Pierre Elliott Trudeau
A Short Biography of Canada's Fifteenth Prime Minister
Pierre Trudeau was one of Canada's most well-known politicians of the twentieth century. Infamous for not worrying about public perceptions of himself, Trudeau dated well-known celebrities, allegedly swore during a debate in the House of Commons, and even danced behind Queen Elizabeth II when her back was turned. He will not be forgotten any time soon.
The Education of Trudeau
Born Joseph-Philippe-Pierre-Yves-Elliott Trudeau on 18 October 1919 in Montreal, Canada’s fifteenth Prime Minister was raised in luxury. Thanks to his father’s success in business, Pierre Trudeau was fortunate enough to avoid suffering the effects of the Depression, and was able to afford an education at any university he wished to attend. As such, Trudeau earned his law degree at the University of Montreal by 1943 and his master’s degree in political economy at Harvard University before travelling to Paris, France to audit classes at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris. Finally, he completed course work toward his doctorate at the London School of Economics, but did not complete his thesis, so did not obtain his degree.
Trudeau’s Early Career
After leaving school, Trudeau travelled the world, including trips to Russia, China, the Middle East, and Africa, which allowed him to gain a thorough knowledge of foreign affairs. The young Trudeau then went on to work in a variety of political positions, including two years spent working as an economic policy advisor in the Privy Council Office. In 1965, Trudeau became parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, then Justice Minister shortly thereafter.
Because of the Liberal Party’s policy of alternating between Anglophone and Francophone leaders, the party was looking for a new French-Canadian to run for Prime Minister upon Pearson’s retirement. With the encouragement of his friends, fellow academics, and numerous fellow politicians, Trudeau announced his candidacy, and, a few months later, he easily won the federal election.
Trudeaumania
The youth of Canada were still being influenced by the counterculter of the 1960s when Trudeau came to power, and many identified with the young free-spirited politician, often stopping him on the street for an autograph. It was this hype that led to the term “Trudeaumania.”
Trudeau was perhaps the most ‘liberal’ politician to be made Prime Minister of Canada by that time (or even since, it could be argued), legalizing homosexuality during his time as Justice Minister, and defending universal health care. Trudeau was also responsible for implementing legislation that requires all Federal services to be provided in both French and English – that is, he made Canada’s bilingualism official.
Trudeau and Foreign Affairs
Though Canadian leaders are often accused of following the lead of the United States, Trudeau took a decidedly independent course of actions when it came to foreign affairs. While ensuring Canada’s position within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), he also did something that no American president could have forgiven: Trudeau became quite friendly with the leaders of Cuba, particularly Fidel Castro, opening up trade between the two countries. Under Trudeau, in 1976, Canada also joined G7, a group of seven major economic powers.
Trudeau’s Crises
Only two years into his term in office, Pierre Trudeau had to face the climax of Quebec’s Quiet Revolution, the October Crisis. In October of 1970, members of the Front de liberation du Quebec (or FLQ) kidnapped an English politician, James Cross. This was followed by the kidnapping (and eventual murder) of Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte. Trudeau’s response remains controversial to this day: he invoked the War Measures Act, under which the government had the authority to arrest and imprison citizens without trial. Trudeau made his stance on the terrorism clear with his now infamous response to the question of how far he would go to stop it: “Just watch me.”
Trudeau’s Final Years
Once his popularity began to drop, Trudeau officially retired from politics on 30 June 1984, and joined a Montreal law firm shortly thereafter. Though it was rarely given, Trudeau’s opinions on politics remained important to Canadians, as demonstrated by the fate of the Meech Lake Accord, against which he felt very strongly. Trudeau also continued to travel and continued to participate in certain foreign affairs.
The Death of Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Canada’s answer to JFK died on 28 September 2000 at the age of 80 after struggling with both Parkinson’s disease and prostate cancer. Thousands of Canadians travelled to Trudeau’s funeral, or even just to see the train carrying him through their town, to pay their last respects. Numerous world politicians attended the funeral as well, including Fidel Castro. Because of his dedication to his country, Pierre Elliott Trudeau will continue to be remembered fondly by many Canadians for years to come.
Sources:
The Greatest Canadian, "Pierre Elliott Trudeau," CBC.ca
The Canadian Encyclopedia, "Pierre Elliott Trudeau"
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