Pierre Elliot Trudeau (1919
- 2000)
Written by Gail Whiteside
Published by 50plus.com
When Pierre Elliott
Trudeau became Prime Minister of Canada in 1968, he took the country by
storm. "Trudeaumania" was in full swing. His charm and stylish
clothing made just as strong an impression as his candid views on
politics. Pierre Trudeau will always be known as a man not afraid of
expressing his beliefs. As a young lawyer, Trudeau started the journal Cité
Libre- a forum for the ideas of outspoken intellectuals such as himself.
Trudeau spoke his mind throughout his political career - whether it
pleased the public or not!
His official entry into federal politics was in
1965. When the Liberal party was looking for candidates in Québec,
Trudeau ran for the party in the federal election. He won his seat, and
became Minister of Justice two years later. Trudeau won the Liberal
leadership convention in 1968 and called an election immediately after.
That was the start of his leadership of Canada. Trudeau served as Prime
Minister from 1968 until 1979. After losing to a very temporary
conservative comeback, he came back to win the election the following
year. Trudeau’s last years as Prime Minister were devoted to national
unity. His crowning glory came on April 1982, when the Queen signed
Canada’s new Constitution Act in a ceremony on parliament hill. Trudeau
left federal politics in 1984, but will always be remembered as one of
the country's most flamboyant leaders.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau passed away on September 27, 2000. He will be missed.
Photo credit: AMS Imaging Inc.
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