The Essential Trudeau

by Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Ron Graham (Editor)

Pierre Elliott Trudeau always opposed the dominant ideology and what passed for conventional wisdom. This was true when he spoke out against the oppressive rule of Maurice Duplessis in Quebec. It was true in his years in Ottawa, as justice minister and prime minister, when he introduced controversial measures ranging from wage-and-price controls and restrictions on foreign investments, to expanded rights for homosexuals. It remained true in the years after his retirement, particularly when he has took issue with the more provocative expressions of Quebec nationalism and with federal initiatives such as Meech Lake and the Charlottetown Accord.

Now neo-conservative ideas have taken over. Virtually every level of government in Canada is competing with the others to reduce the role of the state and eliminate constraints on business. Less government has come to mean a smaller role especially for the federal government. And the increased powers taken on by the provinces are being used, increasingly, to substitute private interests for the public good. The Canada that promoted equality, justice, and opportunity for all is under sustained attack. Never has the need for a clear statement of liberal principles been greater.

In this volume, Ron Graham brought together a selection of excerpts from Trudeaus writings, speeches, and interviews, many of them never before published in book form, to make a highly readable, lucid, and compelling summary of Trudeaus political beliefs. To each chapter in this selection Trudeau provided an introduction and to many of the excerpts he added a new commentary. The result is a book of remarkable power: rational, timely, and eloquent.

Genres: Politics, History, Canada, Autobiography, Nonfiction

216 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 1998

About the author

Le plus célèbre diplômé de l’Université de Montréal. Outre des études de droit à l’UdeM, Pierre Elliott Trudeau a étudié à l’Université Harvard, à l'École des Sciences Politiques de Paris et à la London School of Economics. Farouche opposant du gouvernement de Maurice Duplessis dans les années 50, il fonde, de concert avec d’autres intellectuels, la revue Cité libre et défend fermement les droits des travailleurs québécois. En 1961, il revient à l’Université de Montréal en devenant l’un des quatre premiers chercheurs du Centre de recherche en droit public (CRDP). Il enseignera à la Faculté de droit jusqu’à son entrée en politique en 1965.

Premier ministre du Canada de 1968 à 1979 et de 1980 à 1984, Pierre Elliott Trudeau a marqué la vie politique canadienne de la seconde moitié du XXe siècle. On lui doit entre autres l’adoption de la Loi sur les langues officielles, la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés, et la Loi constitutionnelle de 1982 qui confirmait l’indépendance légale du Canada.

Libre penseur et ardent défenseur des droits de la personne, Pierre Elliott Trudeau a signé de nombreux articles qui témoignent d’une grande rigueur de pensée. En 1987, l’Université de Montréal le faisait docteur honoris causa pour son exceptionnelle contribution à la vie intellectuelle et politique canadienne. Cet honneur s’ajoutait à l’Ordre du mérite des diplômés de l’UdeM, qui lui a été décerné en 1974. Depuis 2000, le prix Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau est décerné à un étudiant de maîtrise ou de doctorat de l’UdeM qui se distingue par la qualité de ses travaux sur la justice sociale, le fédéralisme canadien ou les droits et libertés.

Reviews

[Horus · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those who have read much regarding Pierre Trudeau, this book is really an enacpsulized compendium of thoughts and excerpts of articles and speeches from throughout his career. What makes it more interesting for those who have read more, are the introductions to each section, written by Trudeau for this publication aided by time and hindsight. I can only imagine how they would change now, this many years on. So while mostly a curiosity for me, this would be an excellent place for a student of recent Canadian politics to start, then follow the source listings at the end.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really a book of soundbites, so it is best over a week or two on your visits to the toilet, but it is a nice way to bask in the words, wisdom and cheek of Canada's last important leader.

[Maeve Gallagher · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a very dry read, but presents good insight to his thoughts on various subjects. Worthwhile if you're so inclined.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok...it might not be THAT essential for those of us with a life long interest for Canada's finest Prime Minister. It's more of a concentrated taster of his words & thoughts...but for a neophyte, it's a solid introduction to the man, his vision, his likes, his dislikes, and his passions.

[Gilbert michaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

a grand read