Pierre Trudeau

The Right Honourable Joseph Philippe Pierre Yves Elliott Trudeau, PC , CC , CH , QC , MA , LL.L , LL.D , FRSC (October 18, 1919 – September 28, 2000) was the fifteenth Prime Minister of Canada from April 20, 1968 to June 3, 1979, and from March 3, 1980 to June 30, 1984.

Final years

In retirement, Trudeau rarely gave speeches or spoke to the press. However, his interventions into public debate had a significant impact when they occurred. Trudeau wrote and spoke out against both the Meech Lake Accord and Charlottetown Accord proposals to amend the Canadian constitution, arguing that they would weaken federalism and the Charter of Rights if implemented. His opposition was a critical factor leading to the defeat of the two proposals. He also spoke out against Jacques Parizeau and the Parti Québécois with less effect. In his final years, Trudeau commanded respect in English Canada, but was regarded with suspicion in Quebec due to his role in the 1982 constitutional deal which was seen to have excluded the province. Trudeau also remained active in international affairs, visiting foreign leaders and participating in international associations such as the Club of Rome.

Related Topics:
Meech Lake Accord - Charlottetown Accord - Jacques Parizeau - Club of Rome

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the last years of his life, Trudeau was afflicted with Parkinson's disease, and became less active, although he continued to work at his law office until a few months before his death. He was devastated by the death of his youngest son, Michel Trudeau, who was killed in an avalanche in November 1998.

Related Topics:
Parkinson's disease - Michel Trudeau

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Death

Pierre Elliott Trudeau died on September 28, 2000, and is buried in the Trudeau family crypt, St-Remi-de-Napierville Cemetery, Saint-Remi, Quebec. He lay in state to allow Canadians to pay their last respects. He is survived by his ex-wife Margaret, his sons Justin Trudeau and Alexandre "Sacha" Trudeau, a journalist, and his daughter, Sarah, whom he fathered by Deborah Coyne. During the funeral services, Justin delivered an emotional yet articulate eulogy http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-69-307-1620-21/unforgettable_moments/life_society/justin_trudeau_eulogy that led to wide speculation that a career in politics was in his future.

Related Topics:
September 28 - 2000 - Lay in state - Canadians - Justin Trudeau - Alexandre "Sacha" Trudeau - Deborah Coyne - Funeral services

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~