Biden to have brief meeting with Trudeau political rival on Canada visit

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a bilateral meeting at the North American Leaders' Summit in Mexico City, Mexico, January 10, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

(Reuters) - President Joe Biden plans to have a brief meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's biggest political rival during an official visit to Canada that begins on Thursday, a senior administration official said.

The official said Biden will have a "pull aside" with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who was elected last year to spearhead the party's bid to oust the Liberals and Trudeau. It's not uncommon for a U.S. president to meet with the opposition leader during visits to Canada.