Member-only story

Extraordinary Canadians: Pierre Elliott Trudeau

Virginia Woolf

·3.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Extraordinary Canadians Pierre Elliott Trudeau

4 min read

252 View Claps

35 Respond

Save

Listen

Extraordinary Canadians Pierre Elliott Trudeau

by Lev Golinkin

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	256 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Former Prime Minister Of Canada Extraordinary Canadians Pierre Elliott Trudeau

Pierre Elliott Trudeau was one of Canada's most influential Prime Ministers. He served two terms in office, from 1968 to 1979 and again from 1980 to 1984. During his time in office, he oversaw a number of significant changes in Canadian society, including the patriation of the Constitution and the of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Trudeau was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant intellectual and a charismatic leader, but he was also known for his arrogance and his disdain for traditional politics. Despite his flaws, Trudeau was a visionary leader who helped to shape modern Canada.

Early Life and Education

Pierre Elliott Trudeau was born in Montreal, Quebec, on October 18, 1919. His father, Charles-Émile Trudeau, was a successful lawyer and politician. His mother, Grace Elliott, was a Scottish immigrant.

Trudeau attended Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf and the University of Montreal, where he studied law. After graduating from law school, he worked as a lawyer and a law professor.

Political Career

Trudeau entered politics in 1965, when he was elected to the House of Commons as the Liberal MP for Mount Royal. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Liberal Party and became leader of the party in 1968.

In the 1968 election, Trudeau led the Liberals to a majority government. He was just 49 years old at the time, making him the youngest Prime Minister in Canadian history.

Trudeau's first term in office was marked by a number of significant changes. He patriated the Constitution from the United Kingdom and introduced the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He also implemented a number of social and economic reforms, including the legalization of abortion and the decriminalization of homosexuality.

Trudeau's second term in office was more difficult. He faced a number of challenges, including the oil crisis, the recession, and the rise of separatism in Quebec. He was also criticized for his handling of the FLQ crisis.

Despite the challenges, Trudeau remained a popular figure. He was re-elected in the 1980 election, but he resigned as Prime Minister in 1984.

Legacy

Pierre Elliott Trudeau was a transformative figure in Canadian history. He oversaw a number of significant changes in Canadian society, and he helped to shape the country that we live in today.

Trudeau's legacy is a complex one. He was a brilliant intellectual and a charismatic leader, but he was also known for his arrogance and his disdain for traditional politics. Despite his flaws, Trudeau was a visionary leader who helped to make Canada a more just and prosperous country.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau was one of Canada's most influential Prime Ministers. He was a complex and controversial figure, but he was also a brilliant intellectual and a charismatic leader. Trudeau's legacy is a complex one, but there is no doubt that he was a transformative figure in Canadian history.

Extraordinary Canadians Pierre Elliott Trudeau

by Lev Golinkin

4 out of 5