But in the years since his ascent to the global stage, and over two general elections, Trudeau and his brand have become a drag on the party's fortunes.
In some Canadian provinces - namely Ontario, the largest by population - American booze will be pulled off the shelves indefinitely starting on Tuesday.This is in addition to a total of C$155bn ($105bn; £86bn) of American goods that Canada has said it will tariff in retaliation, including vegetables, clothing, sports equipment, perfume and other items. Goods originating from Republican-led states, like Florida orange juice, are specifically being targeted.
The US imports more of its oil from Canada than any other country, and Trudeau's government has signalled "all options remain on the table" for further retaliation.Trump's follow-through on his threat of steep tariffs - which were long speculated to be a negotiation tactic to get concessions on border security - have bewildered Canadians, who have enjoyed close economic, social and security ties to the US for decades."It's a shock," Michael Ignatieff, the former leader of Canada's Liberal Party, told the BBC.
"We're into a new world, in which the question on whether you can trust America becomes the fundamental question in foreign policy for every country."Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada's opposition Conservative Party, called the tariffs on Sunday "massive, unjust and unjustified."
"Canada is the United States' closest neighbour, greatest ally and best friend," he said, noting that Canada fought alongside the US in two world wars, as well as in Korea and Afghanistan. "There is no justification whatsoever for this treatment."
Prime Minister Trudeau questioned in his Saturday address why the US would target Canada instead of looking to "more challenging parts" of the world.That message - and sense of responsibility - hit home for him earlier this year, at the World Championships in Doha.
Speaking with the Indian diving team, he says they were surprised someone with South Asian heritage, like Kyle, was so good at diving."The coach told me about how some of the kids didn't believe it was possible. Because there's not been Indians that have been in the top six in the world before.
"It was the first time I actually thought: Hang on, it’s important to see someone that looks like you doing something."That makes you think that it's possible."