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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will bring his sunny ways to Sunfest on Thursday, officially opening the festival of world music and burnishing the Liberal Party brand at a popular event in an urban political battleground sure to figure in October’s federal election.

“I’m of the view that everything is carefully planned,” said Peter Wolstencroft, a retired professor of political science who taught at the University of Waterloo.

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Trudeau is scheduled to address the crowd at 6:15 p.m. Last year, Sunfest drew about 110,000 people to Victoria Park during four days, according to organizers.

“He’s going to meet a lot of people. He generally gets a positive response. Trudeau doesn’t have to do duck-and-cover” like Ontario Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford, who has been booed at recent public appearances, Wolstencroft said.

According to the political scientist, the prime minister’s appearances ahead of an election would be “carefully calibrated” by Liberal advisors.