FLASHBACK: Ted Cruz EVISCERATES Trudeau over his worship of Castro

In a statement released shortly after the death of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Trudeau wrote of the comandante and his father's friendship, stating: "Fidel Castro was a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century. A legendary revolutionary and orator, Mr. Castro made significant improvements to the education and healthcare of his island nation... I know my father was very proud to call him a friend, and I had the opportunity to meet Fidel when my father passed away."

Cruz said that "we are thankful for this brutal dictator's" death. Adding that Trtudau "should know better" than to offer up the kind words he did.

"Let me be absolutely clear: We're not mourning the death of some revolutionary romantic or a distinguished statesman," said Cruz. "We're not grieving for the protector of peace or a judicious steward of his people. Today we are thankful, we are thankful that a man who has imprisoned and tortured and degraded the lives of so many is no longer with us."

Cruz, who is of Cuban descent himself, said tributes should be made to those who "suffered at the hands of the Castro regime."

"We remember them and we honor the brave souls who fought the lonely fight against the totalitarian communist dictatorship imposed on Cuba," he added. "And yet at the same time, it seems that the race is on to see which world leader can most fulsomely praise Fidel Castro's legacy while delicately averting his eyes from his less than savory characteristics."

Cruz and Trudeau have some history together, with the Calgary-born Cruz having once been ranked the top debater in the US. The two crossed paths during a debate while Trudeau attended McGill. Trudeau said that Cruz "hasn't changed very much."