Remembering the Former PM
I just listened to someone discussing what we could do
to honour Mr.
Trudeau.
Keeping in mind that
he loved to throw snowballs
at statues of
politicians,
I think that would be the last thing he would appreciate.
– Thomas von Ledebur
Regina, Saskatchewan |
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Remembering the Former PM
Meeting Pierre Trudeau
Condolences to the Trudeau Family
Messages from Abroad
Poems, Prose and Prayers
From Canadian Immigrants
Love Him or Hate Him
Stories
Thank You, Pierre
The Post-Trudeau Generation
Waiting at the Gates
One Final Farewell
Archived Letters
Your responses:
Thank You, My Prime Minister:
Thank you for taking me and my family as refugees when no other embassy
would. You do not so much haunt us still as you taunt us still. Wearing the
grin of a philosopher king as you made your Bergeracian climb through
history even after your name did not appear in an electoral ballot.
And that gunslinger glance, so focused, possessed a courageous vision of a
just society ahead of its time. You were our stern but fair guardian, you
stood in guard for us and now I stand in guard for thee. Because to stand
for you is to stand for Canada and I will carry the principles you taught us
as overtly as a rose on a lapel.
History will write that for all the reason you spoke of and all the
aloofness you displayed, you did not fool any of us. We could feel your
immense passion; for reason without passion has no soul and inspires no one
and there are few that you leave uninspired.
Even though I only recently met you to shake your hand and say merci, I miss
you already. Je me souviens eternamente, my Prime Minister. Je me souviens.
Hans Céspedes
I lived just a block down from Trudeau's house in Montreal. I met him
several times on de la Montagne street in the evening about 5-6, while
he was walking home from his law office. I used to say "Good Evening."
and he would reply the same.
I wish I had told him that, as a young man growing up in remote rural
India, I did not know very much about Canada, except that its prime
minister is Trudeau and its capital is Toronto. He is a little more
popular than the Canadian capital. I think he would have had a chuckle.
He reminded me of Nehru. Both born in affluent families, lawyers,
erudite and scholarly rational thinkers, both visionaries, socialists
and fought for social justice. In their long terms as prime ministers,
both were responsible for bringing their respective countries on the
internatonal scene and wore roses in their lapels.
Thank you and adieu, Pierre.
Krishna Peri
Montreal, Quebec
My name is Robert Nicolas Pruden. I am 40 years old. The greatest impact
Pierre Trudeau had on my life was in effect to teach me to see all canadians
as equal and respectable. As a result I grew up surrounded by people from
around the world never doubting their right to equal treatment and respect.
I also believe in Trudeau's belief in a bilingual Canada as a way to share
this great land with our quebecois counterparts. This belief is the reason
why my children were sent to french immersion school instead of english only
despite the fact that we live in the western prairies. I do not remember
where I was when Elvis, JFK or Al Purdy (well...maybe Al Purdy) died but I
will always remember the falling yellow leaves, the bright September
afternoon sun and the road I was driving home along when I heard on the
radio that Trudeau had passed along: something of myself has passed with
Pierre. I am now forced to be Canadian on my own. Pierre has been
relegated to legacy. I would not wish to have another Prime Minister like
Trudeau, but I sure would like to see one as challenging to our society as
he was. My heart goes out to his family and friends. My heart goes out to
all Canadians who know what we have just lost.
Rob Pruden
What separates a politician from a statesman?
1. A politician sets his sights on the next election.
2. A statesman sets his sights on the next generation and beyond.
Pierre E. Trudeau – Statesman
Stephen Nicoll
He paddled his own canoe.
André Germain
I am too young to remember many of the Trudeau years, but I understand
his legacy very well. I'm an activist who has quoted the Charter of
Rights and Freedoms more times than can be counted. I've walked around
the last couple of days feeling like someone jerked the earth
off-centre. On a positive note, however, Mr. Trudeau acheived more and
left more of a legacy than most politicians ever will. The Ontario
Liberal leader was paying tribute to Mr. Trudeau the other day, and he
said, "Our sons and daughters may not have met the exciting young
politician that we met in 1968 or the accomplished Prime Minister that
we bid farewell to in 1984, but they know his Canada. They know a Canada
where they can learn both official languages in their schools. They know
a Canada where our definition of "special status" is being lucky enough
to carry a Canadian passport. They know a Canada where multiculturalism
is a fact. They know a Canada that is a symbol of tolerance and freedom
to the entire world. They know a Canada that is strong and united and
always worth fighting for. They know his Canada, Trudeau's Canada,
because it's the Canada they are living in." I know it sounds trite,
but this has reminded me how lucky I am to live here.
Oh, and I've been waiting to use this line: All Prime Ministers
automatically have the title of Honourable, but for some of them it is
also a character description, and Trudeau is one.
Laurel Seybold
Windsor
The ten ways we will remember you, Pierre Elliot Trudeau.
1. Bringing home the constitution.
2. Pioneer for multi-culturalism with charter of rights and freedom.
3. Champion for 'Just Society' with equal opportunity for all.
4. Intellectual and Visionary.
5. International Statesman (with a class) and towering international
Canadian figure.
6. With a vision of ONE CANADA and all provinces with equal status.
7. Invoking war measures act.
8. Implementing wage and price controls.
9. Occasional arrogance with 'fuddle duddle' remarks.
10. Among the best statesmen in the world during the last fifty years or
even the last century, the likes of Churchill, Kennedy and Nehru.
An exceptional leader and human being. Adieu.
Sandy Pahwa
Ottawa
I just listened to someone discussing what we could do to honour Mr.
Trudeau. Keeping in mind that he loved to throw snowballs at statues of
politicians, I think that would be the last thing he would appreciate.
Then again, perhaps he would like a wild river named after him, something
that is never still, but always fresh and challenging.
Thomas von Ledebur
Regina, Saskatchewan
Pearson gave us the flag, Trudeau gave us the spirit. Thank you Mr.
Trudeau, you will be missed but not forgotten.
Sandi Sullivan
Pickering, Ontario
Pierre Trudeau was a tower of strength. Always there in the arena;
sometimes right, sometimes wrong. But he was a man, in every sence of the
word.
Robert Guertin
Contrary to what I have read and heard over the last few days,
Pierre Trudeau was a Quebec nationalist. He fought for the legitimate rights
of his own people, i.e.french canadians, without alienating English
Canada. He then went on to fight for equality and unity for all. He was
intolerent, disciplined, funny, sexy, intelligent, arrogant, sympathetic, good and sometimes bad, but always honest.
I pray that someone of his caliber emerges in the Middle East to try to
make peace. Canada and Quebec should thank God that he belonged to us.
He was a mentsch. (yiddish for a decent and good human being with a heart.)
Brian Perlman
Montreal
As I sit here today, wearing my Trudeau pin from the 1984 farewell I
feel very sad. How could Pierre Trudeau be gone, he seemed so
invincible. I want to just pass on a moment in my life when I was
fortunate enough to meet Mr. Trudeau. I was working for the Liberal
Party of Manitoba and Mr. Trudeau was coming for a luncheon. In the
week prior to his arrival, we set about washing walls, cleaning
everything in Campbell House (this was the name of the Liberal Party
offices) and even went so far as to paint the garage out back so that
everything would be perfect. When the day came I remember feeling
almost light headed prior to his arrival. When he walked into the room
I could not believe the presence that this man carried with him, it was
like he had an aura around him. He certainly had charisma, charm, that
undefinable thing that only comes along in very few people in the
world. Whatever anyone thought of him, when he was our Prime Minister I
felt that someone was at the helm, in charge of our country and had its
best interests at heart. I only hope that my own children will someday
truly understand what this man meant to Canada.
The other image I have been remembering is the one of John Lennon with
the Prime Minister saying if there were more leaders like him in the
world we would have peace in the world.
Mr. Trudeau, Rest In Peace.
Cheryl Conley-Strange
Winnipeg, Manitoba
I have been inspired by a few leaders of my time.
Top four are:
Mahatma Gandhi
Jawahar Lal Nehru
P.E.Trudeau
Nelson Mandela.
To me Nehru and Trudeau were most similar and my heart and eyes are full at this sad ocasion.With this I would like to share the grief and gratitude of respetive nations and the families. With heartfelt smpathy and sorrow,
Parminder Singh
Surrey B.C.
Trudeau is a leader not just a politician in the true sense of the word.
He had a positive vision of Canada, its identity, unity, ideals,
principles, values and beliefs. He quintessentially articulated what it
means to be a Canadian. I remember watching his inspiring speeches with my
father who was born in 1916 in Ukraine. My father immigrated to Canada
after WWII, an exile as many new Canadians. He was a prisoner of war from
the workmen's army captured and sent to Germany. He lost his father to
Stalin's purges. My grandfathers were sent to Siberia as countless others
in those tumultuous times. And my mother was forced to go to Germany as
slave labour during the second world war. Both my parents valued the
chance Canada gave them to start a new life when they came here from a
displaced persons camp in Germany.
Trudeau recognized the diversity of Canada, the English, French,
immigrants and the natives with all their contributions to its nationhood.
His legacy to our country and society is astonishing, i.e. the Constitution
and Charter of Rights. We became a nation not a colony, also we embraced
multiculturism and bilingualism plus extended our awareness and foreign
policy to the international arena. He encouraged Canadians to become
aware, to be activists, to transend the small, local, provincial, regional
boundaries and definitions to embrace a greater viewpoint of Canada. We
learned to celebrate our complexity.
I was impressed by the depth and breath of his knowledge. His speeches
were passionate, informative, substantive, not based on style alone, nor
semantics and quick sound bytes generated by the back room spin doctors.
He had profound convictions for Canada. He was against the fragmented,
limited, insular self interest that has sometimes dominated politics and
today's policy making. I was in Quebec during the 1980 referendum when I
was eighteen. I do believe he prevented Quebec from separating from Canada
at that time. His plea and appeal to the Quebec people won the day.
He exemplies passion tempered by reason. Who is going to now take up the
torch and inspire the Canada to greatness and to give Canadians a larger
sense of themselves on the world stage? Who will be the trend setter for
the new millenium? We, Canadians need to remember and keep that wonderful
legacy alive; Canada as a just, compassionate, humane society, an example
of social democracy. We need to nurture diversity yet remain united. Many
of us bid him with much fondness and sadness, fairwell, adieu, adieu and
merci.
Victoria Shymlosky
Hamilton, Ontario
It's not often that I give my thoughts to a open forum such as this but I
think this
event warrants it. I'm not sure what I'm feeling but it is a loss. We have
lost a great
visionary for tolerance, for individualism, and for the idea of Canada.
His ideas are
ingrained in all of us especially those, like myself, who are under 35.
The idea that Quebec should be a part of Canada, and that its language
and
culture be respected, is a belief that most Canadians share despite
disagreements on
how to best achieve it. He will be remembered for taking on the ethnic
nationalism of
the separatists because he believed them to be racist, bigoted,
narrow-minded, and
anti-democratic.
One needs only to remember Jacques Parizeau's speech in 1995 about
"money
and the ethnic vote" to prove that much of Trudeau's analysis of
nationalism was in
fact correct.
His goal of bilingualism (a term he regretted bringing into common
usage) along
with multiculturalism served to undermine the Quebec government's claim of
being
the sole and legitimate representative of French Canadians. In fact, he
always made
a distinction between the people of Quebec and their government.
It was the distinction between the state and its people that was
embodied in the
Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It asserted individual rights over the
rights of any
collective or any government. The Charter's full effect is yet to be known
but it is
both good and bad, both positive and negative.
Perhaps the same could be said of his entire legacy. He sought to
vanquish
Quebec nationalism but was not successful. His vision, rather than being
accepted by
its intended audience (i.e. Quebec), resonated with English Canada and
created
"Charter Canadians" who saw their identity shaped by the ideals of the
1982
Constitution.
This identity itself is not complete as the charter makes us
individuals but also
constrains the state to act in our best interest leaving us increasingly
at the mercy of
entrenched corporate power.
In the end, his legacy is incomplete and imperfect because it is the
same as the
legacy we all leave behind. We continue the legacy of all those who came
before us
only to pass it on to others later.
Trudeau has done the same. Canada and what it means can never be
static and is
in continuous flux. His vision must be reconciled with the reality of
today. But with
the core of that vision being respect, tolerance, and understanding, we
are well
equipped to handle the future with confidence and enthusiasm.
I believe that is what Pierre Trudeau would have wanted for Canada.
Adieu Pierre, you will be missed,
Daniel Storms
Vancouver, BC
He danced, he sang, he tripped, he fell. We cheered, we cried, we laughed and now we remember what a great man Pierre Elliott Trudeau was to this nation.
He wil be forever missed.
Josh Grady
They were a people of a country,
Diverse and disimilar.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau told them they were
United, Canadian and proud.
And they believed.
Lorne Gushulak
Langley B.C.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau:
Born a proud Canadian on our brooding West Coast some 50 years past I came
of age as you stormed the stage. Inspirational and articulate, you
captivated hearts and minds as none before or since. We shared, and do
still, our national dream. Divergent views no longer matter. Canadians,
Canada and the world are better that you lived and thought and acted. And
now departed, the lights dimmed, we will remember!
Adieu Pierre, Adieu,
Jef Keighley
Port Moody, B.C.
In history there are moments that we are blessed with an rare gem, a jewel that engulfs Canadian pride, love, humor, justice and equality. For Canadians and Canadian history Pierre Turdeau was our jewel and our protector in history.
I was born towards the end of the Trudeau era however, in our family he was the most important politician in my grandfather's, grandmother's and mother's mind. As Afro-Canadians, Mr. Trudeau was the voice we were waiting for to
show all people regardless of physicalities and cultural that we were Canadians.
My father was an immigrant to this country and if it was not for Mr. Trudeau my parents may not have meet. Mr. Trudeau embodied freedom and that freedom is what reunited my parents and was valued in our home. I am not part
of Trudeau era but because of Mr. Trudeau I truly know what it is to be Canadian and love Canada. As student in education, I feel it is important that all generations both old and young know the people, events and accomplishments
of our leaders and Mr. Trudeau was certainly a leader and more.
All this to say that I send my condolenses to the family, they lost a father and we the Canadians lost a leader and he was a great representation of both. I don't know if we will ever have another leader that will make Canadians feel
as great as Mr. Trudeau did but Mr. Trudeau made us feel great and strong enough to feel Canadian-great while waiting for another star in Canadian skies.
Long live Pierre Elliott Trudeau ( A Blessed Rose)
Sabrina N. Jafralie
Email may not be as dignified a means of communicating my thoughts on Mr. Trudeau as is suitable for this occasion, but because the CBC has been doing such a good job of covering his death, I have
decided to use this means.
Many people have already mentioned the notable qualities of Mr. Trudeau as a person and a politician with which I agree, along with his accomplishments, so I will simply highlight some of the thoughts that
have been streaming through my mind over these past few days. I might add that, much to my own surprise, I have been rather weepy-eyed at the same time. How could someone get emotional about a
politician?
Mr. Trudeau did some great things and made some bad mistakes; in fact, I remember being frequently annoyed with his policies. However, looking back from my present vantage point, I can say with
certainty that he was remarkable. As a politician, he made us aware of our country, and its importance to each of us. He made us think about issues such as justice, human rights and national identity. He
made us look inward to our values and outward to our understanding of being Canadian in the world. Then he turned around and brought the world to us, in particular, by opening our doors to people from
all over the world and establishing "multiculturalism." He also took us abroad by developing our role in peace-keeping, diplomacy and foreign aid.
I know there are regions and people who still dislike him, but they are a minority, and such feelings are only their loss. Nevertheless, as a man, he seemed to touch each of us personally, demanding
thought or action on important issues. He was a great example of both, as an avid reader and traveller, and made me think that I should be too. It is unfortunately rare for a politician, at least in Canada, to
read poetry as well as political thought, to be open to the whole spectrum of political theory and cultural life, and live that knowledge and experience on a daily basis. From the present vantage point I can
only think how low we have fallen from the lofty heights of the Trudeau years to the divisive, demeaning, account-keeping nature of public discourse today.
Mr. Trudeau made us feel larger than ourselves, people (as individuals and citizens) who could dream about and act on on important matters to strive for a better world. I thank you, Mr. Trudeau, for so many
fine memories. I will cherish them.
John Kent
Toronto
I emigrated to Canada from England in 1979. My partner, from Brazil in 1999. We are male. Thanks to your liberal and tolerant vision of society we both live in a same-sex union that in itself is a celebration – and a joyous, striving one – of your just legacy. From our hearts we send you our gratitude and esteem. The soul of this country breathes because of you.
Royston Tester
Idelmar Ramos
Toronto, Ontario
"...I had chosen the one less traveled by and that has made all the
difference..."
– R. Frost
You certainly have Mr. Trudeau. You will be sadly missed, but not forgotten. May
your legacy live on forever.
P. Laflamme
Montréal, Québec
M. Trudeau:
Most men can dream for themselves. Most can dream for their families and
the things close to them. Only a few dream for something larger and
precious few can dream for a Nation and all its people, now and in the
future. But, you did more than dream for us. You made those dreams come
true. You made them real across our land.
M. Trudeau, Merci.
Dan Cumming
Abbotsford, B.C.
As I listened to Jason Moskovitch try to articulate what he thought the
people of Canada were feeling about the passing of Mr. Trudeau, I realized
that he didn't quite get it when he summarized our feelings with the word
"respect." It is much more than that Jason.
During Mr. Trudeau's term as Prime Minister I was in my mid 30's. My
patriotism was shallow and my understanding of what it meant to be Canadian
was defined by the limited history I knew of this country; confederation,
the new flag, NHL hockey and such. Nothing stirred me with respect to my
Canadian heritage or inspired me about the future of this country until
Pierre Elliot Trudeau burst onto the political scene in Canada.
He espoused a Canada that I believed in with respect to the inclusion of
Quebec. He represented this country on the international scene as know
other had, albeit sometimes with a laise a faire attitude that he later came
to regret. It was colourful none the less.
He had guts. He could stand up to the bad guys. And a lot of us liked
that. He could make the tough decisions and right or wrong he stood by them
defending the principles behind the intent.
He helped me understand the nature of the disassociation that Quebecers
felt. And more than ever I knew that I would never abandon the belief that
Quebec belonged in Canada. Because of him I struggled to learn French so
that I could be a true Canadian (bilingual).
For the first time I felt proud to be Canadian and I had hope for the future
of our country. I know more about Canada past than I ever did before Mr.
Trudeau became PM. The colour of the flag is brighter than ever for me now
and when I hear our National anthem played on the international stages I am
moved.
More than respect Jason. Mr. Trudeau gave me a gift; pride in being a
Canadian, and for that I will be eternally grateful.
Stephanie M. Turner
Victoria, B.C.
At the end of Sunday night's broadcast of "The National," Peter Mansbridge spoke very eloquently. Peter described how he had asked a friend he respected what he thought the long line of people at
Parliament Hill meant in a country like Canada. After all, Pierre Elliot Trudeau was certainly not regarded as a 'man of the people', such as the way Princess Dianna was regarded as the "People's Princess.".
Why, then, would people line up over two days at Parliament Hill; often waiting up to 5 hours to spend just a minute with Trudeau in the Hall Of Honour? How can this behaviour be explained in the context
of the Canadian identity?
Peter's friend replied, "Don't try to answer that question. The story is in the question."
I appreciated the comment and I have arrived at an answer. At least, I have arrived at 'my answer'; as I am sure many people have.
The question is truly a Canadian question. If the question could be answered, then we would solve one of the great Canadian puzzles: "What does it mean to be Canadian?" Only in Canada do we ponder
the meaning of our national existence, the meaning of our national identity. One man has taken us furthest on the road to defining our Canadian identity, our national existence. That man, of course, is
Pierre Elliot Trudeau. For this gift, we now honour the life of Prime Minister Trudeau. And this is the story that lies in Peter's question.
Matt S. Boyle
Martin Luther said,
"Cowardice asks the question, is it safe?
Expediency asks the question, is it politic?
Vanity asks the question, Is it popular?
But conscience asks the question, is it right?
And there comes a time when one must take the position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right..."
Mr. Trudeau was a man of great character and moral courage. He helped to
shape my own values for what I hold so dear in this country; justice,
tolerance and freedom. He was a man of integrity who lived his life in
service to others. I will miss him very much.
Julie MaLeod
Burlington, Ontario
My father was fiercely Canadian. He was born and raised in Montreal the
son of a railway worker who immigrated from British Guiana. He was a
track star at Montreal High who was a member of the Canadian British
Empire Games team that didn't have a chance to compete due to war. He
sang with his friend Oscar Peterson in High School and worked his way
through McGill as a Porter for the CPR. Upon graduation, while his
classmates were given excellent jobs in fine companies, my father could
only find work sweeping floors. Black men and many minorities were not
recognized in Canada at the time.
My Mother is French Canadian and we can trace her roots on her mother's
side to the courier du bois fur traders while her father was a french
speaking black man from Louisiana.
In the fifties, before Pierre Trudeau, even though I had a real and
demonstratable Canadian heritage, I was never seen or considered
Canadian. I would often be asked "what island are you from" and when I
replied "the island of Montreal" the questioner would often say "no, no
I mean before you immigrated to Canada." You see Canadians had a clear
understanding of what a Canadian face was. It wasn't black. It was
white and most often anglo saxon protestant.
After Pierre Trudeau, I have recieved full recognition as a Canadian
with claim to a rich heritage, full standing and with many more
opportunities than my Dad had. A black man can be a Canadian with deep
roots and a strong attachment to this country.
My father died in 1975, he sent four children to university, was a Vice
President at the company he worked for and was a strong supporter of Mr
Trudeau. I can imagine him being one of the throng recognizing and
welcoming Mr Trudeau to his new home on the other side just as Mr.
Trudeau recognized and welcomed my Dad and his family as full citizens
of Canada.
My Mother at 82 was one of the crowd outside of Notre Dame Cathedral.
She went to express what I am attempting to say through this letter.
Thank you, Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Well done, and rest in peace.
James Trimm
Ottawa
You challenged our provincialism, the limits to our vision.
You embodied the vast soul of Canada.
Through you we travelled the rivers, saw the vistas of distant lakes and
seas.
You gave us joy, a sense of hope, the infinitely possible.
Pride in ourselves, our people, our country.
Other nations had their Kennedys, their Churchills--but we had you and we
were proud.
May we live our lives inspired by your memory, the goals you challenged us
to achieve.
Sincerely,
Rex and Andrea Eaton and family
He made it cool to be Canadian. He made us proud to be Canadian. He made the rest of the world aware that maybe Canada was more than just a chunk of snow on top of the U.S.
Thank you, Trudeau
Goodbye
Krista Hurdon,
Toronto, ON
As I have watched and shed tears over the past few days at the passing
of our dear and unforgettable Pierre, I cannot help but see a parallel
between him and Jesus. Pierre lived the words of Jesus in many of his
policies and in his vision, Feed the hungry....welcome the
stranger....live in peace.......He has left us a legacy that, if we
follow his example, will lead us closer to his vision of a "just
society."
Pierre Elliot Trudeau, you have lived the life of a good and
faithful servant. Now will the Lord say to you, "Come into the house I
have prepared for you since the beginning of time."
Go in peace, as you have lived in peace, my hero, my champion, my
friend.
Sharon Oliver
Sudbury, Ontario
Pierre Elliott Trudeau;
Pierre Trudeau was the Paul Bunyan of Canadian Politics.He was a giant of a Man that took giant steps to unite and make people think and work towards a more closely knit and united Canada that was to include all groups,ethnics,races and ideals to form a Just Society for all to prosper within for years to come.
He made people dig deep within there minds and hearts to come up with thoughts and
actions that would form an enduring Society that would be looked up to world wide as well as within our boundaries.
As the line in the song goes, from "sea to sea," he made sure that the three oceans that
wash ashore on our three shorlines were familiar with one another and carried the same
messages to its peoples with each wave that washed ashore.
Lastly but not least, Pierre Elliott Trudeau made sure that his office and power was not
to be held for what it could do for himself, but asstered to Canadians what it was going to do for them in the form of a Society they all could stand proud for no matter where they found themselves in the future on this planet.
Until we all meet again Pierre.....may God Bless.
Sincerely,
Vern E. Amberman
Saddened by the news of the death of Mr. Trudeau I can not be quiet and
simply wish to remind all Canadians how we can be so proud of this great
country and its people (d'un océan à l`autre). I will always remember
what Mr. Trudeau did for the Quebec society by refusing to give in to
the nationalist movement. For me it meant that as a young person growing
up in Quebec that I can be who I want to be in this country. I am not
inferior and will never give in to a political movement that feeds on
creating insecurity for its people.Born in 1965, I was raised in foster
families that were anti english, my grand-parents wanted Quebec to separate. I really started to understand the english language only when I was 16 years old. I love to
write and remember thinking if I could write in english more people in
Canada could read about my beliefs... Well now I can and I am so
confortable with who I am that I can't stop writing and thinking..... In
college, I study humanities (politics, history and litterature) and was
amaze to see how many teachers were for the separation of Quebec. Too
many times the debate of Quebec situation was based on emotions related
to our own insecurities. If I compare Quebec has my family it has try to
raise me by making me feel insecure about my place in the world. It made
me feel that my place in the world was only in Quebec. It did not feel
like democracy anymore or a place that was fair and looking after my
rights. It felt like being told this is how you are going to live and
feel. Wrong thing to do to a young person. I became federalist. For me
Canada is my family for all the positive (its communities) it has to
offer. I am who I am today because of the people around me. Mr. Trudeau
will never be replaced but today's politicians should remember that they
are in power because we the people give them the power to represent our
canadian values, to honour them, and to make sure that they are passed
on to our future generations. We know, what Mr. Trudeau did for our
country. Try to imagine what your family will say about you when
unfortunately its your turn to leave this world. What good did you do
for your family, for your country, for all your children! A country
exist because of its people. Thanks to Mr. Trudeau this Canada still
live because we don't give in to our self-centered existence. Would it
be just nice for once that the new city of Ottawa would actually be
bilingual in his honour. Would it be nice to have some awards given to
all ages for anyone who wishes to study law and politics in order to
remember and apply our canadian values/beliefs in keeping this country
(living) together. Would it be nice just not to have to think about
separation but to think and work diligently on providing everyone the
rights/opportunities to be who they want to be in this great country.
Would it be nice to feel that the House of Commons is filled with
politicians that are debating, fighting for real issues and values.
Would it be nice just to have one more role model that would again make
us so proud to be who we are. YES, I AM CANADIAN AND PROUD OF IT.
In honour of a Great Man, let`s remember what St-Exupery wrote in The
Little Prince: You are responsible for your rose. If your rose is your
country, aren't we all responsible?
Diane Dagenais
Gatineau, Quebec
His name was Quebec; his name was Canada; written in both official
Languages.
Joseph D. Fry
I grew up politically in the midst of Trudeaumania – the new red maple leaf flag, patriation of a Canadian constitution, a new bill or rights, bilingualism – all
brought together a nation through a man with renewed zeal and personal flair to make people follow him. This man taught us many things about ourselves as Canadians and as a nation.
Perhaps it is symbols that help us remember people long after they are gone from us. If this is true, we have much to keep Pierre Trudeau's memory embedded in our minds and hearts. Perhaps a red rose. Perhaps the eternal flame on the hill.
"To the world you are just one person, but to one person you may be the world."
Alfred P. Aquilina
What can I add to what's been said so far of Mr. Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who to me, has been the most influential advocate for Canada, and who principally has been responsible
for putting Canada on the global map?
When I saw Daniel Igali receiving his gold medal for wrestling and proudly singing the National Anthem at the Sydney Olympics, I thought of Mr. Trudeau who saw diversity as a strength rather than as a weakness. As a new Canadian myself I came to admire Mr. Trudeau not only for his respect for all people regardless of their race, culture or religion, but also for inspiring all Canadians to stand up for and be proud of their country.
On belhalf of my family I extend condolences to his sons and the rest of his family.
Mr.Trudeau, your spirit will live on.
Sincerely,
Leo Marin
Toronto, Ontario
No one ever took the helm of this great nation with a more vibrant zest
for life. His own, Canada's and Canadians. He was the only Prime
Minister who has ever demonstrated the ability to weigh the needs of
leadership, family life and personal indulgence.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau took Canada to the world stage. He gave us the
legs to stand on and the backbone to face our adversities. He was truly
a diplomat's diplomat.
May he rest in peace,
Phill Miller
Brantford, Ontario
When I was 8-9 years old, I lived in Lester Pearson's riding in the little
community of Elliot Lake. One day, I got to see Lester Pearson up close
when he visited our school, and he made an impression on me. I never saw
Pierre Trudeau that close (though I lived around Ottawa most of my adult
life) yet he has had a much greater impact on my life, both personally and
as a citizen of this country.
I was born a francophone (my family roots go back over 350 years in Quebec)
but became bilingual in my pre-teens (thanks to the Ontario French School
system). With my family, I also had the opportunity to travel out west (to
the Canadian Rockies) during the year of the Expo, and got to see the
vastness and grandeur of Canada. I have never looked back. Ever since, I
have fully embraced the two main cultures of our country, and felt proud of
being a Canadian, of being able to travel this vast country and feel at home
everywhere. I believe that this awareness of the grandeur of Canada, and
the pride in being a Canadian citizen, is something that I (and many other
Canadians) share with Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who loved and travelled this
country so much.
It was during the October Crisis in 1970 that I suddenly became very aware
of the political aspects of our society, and acutely aware of Trudeau's role
in the governance of this country. I followed his career and
accomplishments from that time on, until his "retirement" from politics in
the mid-80's. Being of a "Liberal" inclination, I realize that it's easier
for me to applaud many of his governments' accomplishments, though I can
understand how many of these do not meet with unanimous approval across the
country.
Living in Ontario while the sovereignty movement was threatening separation
in Quebec (in the second referendum) was very difficult for me to live
through – I felt torn between my roots in Quebec and my allegiance to
Canada. Through his passionate involvement in helping to defeat the first
referendum, Trudeau gave me comfort and peace of mind, and it's probably for
that contribution that I will always be personally most thankful for what he
did for us all.
He was a great man (in spite of his flaws, like we all have), and I feel
fortunate and proud to have grown up as a responsible Canadian citizen under
his able leadership.
Robert St-Louis
Ottawa
Generally high marks on unity as pertains to Ontario and east but low marks on unity in western Canada. BC and Alberta problems are very tied to the liberals disrespect of provincial rights. Westerns are just never allowed on the national agenda. Brilliant in most things expect economics.
Dr. Michael J. Heit
Today we celebrate the man who walked on earth and left large, everlasting footprints on the hearts and souls of all Canadian. He was Canadian Pride at its best!
We will never say good-bye Mr. Trudeau, as to say so would be too final, for a man who will live on forever.
Diana E. Richard-LeBlanc
Toronto/Memramcook, New Brunswick
It's fitting that Prime Minister Trudeau should leave us during the millennium Olympics; he symbolizes the torch that ignited the Canadian flame!
Wayne T. Phillips
It is not enough to mourn for Trudeau. He has come on earth and has done
his work, it is up to us to carry on with what he has started.
The best way to benefit from this death is to be a living memorial to him in some
aspect of his life. I would like to live life to the fullest, as he has
done. I would continue to love this country as passionately as he has
done. I would be more me, than trying to be any other person. He did
things his way, he was no copycat. I will take his passion for living
and argument.
He reminds me of the words of Anthony on speaking of Brutus.
His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that Nature can stand up to all the world and say, THIS WAS A MAN, Spirit never die, and as long as I continue to live in his example, Death will have no dominion over him..so..all these lines of poetry come flitting
by.
Lives of great men all remind us,
we can make our lives sublime,
and departing leave behind us,
footprints on the sands of time..
the torch has been passed to me,
and I want to pass it on to future generations
still burning brightly.
Pierre is dead… Long live Trudeau.
I had the honour of shaking his hands and taking a photograph of him when he
visited Port Alberni years ago. I still treasure this moment.
Winston Joseph
Proud to be a Canadian!
I was a "young Liberal" in high school, in the late 1960's as a result of
"Trudeaumania."
In 1971 I got married, just like Margaret and Pierre.
In 1972, I had a son, just like Margaret and Pierre.
In 1977, my marriage ended ... just like Margaret and Pierre.
The Trudeau family was so much like so many of the rest of us. We felt that we knew them intimately. In fact, we felt that THEY knew US intimately also, therefore they certainly could oversee a just society on our behalf. We were right. Our emotional ties to Margaret, Pierre and their sons goes beyond politics. It's personal.
With deepest thanks for what was... and with deeper sorrow for our shared
loss.
Janis Walker
Whitby, Ontario
When I was 6 years old,my father took me to a political rally in London,Ontario. Trudeaumania was sweeping the country, and my dad took me to hear him speak even though I had no real understanding of what it was all about. I remember feeling very small. All of a sudden there was a big cheer and Mr. Trudeau came into the arena. I remember looking up as he went by and he stopped and patted me on the
head. I've been an admirer ever since. He was a great man with a lot of flair. Some of his policies may not have been the best, but he was good for our country. We should all be proud to be Canadians.
Kris Plouf
The passing of Mr. Trudeau is perhaps a defining moment for Canadians. Too
often are we caught up in the hubris of what passes for 'modernity.' His
death seems to have helped us focus our emotional, intellectual and
historical sense of ourselves.
A strong voice for Canada has left us. Which of us will now pick up his mantle?
David Jackson
Kingston, Ontario
When I heard the news of Mr. Trudeau's death last Thursday, I emailed my son
in Japan with the following words:
"He was a great father. Not only to his sons; but to his country. He talk us
all how to stand up and walk like men."
Pierre Elliott Trudeau is the father of modern Canada. Not the frail first
union cobbled together in Charlottetown; but the beautiful and diverse
nation we think of as Canada today.
Moreover, when we are asked by people of other nations what it means to be a
Canadian today, we find ourselves echoing his words in reply. And it is his
final great gift to us, that with his passing, we no longer do this
unwittingly, but fully conscious, and with pride and great affection for the
man who made it so.
God bless him and take him home.
Derry McDonell
Bewdley, Ontario
As Anishinabe-qwe, living now on reserve in Northern Ontario.. I grew up amongst my adopted family in Ottawa/Montreal. We were a liberal household due to our respect for Trudeau. We looked beyond the Trudeaumania and saw a man of intellect, honour, and humour that outshone his peers. Over the years, I have listened to those who questioned Trudeau's decisions regarding the October Crisis, nothing I have heard has tarnished my image of him. Today, none of our politicians come close to his stature as a man doing his life's work to his best.
When I reunited with my biological family over a decade ago. I have listened to counter-opinion from our collective perspective, the "White Paper," I was disappointed that he was responsible for it, but on the other hand, it mobilized our people, and if not for it, I would probably not be living here.
Whenever Trudeau has been in the news since his formal departure in politics I have stopped and listened. During the FLQ crisis, I lived in Ottawa as young girl. Although I remember the media Coverage, CBC news and the city's paper, I don't remember it affecting my life or liberty. Canada was shocked by this terrorism. Trudeau did what he had to do. Looking back this past few days at all the coverage. I hold true to my intuitive belief that Trudeau's legacy firmly roots itself beyond the scope of recognition as our greatest prime minister to the man in all his personnas who lived up to our ideals. The same ideals that he reminded us to expect. I have often wished that life would have given me the opportunity for our paths to cross. He was one of our founding fathers, and a loving father to his children. He kept his own house in order by raising good sons. My respect extends to the full man. I hope Canada remembers him for his virtues. We have a lost a beautiful man to history. May his spirit's journey continue in peace.
Denise Bouchard
Nipigon, ON
A Great Canadian! Our Prime Minister. Watching and reading about the news about Pierre Elliott Trudeau passing, our daughter ask who was he, I said he was Mommy's and Daddy's Prime Minister when we were going up. Like Lady Dianna's she was "England Rose" He was our "Canadian Rose" Goodbye CANADA'S ROSE! Our deepest condolence to the family and our Canadian Family.
Beverley & Ernie Hughes
Kelly, Brandon & Brittany Hughes
Orangeville, Ontario
Au Revoir, Mr. Trudeau,
As put by one of your Senators, "You are a Lion of a man."
You define what it means to be Canadian. Steely reserve. Understated
confidence. Empathy. Joi de Vivre. Family. Reason over passion.
Multi-cultural.
After your tenure, the question "What does it mean to be Canadian?" seems
silly. You are Canadian. I am Canadian. It is clear. I am proud to be
Canadian and travel the world with my head high.
The separatists have not yet learned your lesson. When will they grow up?
When will they "get over it?" You helped make Canada the best country in
the world. Why would anyone want to leave?
If we Canadians can learn from your example, you will be the light that will
guide us towards leading the world to a new consciousness in the new
Millennium.
My deep condolences to your family and friends. Thank you very much from mine.
Michael P. Camastra
By his example and his writings, Pierre Trudeau showed Canadians that if we
surmount our internal differences and build on that experience, we can play
a unique and valuable world role. That is his legacy to Canada; are we up
to its demands?
Gwen M. and J. C. Douglas Milton
Thank you for providing me an opportunity to express my deepest
sympathies to Mr. Trudeau's family. Mr.Trudeau gave me hope of a
brighter future. I can remember thinking at a young age how vibrant and
full of life he was. I have heard so many times over the past few days
how many gifts Mr.Trudeau has given to people personally and has a
Canadian. The one that sticks out the most for me is Mr.Trudeau made us
groovy. Which for me means Proud To Be Canadian. I am very proud of
where I live and what I do. I hope someday another Prime Minister comes
along and makes us as proud as he did. God Bless his family in the
coming hours as they say good-bye to there Dad. He will join his son
now.
Kind Regards,
Kimberly McBride
Richmond,Ontario
With all the outpouring of reflections on the meaning of PET to Canadians
and Canada in the press and TV, I went back to a diary I started to keep
when I was in Belgium in 1968. On April 7, 1968 I wrote the following lines
upon hearing the news of his victory at the Liberal leadership convention the day before.
"...certainly good news for the progressive wing – and for the Canadians
who seek new approaches to the pressing problems of divergency in Canadian
federation. His nationalism is neither French or English bias, but an effort
at deflecting them both into an expression of concern for the underlying
problems of our society, of which nationalism of whatever genre is only the
surface expression. He is above all a "thinker" who will confound a great
many people – French Canadians especially, with his "Canadianism." He is
certainly not a "two-nation" advocate, ironically close to Diefenbaker in
this respect, but his message is not a meaningless chant of "national unity"
either. If his future political life is not successful in the electoral
sense, he will have his major problems with conservative (Union Nationale)
feelings in Quebec. He will undoubtedly give us a choice and broaden our
too, too inward, almost narcissistic gaze at our so-called problems of
binationalism."
In retrospect, my sense that he was a left-wing progressive politician was a
bit off the mark as the mid-term activity of his first years in office sadly
revealed. Although he was anti-nationalistic both in terms of his Quebec
attitudes and using the federal power to protect economic sovereignty, his
later career was ironically enveloped in English-Canadian causes like
bilingual education and promoting national public institutions like Petro
Canada. Quebec ultimately became his achilles heel, although he came out a
winner time and time again, only to see his patriated constitutional
enterprise hobbled by Quebec's refusal to join in. I always felt he was
being the best kind of Canadian when he was outside the country showing how
easy it was to schmooze with the great ones, and put them in their place
when the occasion arose. There has never been a Canadian PM so comfortable
in foreign fields as PET. Contrast him with Joe Clark in this regard, and
you can see why Canadians quickly put him back in 24 Sussex in March 1980.
And finally, yes, I do think he broadened our sense of who we were in the
world scheme of things. He loved having people watch him. He with his highly
practiced sense of uniqueness was the ultimate narcissist. He thrived on
irony.
Bruce Conron
Mourning a Hero
Today we mourn a true hero.
A hero who united this country,
gave us our national pride,
our charter,
our identity,
our rightful place on the world stage.
We mourn a father and a brother who
gave this land, and its people,
a lasting vision of "Just Society"
and unselfishly shared with us his spirit,
charm, intelligence and courage,
his unwavering sense of justice and equality.
Today we lost a great man.
We lost a bit of our soul,
conscience and connection to reality.
We lost a bit of our hearts and "joie de vivre,"
a bit of our Canadian identity.
May the Lord bless his soul and
keep him alive in our hearts and minds,
a guiding light for all that is right, true and just.
My deepest condolences to the Trudeau Family on this sad occasion. May
the Lord give us all the strength to deal with the pain of his passing
and the courage to continue in his footsteps.
George Massih
Ottawa, Ontario
The passing of Pierre Elliott Trudeau brings back memories of the impact
you had on my life.
Your accomplishments for this country of ours are everlasting. You were the centre of discussions (heated at times) at our family dinners that would last well into the night. I am proud to have been a part of the Trudeau era. When you lost the election, I would sit in our recroom, watch the returns and in stunned disbelief could not comprehend
why somebody could not vote for you. I sobbed into my towel so nobody
could hear, went to work the next day with red eyes and a migraine to be
teased.
My family and friends send their condolences from far and
wide. It was a time to be passionate about this country.
Now, again, my family and friends are calling and e-mailing me to recall
those inspiring years.
Thank you Pierre Elliot Trudeau and "aufwiedersehen"
Kathe Seguin
Ajax, Ontario
I am deeply saddened by the passing of this unique man, a compassionate
hero in our time. He challenged us to identify ourselves as Canadians
and to join hands in celebration of the nation we are creating. Out of
respect for the many lessons he taught me through his actions and words,
I wore my red suit and maple leaf pin to school on Friday and explained
why I had done so.
I remember as a child, standing at attention in front of our elementary
school for a special ceremony when the first Canadian Maple Leaf flag
was raised. That event sparked in me my first moment of Canadian
pride. Pierre Elliot Trudeau fanned the flame and will continue to do
so. I appreciate the coverage CBC is providing and hope video tapes
will be made available for school libraries.
Let us show our respect by allowing those of us who live far from Ottawa
and Montreal to watch the funeral on TV. And let us use this day of
remembrance as a time to give today's youth a valuable lesson in
honoring a great Canadian and fostering unity and national pride. It is
my hope that all schools will close on Tuesday so that children can
witness an historical event, united by a vigil enabled through
television. It is a special opportunity to view with one's own family,
the images of a nation coming together to say good-bye to a dearly loved
man who inspired us to value unity, tolerance and understanding, from
sea to sea. It may be the first glimpse many youth will have of
Parliament Hill, the Peace Tower and official protocol.
His gifts he shared with us as our leader; through his example and
dreams, we will carry on. Our country is a beautiful flower. It will
continue to bloom and grow.
D. Johnson
Alberta
Sometimes we are fortunate to live in the same country and at the same time as a man who towers above the common herd. Those of us who have lived between 1968 and the early 1980's when he retired, are among those fortunate. Those
were the years that our Prime Minister the Right Honorable Mr. Trudeau headed our country and made a place on the world stage for Canada.
Yes, sometimes we disagreed with his actions, sometimes we were rather angry at his words, and sometimes we could only smile as he turned the tables on one of his critics. But none could disagree with his feeling that Canada is a wonderful
country, we could not be angry when he used words so brilliantly to answer those who would denigate Canada. And we all smiled as we watched him have fun in his position. The sight of him running toward the Parliament buildings is one that I'll never forget.
I lived in Montreal when Prime Minister Trudeau was forced to declare the War Measures Act in effect. As I watched him on television that night explaining what he had done and why, I was very proud that we had a leader who refused to
allow our country to be torn apart by violence or have our international image blackened by kidnappers.
As a nation and as a people we are all a little poorer now. Yet, both as a nation and as a people, we'd have been much poorer had we never known Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
May the jewel memories his family shares bring them comfort and peace now.
Marg Kowalski,
Edmonton AB
The passing of Pierre Trudeau has struck so many because it also
officially marks the passing of idealism, thought, intellect and vision
in politics. As political management is becoming ever more a question
of accounting and less of philosophy there can, sadly, be no more Pierre
Trudeaus in the world. Trudeau will be remembered as one of the greatest
political figures of the world, not just Canada. He was after all a
citizen of the world. If the United States has had a Lincoln or a
Kennedy, Canada has had Trudeau, and he is no less great than any of
them.
Alessandro Bruno
Mississauga, On.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau brought a simple Canadian life to Ottawa and achieved
the right and freedom for all Canadians. He should also get a credit for
keeping Canada from being broken apart by maintaining the equal rights for the entire
race in Canada.
The French-English bilingualism makes Canadian travellers safer and friendlier
abroad. The Canadian can distinguish himself from the supremacy of either
French or English colonialism that hurt a lot of people around the world.
I hope, P.E. Trudeau legacies will become a wake up call and bring English
Canadians and French Canadians to live together in the equal right basis. Both
nations should develop a program for their children, teaching them to be proud
of themselves as bilingual Canadians. Implement at least two hours a day for
the other official language, in classrooms, rather than promote either French
or English immersion school.
Eng Ly
Regina, SK
Pierre Trudeau was my hero, our Canadian hero, when I was young. He still is now. I am truly saddened but both proud and thankful to have had him as our leader for awhile. He was a "Man Ahead of his Time" in so many ways. He showed us how we should be, what we should do – be passionate, dedicated, focused, be a visionary, a citizen of the world, yet be rational and self-disciplined. On the other hand, to be adventuresome, follow your dreams, always learning and questioning, and full of fun. Through him we became a proud viable country of the world with a social conscience, bilingual, multicultural, tolerant of diversity, and, above all, "just." Trudeau symbolized all that we should be. He was complex and contradictory. He was a true icon.
Although the Rose has fallen, it is only sleeping for a while. It will bloom again in the spring, bringing new hope, new vigor, new dreams, and new challenges in the hearts of all Canadians.
Farewell and adieu Pierre Elliot Trudeau
Sandra Morra
Mississauga, Ontario
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