Pierre Elliott Trudeau (1919–2000)

As Brexit rolls through Britain and Impeachment rolls through US politics, I thought it was time to revisit our own Charlottetown Accord and referendums. As the current Trudeau navigates the dirty water of politics, I thought a look at where he came from might be in order. I was there, I remember but it doesn't hurt to refresh the memory. An interesting point is that on the end papers of this book I wrote: The Charlottetown Accord was defeated (Trudeau was fighting to have it defeated) 54.3% No, 45.7% Yes. New Brunswick, Ontario, PEI, NWT and Newfoundland voted Yes. All the rest including Quebec voted No. This was in 1992. Three years later Canada held a referendum on separation of Quebec and that vote was 50.58% No, 49.42% Yes. Most of Canada's population voted against an agreement endorsed by every first minister and most other political groups. This stinging rebuke of the political class was followed up with an election that turfed all the political party leaders who supported the Yes vote. (less)… (más)

Published in 1993, this set of former Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s memoirs briefly covers the first 49 years of his life including childhood, early world travels and entry into politics, and then concentrates on his time as Prime Minister from 1968-1984.

Anyone who is familiar with Trudeau’s time in office knows that humility was never his strong suit. But the man could lead – and here we gain insight into how he did that and how strong self-confidence (alright – arrogance) helped him to do it.

You’ll want to have at least a basic understanding of the Canadian parliamentary system before reading this. A passing acquaintance with the political issues of the day such as Quebec’s push for sovereignty-association, and repatriation of the constitution would enrich your read but is not necessary.

Don’t expect in-depth political analysis: although this book weighs in at over two pounds when a similar sized volume might normally be a full half-pound lighter, the font is large, the text spaced, and there are a number of photographs throughout. And don’t expect any revelations about his personal life either. When in office, Trudeau scrupulously kept his family separate and apart from his political life. His memoirs’ contents mirror that.

Read this if: you loved him, or you hated him (Trudeau seemed to seldom leave anyone on the sidelines with regard to their feelings for him); you want a refresher on Canadian political history of the time (albeit from one point of view); or you want an introduction to one of Canada’s most widely-known and best-remembered leaders. 3½ stars… (más)

This is a tasteful collection of Canadian Press photographs that chronicled the death, mourning, and funeral of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau. I first flipped through this book a few years ago and the most poignant photo for me was one by Adrian Wyld on page 32. There, as the funeral train that carried the body of Trudeau across Eastern Ontario slowed down for crowds of mourners, a man held aloft a hockey stick that he tapped a crumpled and battered Canadian flag to in order to salute Trudeau and a new era—a new centennial for a united Canada that he had helped to usher into existence.… (más)