Justin Trudeau joins Vancouver Chinese New Year's parade

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      There was plenty of fireworks and a whole lot of rainfall at today's Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade.

      But the weather didn't seem to affect the turnout at today's Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade around the Millennium Gate, where the procession began at 11 a.m.

      But the crowds were distinctly thinner than in past years in the 200 block of East Pender Street as the parade moved past Main Street.

      It enabled many in this area to catch a good glimpse of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he waved at Vancouverites, repeatedly shouting "Gung Hay Fat Choy". 

      Trudeau was surrounded by hordes of federal Liberals and almost as many media cameras and police officers.

      Trudeau wasn't the only politician there, of course. I spotted many others, including Vancouver East NDP MP Jenny Kwan, B.C. Green Leader Andrew Weaver, and Liberal MP Terry Beech.

      But if you flip on the TV news tonight, you can be sure that Trudeau will be the one who captures the bulk of the coverage.

      Parade sponsors' names appeared on this banner.
      Charlie Smith
      Vancouver–False Creek NDP candidate Morgane Oger and Vancouver park board chair Michael Wiebe were among those who walked in the parade.
      Charlie Smith
      With his rain gear, Vancouver police Chief Adam Palmer was barely recognizable to many in the crowd.
      Charlie Smith
      Chief John McKearney of Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services wasn't afraid to get a little drenched. After all, he's a firefighter.
      Charlie Smith

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