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During Pierre Trudeau’s tenure, which lasted until 1984 (with a brief hiatus for the Joe Clark government of 1979-80), power became increasingly centralized in the PMO and cabinet ministers and backbench MPs saw their influence diminish. Experts say that control has only grown tighter with subsequent prime ministers.

“I recognize that, and I think I actually quite like the symmetry of me being the one who’d end that,” Justin Trudeau told Mansbridge.

“My father had a particular way of doing things. I have a different way, and his was suited to his time and mine is suited to my time. I believe that we need to trust Canadians. I believe that it’s not just about restoring Canadians’ trust in government by demonstrating trust towards them, I think we get better public policy when it’s done openly and transparently.”

My father had a particular way of doing things. I have a different way, and his was suited to his time and mine is suited to my time

Trudeau said Harper has become “disconnected from the reality that people are facing every day” and from the scrutiny that makes for better government.

He promised he would “empower” MPs to be “voices” for their own communities on Parliament Hill. Trudeau said he has already shown “openness and transparency” by requiring Liberal MPs to proactively disclose their expenses.

“Fundamentally, if I’m doing this job, or seeking to do this job, it’s because I believe that we can make a real difference, that government matters.”

Trudeau said the party that wins the most seats on Oct. 19 should get “the first shot at governing.” But he suggested that if Stephen Harper wins a minority, his government might not last long and could be defeated in a vote of non-confidence in Parliament.

“I think the reality is, there is such a clear desire for change amongst Canadians right now, that Mr. Harper will have a very difficult time commanding the confidence of the House after this election.”