Pierre Elliott Trudeau: Memoirs

There is no doubt that Pierre Elliott Trudeau is one of the most charismatic and provocative figures in Canadian political history. Trudeau was a man of contradictions. He came from a privileged background yet cared for the common good. He was known as a civil libertarian yet invoked the Canadian equivalent of martial law. He understood the dignity and decorum associated with high political office yet Trudeau pirouetted behind Queen Elizabeth II after she signed the Canadian Constitution in 1982. Clearly, Pierre Elliott Trudeau was a man who walked his own path and held true to his own principles. Not always loved or admired for it, Trudeau was certainly respected even by his adversaries and detractors.

Pierre Elliot Trudeau: Memoirs is appropriate for the following curriculum areas: Canadian History, Political History, Civics, Media Studies and Language Arts. This learning resource is applicable for Grades 4-12.

Objectives: Students will: Understand Trudeau's role in Canadian politics; Gain insight into the federal political process; Understand the rigours and pressures of being Prime Minister; Critically assess Trudeau's impact on the country; Enhance socialization by working in teams.

• Civil libertarian
• FLQ
• Quiet Revolution
• The Just Society
• War Measures Act
• diletante
• maverick

1. As a child, Trudeau dreamed of being a Voyageur. What was a Voyageur and what qualities do you think Trudeau found exciting?

2. Trudeau came from a family that had wealth and social standing. When he was quite young, Charles Trudeau (Trudeau's father) took his family to Europe. Do you think this early experience had an effect on Trudeau's future outlook on life and politics?

3. After Trudeau finished school finally and returned to Quebec in 1949, he found the atmosphere there stifling. What bothered him about Quebec society at that time?

4. What was the purpose of the publication CitŽ Libre founded by Trudeau and a group of his friends?

5. What was Trudeaumania and why do you think people responded to him in this way? Describe the role of the media in helping create this image of Trudeau.

6. Once Trudeau was elected Prime Minister, what was his first priority in office and why?

7. Trudeau was no stranger to controversy. Name some of the controversial events that took place while he was in office.

8. How would you describe Trudeau's relationship with various U.S. presidents while he was Prime Minister?

9. What was Trudeau's greatest achievement while in office? (This, according to Trudeau himself) Do you think it was a great achievement and if so, why?

10. In 1971, Trudeau married Margaret Sinclair. What happened to Trudeau's marriage and do you think the pressures of political office had some effect on their relationship?

1. The year is 1970. You are a journalist in Montreal covering the FLQ crisis for your newspaper, television or radio station. Describe the events as they unfold and file your stories with your editor.

2. When Trudeau was appointed Justice Minister by then Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, he brought in a series of judicial reforms. At one point, Trudeau declared that "Government has no business in the bedrooms of the nation". What does this phrase mean and is it important? Set up a debate in your class with the statement, "Be it resolved that the government has no business in the bedrooms of the nation." Set up a pro side and a con side and prepare, then present your oral arguments. The class will judge who won the debate.

3. In 1984, Pierre Elliot Trudeau decided to retire from politics. Write your version of a farewell speech and present it to the class.

4. It is 1968 and you are working on Trudeau's first election campaign. Design a series of posters and slogans that represent the message and portray the image that Trudeau wants the public to see.

Air Dates

• January 16, 2004
• June 21, 2004