trudeau’s “progressive leadership,” came as Canada’s leader faces a tough battle for re-election next week.

"I was proud to work with Justin Trudeau as President," Mr Obama said in a tweet on Wednesday evening. "He's a hard-working, effective leader who takes on big issues like climate change. The world needs his progressive leadership now, and I hope our neighbours to the north support him for another term."

Justin Trudeau and Barack Obama meet at a brewery in Canada earlier this year
REUTERS

"Thanks my friend," Mr Trudeau responded on Twitter. "We're working hard to keep our progress going."

The two progressive leaders formed a close friendship that has remained a popular topic on social media since Mr Obama, a Democrat, left the White House in January 2017. They were spotted having dinner together at an Ottawa restaurant earlier this year.

Mr Trudeau was the first Canadian prime minister the United States honoured with a state dinner in almost two decades when Mr Obama invited him and his wife to Washington in March 2016 after Trudeau won power the previous October.

Barack Obama meets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the APEC Summit in 2016
REUTERS

It is not the first time Obama has endorsed a foreign leader. He tweeted his support for Emmanuel Macron ahead of France's 2017 presidential election.

Opinion polls strongly suggest Mr Trudeau will lose his parliamentary majority in Monday's election.

The election fight has been shaped by the “brownface” scandal surrounding Mr Trudeau. The revelation that he has worn racist makeup led to his sinking approval ratings, scuffing his persona as a liberal star.

Mr Trudeau apologised, saying: “What I did hurt people who shouldn’t have to face intolerance and discrimination because of their identity.

"This is something that I deeply, deeply regret."

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