Son follows father into Canadian politics

MONTREAL, April 30 (UPI) -- The eldest son of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau is following his famous father into politics.

Justin Trudeau was picked by his party Sunday to represent Liberals from the Montreal riding of Papineau, the Toronto Star reported Monday. Trudeau hopes to win back the seat from the Bloc Quebecois in the next federal election.

"I think that what was achieved here ... was to demonstrate that I'm not just a last name," said Trudeau, who took 56 percent of the 1,266 ballots cast Sunday.

Trudeau, a teacher, has been accused of using his name to leverage his entry into federal politics. Trudeau invoked his late father in a speech to try to win over undecided voters just before they cast their ballots Sunday, the Star reported.

Pierre Trudeau became justice minister in 1967 and one year later became the leader of the Liberal party and prime minister.