Pierre Elliott Trudeau served as Canada’s 15th Prime Minister for 16 years. Trudeau graduated with a law degree from the University of Montreal, and practiced law from 1951 to 1961. He became Minister of Justice in 1961, and only seven years later, in 1968, his campaign for Prime Minister proved successful and he was sworn in 20 days after his initial win. Trudeau was a pioneer in French-Canadian rights and unprecedented liberalism the ideas of the 1960’s supported vastly. Trudeau passed many laws and took many actions many disagreed with and despised him for, but for those that agreed with these decisions, he was seen as an outspoken, inspiring and charismatic leader. Regardless of an individual's views on Trudeau, he is an extremely significant …show more content…
figure in Canada’s history, due to his controversiality. Trudeau is a significant and relevant figure because he is controversial, and this controversiality is due to the change he enacted and the drastic measures he took while in office.
Pierre Trudeau, if nothing else, was a leader of change. His ideas were extremely liberal, and while some people were ready to support his ideas, many were also not. The changes he enacted would today be considered controversial in many countries, but the laws he created and passed that were the subject of controversialism were passed around fifty years ago. After being in office for one year, in 1969, Trudeau reformed the Canadian Bill of Rights, becoming the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This bill included the legalization of homosexuality, gross indecency, and abortion. This bill added more protections against discrimination of people with disabilities, added French language recognition and preservation laws for French-Canadians and their communities, and reformed laws around divorce [3]. The laws that had been passed by Trudeau were incredibly liberal, and the fact that Trudeau had passed such revolutionary bills only a year after becoming Minister was very controversial, and almost unseen in Canadian history. Pierre’s views on why he was was a supporter of these …show more content…
liberal ideas was also unexpected, as he was a devout catholic. Many catholics refused to align themselves with him because of his views on topics like abortion or homosexaulity. However, Trudeau himself did not agree with abortion, he simply thought it was unconstitutional for the personal opinions of lawmakers to interfere with every Canadian citizen. Trudeau vocalized his unconventional views in an interview with the BBC on July 13, 1970, saying "You can't ask the totality of the people to accept my private morality as theirs. You have to make sure that the Criminal Code...represents not the private morals of the people who happen to be in government at that time, but represents what the people feel to be the basic public standards of ethical conduct." [4] and in 1976 in New Brunswick saying “It is easy for us men to be against abortion. I am against abortion. But I've never been pregnant, illegitimate or otherwise... I believe we must listen to the woman's side of the story" [4]. Trudeau also said “The state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation.” [6], when asked about the decriminalization of homosexuality. It is evident that Trudeau valued justice and equality over the state’s recognition of his personal values. It was incredibly compassionate and progressive for a man in the 1960’s to devote his political career to helping minority groups he was not even a part of. Trudeau recognized the diversity of Canadians, and he was extremely outspoken about government recognized equality, directly helping millions of people with the laws he created by using the privilege he had to help those who lacked the power to do so themselves. The neutrality and favor of ultimate equality Trudeau had, and his brutal honesty and outspokenness of his views was also very uncharacteristic for a politician. Trudeau's honesty and consideration only added to the amount he was controversial, as many were not used to an honest, good politician with such liberal views. His supporters loved him with a passion, but his opposers despised him with that same passion, due to how controversial his desire for change and thirst for equality was. The laws that Pierre Trudeau passed were met with considerable backlash not only because they were controversial, or many disagreed with them or were not ready for them, but also because they were considered ‘too drastic’ or ‘too much too soon’ by many.
Many believed that the sudden decriminalization of homosexuality and gross indecency or the sudden legalization of abortion was entirely too drastic, as they believed ‘no one was asking for these laws to be passed’. In truth, many people needed these laws. The gay and lesbian community, French speaking Canadians, disabled people, and women in poverty needed these laws to survive or to live happy lives. Many people did not understand this at the time, or disregarded it, but Pierre both understood and recognized the need for these laws. Many people, among religious groups or political figures had never been exposed to to these issues, or had their own values that clouded their judgement and caused them to oppose Trudeau for his open-minded views. While these laws are controversial and considered very drastic, Trudeau has done something more drastic, and more controversial than passing a few laws. The enactment of martial law was the cause of this controversiality. After the FLQ’s kidnapping of James Cross and kidnapping and murder of Pierre Laporte, the October Crisis of 1970 stirred many tensions and fears in French and English Canadians alike. Many French-Canadians were angry with Trudeau for being against separatism, and for
painting the FLQ as terrorists. They felt as if Trudeau had betrayed them, as many saw him as a messiah for French-Canadian rights and protections. Even some British-Canadians were disturbed with Trudeau’s actions, deeming the War Measures act to be unconstitutional and unjust. There were many different viewpoints of the entire FLQ Crisis situation, ranging from support to terrorist accusations, and the enactment of the War Measures act gives even broader reactions. Some, mostly British-Canadians, would sympathize with Trudeau's reaction and deem it necessary to protect public figures from further attacks. Others who sympathized with or supported the FLQ would not view them as terrorists, and would view the imprisonment or detainment of 405 people [5], most of which had no connections, to be a violation of human rights, even if the police enforcement did protect from further FLQ kidnappings. These concerns are valid, as many people were falsely imprisoned or suffered from damaged property as a result of the law Trudeau enacted. If Trudeau had not enacted the War Measures act, and had taken these concerns seriously at first, many disasters and the death of the minister could have been avoided. When Trudeau was asked “What is it with all these men with guns around here?" Trudeau replied "There's a lot of bleeding hearts around who don't like to see people with helmets and guns. All I can say is 'go ahead and bleed' but it's more important to keep law and order in this society than to be worried about weak-kneed people who don't like the looks of..." Here, the reporter asked "At what cost? How far would you go? To what extent?" Trudeau simply replied "Well, just watch me." [5]. This exchange has become one of the most notable political interviews in Canadian history. The conversation between the interviewer and Pierre was a relaxed, honest improvised exchange. Trudeau was not interested in hiding his reasonings and views from anyone. This statement could be interpreted as smug, childish or careless behaviour to his opposers. The enactment of martial law in Canada was an extreme measure that Canada, being a peace-loving nation, does not normally align itself with. Many agree that the decision was justifiable, but even then, many Canadians think it was entirely unethical for Pierre to make this decision of his own accord. The split in opinions that Canadians have about this choice, even to this day, indicates how controversial this choice was. The enactment of the War Measures act in peacetime is likely the most widespread controversial decision a Canadian politician has ever made. We cannot know what another Prime Minister would have done in this situation, but Trudeau's response and behavior to the enactment seems as controversial as the actual decision Trudeau made, meaning that the controversialism surrounding this situation was largely due to opinions of Trudeau himself, rather than solely the enactment of the law. The enactment of martial law has only been used once in peacetime throughout Canada's entire history [5], making the man who made this decision an extremely significant and relevant figure in Canadian history. In conclusion, Pierre Trudeau was a leader with a desire for change, who favoured complete equality over anything else. Trudeau drastically changed laws regarding equality for multiple minority groups, remodeling constitution solely to protect people who desperately needed it. Trudeau's distaste for the ‘model politician’ was clear throughout his career, advocating strongly for what he believed in and making decisions he deemed important regardless of the public's view of him was. Pierre continues to be an influential figure in Canada’s history, one who is still controversial because of how modern he was for his time, a figure widely loved, and widely despised for his controversial views. Regardless, the steps toward equality he made has a lasting impact on Canadian society and shaped Canada’s identity even today. There are millions of French-Canadians, LGBT people, people with mental and physical illness, and women whose federal government recognizes their right to their own body, who have Pierre Trudeau to thank for the protections and rights they experience today. Geoffrey Stevens, on Pierre Trudeau “He did what no politician before or since has done. He touched the dreams of an entire generation of Canadians. He made them excited about politics and public affairs. He caused them to believe they could actually change the country and even the world. He inspired them to get personally involved in the life of their nation and community. He changed their lives. He set them off along paths they might not otherwise have taken.” [2]. Citations [1] David Lepofsky, (October 4, 2000), Pierre Trudeau's Legacy http://www.blindcanadians.ca/publications/cbm/10/pierre-trudeaus-legacy [2] John English, (April 4, 2011), Pierre Trudeau saved Canada http://spon.ca/pierre-trudeau-saved-canada/2011/04/04/ [3] Justice Education Society, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms http://www.lawlessons.ca/lesson-plans/1.3.overview-of-the-canadian-charter-of-rights-and-freedoms [4] Jean Chretien, (October 6, 2000), Trudeau’s Real Legacy: Abortion, Divorce, Tyranny http://jeanchretien.libertyca.net/html/0019.html [5] The October Crisis http://www.cbc.ca/history/EPISCONTENTSE1EP16CH1PA4LE.html [6] Barry Adam, (Dec 16, 2013), Trudeau's historic statement a starting point for LGBT acceptance, prof says http://www.uwindsor.ca/dailynews/2012-08-08/trudeaus-historic-statement-a-starting-point-for-lgbt-acceptance-prof-says
The article was written a couple years before Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister. The Author focuses on Justin’s liberal attitudes, especially regarding a hot topic such as the legalization of marijuana. He comes across as a “hero for the people” type of politician. The author of the article skims over a variety of topics concerning what Justin spoke of in Calgary. It is a very short story, but I think that the writer got his point across on the subject of Trudeau’s progressive views, mainly when it comes to marijuana.
Louis Riel, even today, remains one of the most controversial figures in Canadian history. He was a political and spiritual leader of the Métis of the Canadian Prairies who sought to preserve Métis rights and culture as their homelands came progressively under the Canadian influence. The circumstance of his death had lasting political ramifications in Canada and was opposed by many. His trial is arguably one of the most famous in Canadian history, and the question as to whether it was unjust is a topic of debate. Louis Riel
...e to power in Quebec. This indicates that Quebecers supported non-violent methods in order to achieve independence for Quebec, rather than the violent methods of the FLQ, also indicating that the efforts of the FLQ would have been subdued by the Parti Quebecois. The death of Pierre Laporte was another unfortunate occurrence as a result of the War Measures Act which could have been avoided, yet some still believe his death is not related to the invocation of the War Measures Act. Justification is required for all actions which spark debate, and in events where the justification is provided under false pretences, someone must be held responsible. In this case it remains the Trudeau government. Trudeau may have had an admirable political career in which he made many wise decisions, however, the invocation of the War Measures Act in October 1970 was not one of them.
"I didn't know at first that there were two languages in Canada. I just thought that there was one way to speak to my father and another to speak to my mother." -- Louis Stephen St. Laurent. As the second French Canadian prime minister of Canada, Louis St. Laurent had a very influential role to Canada. St-Laurent became prime minister in 1948, after a selection authorized by a Liberal Convention. He was a well-respected prime minister and was given the name "Uncle Louis" for reshaping and improving Canada as an international well-known country. Actions and policies, including the Trans-Canada Highway Act, the joining of Newfoundland and the St. Lawrence Seaway, were introduced by St-Laurent to impact Canada into a more developed country with a better and more advanced economy and establishment.
Canadian history consists of many memorable moments, including many great leaders that helped Canada become what it is today, like the well-known Louis St. Laurent. He was born on Feb. 1st, 1882 in Compton, Quebec, and died on July 25, 1973 in Quebec City (Coucil, 13). Louis St. Laurent was raised in a mixed family, with a French - speaking father, and English - speaking Irish mother, and was fluently bilingual. He studied many years in law, where he graduated from law school, at Laval University in 1914, and had been a successful corporation lawyer (“St-Stephen, St. Laurent”). Laurent entered politics a lot later in his years, as he became older; however he still managed to have a large impact on Canada, and achieved many accomplishments. Louis St. Laurent was an extremely important, and well-respected politician, because he helped resolve the conscription crisis from 1940-1944 (,Pickersgill,14), and prevented the government and cabinet from collapsing, which would have caused the society to fall apart at the time, he was involved in the establishment of the Canada Council, which introduced support for Canadian arts, to help Canada separate from the influence of American culture (Jocelyn), and lastly he welcomed Newfoundland into confederation in 1949 (“Newfoundland History”), which was a large accomplishment because of the failures Many other politicians experienced in trying to do so before.
Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson was a prominent figure in Canada in the 1960s. Pearson was Canada's most significant post WWII prime minister because of his government's many innovations that still benefit Canadians today. He fostered Canadian nationalism, which continues to the present day, promoted equality throughout Canada – equality that now thrives as part of Canada's identity – and he introduced many social services that are still implemented today.
Prime Minister Trudeau put into effect the War Measures Act for the first time in Canadian history during peace time. He did this without consulting parliament. However, parliament voted three days later to approve the use of the act. The civil liberties of the citizens of Canada were suspended while the act was in force. In a few cities, officials used the WMA to clean up the streets, picking up "undesirables" and throwing them into jail. More than 450 people were jailed in Quebec for suspected connections to the FLQ. Most were later released without any charges being laid. After the War Measures Act was put into effect, no other public figures in Canada were kidnapped. Eventually Pierre Laporte was murdered by his captors and Cross was released unharmed after his kidnappers were flown to exile in Cuba. But for many in Quebec, the question was raised : what might the federal government do if Quebec ever did decide to leave Canada... the use of the army in the streets and the loss of civil liberties left a bad taste in many people's mouths.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau Published in 1968, Federalism and the French Canadians is an ideological anthology featuring a series of essays written by Pierre Elliot Trudeau during his time spent with the Federal Liberal party of Canada. The emphasis of the book deals with the problems and conflicts facing the country during the Duplessis regime in Quebec. While Trudeau stresses his adamant convictions on Anglophone/Francophone relations and struggles for equality in a confederated land, he also elaborates on his own ideological views pertaining to Federalism and Nationalism. The reader is introduced to several essays that discuss Provincial legislature and conflict (Quebec and the Constitutional Problem, A Constitutional Declaration of Rights) while other compositions deal with impending and contemporary Federal predicaments (Federal Grants to Universities, The Practice and Theory of Federalism, Separatist Counter-Revolutionaries). Throughout all these documented personal accounts and critiques, the reader learns that Trudeau is a sharp critic of contemporary Quebec nationalism and that his prime political conviction (or thesis) is sporadically reflected in each essay: Federalism is the only possible system of government that breeds and sustains equality in a multicultural country such as Canada.
Trudeau had to work quickly and efficiently in order to locate Cross before he was hurt, as well as make very difficult decisions. He chose to enact the War Measures Act because the FLQ appeared as a real threat at the time which could potentially overthrow the government. The various attacks that they planned before injured and killed innocent lives, and Trudeau was not going to stand and do nothing. Furthermore, the support of the FLQ was growing large at the time, with about 3000 people gathering up at the Paul Sauvé Arena during the October Crisis in order to show their support. If Trudeau did not diminish this revolution, it may have grown into an actual terrorist threat at
Canada’s parliamentary system is designed to preclude the formation of absolute power. Critics and followers of Canadian politics argue that the Prime Minister of Canada stands alone from the rest of the government. The powers vested in the prime minister, along with the persistent media attention given to the position, reinforce the Prime Minister of Canada’s superior role both in the House of Commons and in the public. The result has led to concerns regarding the power of the prime minister. Hugh Mellon argues that the prime minister of Canada is indeed too powerful. Mellon refers to the prime minister’s control over Canada a prime-ministerial government, where the prime minister encounters few constraints on the usage of his powers. Contrary to Mellon’s view, Paul Barker disagrees with the idea of a prime-ministerial government in Canada. Both perspectives bring up solid points, but the idea of a prime-ministerial government leading to too much power in the hands of the prime minister is an exaggeration. Canada is a country that is too large and complex to be dominated by a single individual. The reality is, the Prime Minister of Canada has limitations from several venues. The Canadian Prime Minister is restricted internally by his other ministers, externally by the other levels of government, the media and globalization.
Pierre Trudeau is the greatest Canadian of the twentieth century due to the fact that he declared Canada’s independence from Great Britain, he abolished the death penalty, and he created the Official Languages Act, making our nation entirely bilingual.
Some Quebecers thought that separation was the only solution. They thought that as long as Quebec was associated with the rest of Canada, French-Canadians would never be treated equal. The FLQ (Front De Libération Du Québec) was founded in 1963. It was a smaller, more forceful group of separatists. They were a collection of groups of young people whose idea was to use terrorism to
Sir John A. Macdonald was one of Canada's founding fathers. He is most remembered as being Canada's first Prime Minister, running the government from July 1, 1867 until November 5, 1873. Macdonald would become Prime Minister once again on October 17, 1878 and would stay in this position until June 6,1891. While he was leader of the country he faced his own share of political obstacles, including Confederation, the Metis rebellion and threats of an American he is among the greatest leaders Canada has ever seen and played a significant part in the forming of Canada as a country.
William Lyon Mackenzie King was one of the greatest prime ministers in Canada, although he did not give a fascinating speech or had an exciting image and supported few radical policies . King’s opinions were very strong and would not be changed no matter what. No one could influence King and this was shown through his leadership during the Great Depression and the election in 1930.
This essay has argued that there are many limitations that the Prime Minister is subjected too. The three most important are federalism in Canadian society, the role of the Governor General, and the charter of rights and freedoms. I used two different views of federalism and illustrated how both of them put boundaries on the Prime Minister’s power. Next I explain the powers of the governor general, and explained the ability to dissolve parliament in greater detail. Last I analyzed how the charter of rights of freedoms has limited the Prime Minister’s power with respect to policy-making, interests groups and the courts. The Prime Minister does not have absolute power in Canadian society, there are many infringements on the power that they have to respect.