The Post-Trudeau Generation
We were alive when
he was Prime Minister,
but too young to realize what he was doing
for our great country.
– Linda Johnson
Georgetown, Ontario |
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Your responses:
I greatly appreciate your coverage of Trudeau. I am a high school student in Winnipeg, and my school is next-door to the new French school, College Pierre Elliot Trudeau.
I don't know a lot of what Trudeau actually did for Canada, but through your coverage I have had more of an insight on this.
In response to:
The Rose has fallen
and with him the blooming
of a great nation closes.
- John C. Day, Harriston, Ontario
All I can say is that, the rose still blooms in our hearts. Canada is still blooming. Trudeau helped Canada to grow, changed it and gave it light.
Our Country has many young, bright people, like myself, who love Canada. And we will not let this rose (Canada) die.
Katie Davidson
I was born in February of 1982, halfway through Mr. Trudeau's final term in office. Although I was too young to see first-hand his role as
Prime Minister, it has nonetheless been engrained in my memory. Growing up, both my parents being strong Liberal supporters, Mr. Trudeau
was regarded very highly in my house. I remember hearing stories of how my father met him at one of the Liberal Party conventions on the
campaign of 1968, how he was such a genuine and warm individual to speak to. I remember when his autobiography, "Memoirs," was released
how my father and many of my uncles went to the book launch in Toronto, just to get a glimpse of their hero. He had a presence that will
always be felt in my heart.
Of all the leaders that Canada has had, Mr. Trudeau was certainly the most charismatic. He had a flare for the office of Prime Minister
that we all benefited from. There were dark moments in his political lifetime, such as the October Crisis of 1970, and moments of economic
questioning, like the growing deficit during his occupation of public office. However, even in the darkest he shone brightly.
Many have said that he was "Canada's Kennedy," or he was "Our royal family." The only way to sum up this great man is by saying "He was,
and is, our Trudeau." There have been none like him since, and likely we will not see his kind again. Those who knew him well, loved him.
Those who admired him, adored him. Those who disagreed with him found an opponent that was not to be equalled. It is because of him we have
our Constitution here, in Canada, where it belongs. It is because of him that we have a bilingual country. It is because of him that we
have such cultural diversity in this country. It is because of him that we can be proud to call Canada our home.
John Lennon said in 1969; "If all politicians were like Mr. Trudeau, there would be world peace. You people in
Canada don't realize how lucky you are to have a man like Mr. Trudeau." It is entirely possible that, only now, do we realize the extent to
which he permeates our culture and makes us who we are today as a country. Yesterday, today and in days to come, we mourn the passing of a
legend; a gentle giant. He fought long and hard for what he believed in, and we are all the better for it. I thank you, Mr. Trudeau, for
allowing us all to live in the Canada we have today. Your promises have been kept, and after many, many miles may you finally find the
sleep and peace you so richly deserve. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
Sean Bator, Age 18
Mississauga, Ontario
I have never heard of him until tonight. My name is Andrea Chevalier. I live here in the United States. I was sitting here watching the Olympics when it came on. The news
of the death of Pierre Trudeau. It brings sadness to me not even knowing him
or knowing anything about him. The sadness comes from everyone talking so
nice about the Late Prime Minister.
"Reason over Passion" probably was the best motto that I have ever heard.
Since tonight when I heard that, its been hard for me to keep my eyes from
the TV. I'm sorry for the great lose to your country.
Peace be with all of you,
Andrea Chevalier
Before my trip to Ottawa, I didn't know that Trudeau existed. I go to a
french immersion school and since I read about what he did, I am thankful. I
don't have much to say because I didn't know him, and I wasn't around way
back then, but I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Trudeau for all he
did for Canada.
Maggie Kanuka
I'm 13 years old
As a twelve year old, I barely know anything about Pierre Elliot
Trudeau, except for the fact that my family thinks he was a great man.
On Tuesday, all of us, sat in front of the T.V and cried when Justin had
finished his speech. I thought it was wonderful. The only thing I
know, is that when I'm older, I want to give a speech as wonderful as
that, at my father's funeral.
Fred Biro
As a 22-year-old Canadian, I do not remember Pierre
Trudeau's days in office. However, I remember hearing about him
from my father and admiring his passion for our great country.
In getting to know the man from newpaper coverage and CBC
documentaries the past few days, I am drawn even further to his
passion and love for Canada. Never in my studies have I
encountered a more passionate and committed Canadian. I am
saddened at the lack of such a leader here in the year 2000. As
the Scriptures say, sometimes a seed has to fall to the ground
in order for many things to grow in turn. It is my hope that we
will gather together as Canadians, rich and poor, elected
officials and common-folk, and rediscover the passion and
commitment that Pierre Trudeau had for our country. Let us
stand on guard for Canada, but, Mr. Trudeau, let us also stand
up for what you believed in. Thank you for serving Canada.
Mark Alward
Port Burwell, Ontario
Thank you for being the quintessential Canadian. For having the courage
to defend our country and for believing in us enough to write our own
constitution. Thank you for teaching us that we united as a people can
stand up to the world's most powerful nation.
Thank you for creating a country in which we- the next generation can
live. And most of all thank you for showing us how to be proud of our
nation and tell people that Yes, WE ARE CANADIAN!
Rohanna Anne Bhola
Grade 12- Calgary, AB
Hello, I am 12 years old from Mississauga Ontario Canada. I just heard
about Trudeau a few years ago and on Thursday to hear that he had died
really mad me sad.I couldn't believe it and I still can't believe it.
He gave us our rights and our second language.Trudeau you will always be
in my heart!
Merci,
Andrew O'Brien
I was born the year he took that walk in the snow,
so I wouldn't be able to remember much about him,
but I do know that he opened up immigration to Canada,
and the two of the many people who came were my mom and dad.
I also know he created the Canada I was born and raised in.
For that I thank him.
My condolences to his family, a truly great man has passed.
Gone, but never forgotten.
Sheena Chan
To explain to my children who Trudeau was, I found it hard to do. I reminded
them that we live in a country that is free like the wind. It was Trudeau
who came to symbolize what Canada is. We wake in the morning sun with out
sorrow and close our eyes in the night without pain. Those tracks that
spread from the Pacific to the Atlantic will now carry our leader to his
final resting place. A place where battles will be fought no more, a place
where tears will be shed no more but to a place where eternal joy blooms
throughout. There is one more chapter to write, a chapter that will give our
blessings from a Nation you held so dear.
In deepest regrets,
B.M. Fontaine
Dear Mr. Trudeau,
I know you can't read this right now but right about now you're probably going to see this
letter from looking down on the all of us, you may not, or you may remember that you went to a small country called Guyana and my dad saw you, but you may not have seen him.
After about 2 or 3 decades, we came over here and were immigrants, but thanks to you we got to come in to this country to live, for doing that may God bless you, even though you are probably up their with him now. Any how, I would like to say thank you for shaping this pretty country into a beautiful one, everyone in my family thanks you for letting immigrants come into this country, stopping the people on referendum day that were separating Quebec from Canada, going to Guyana, and being the best Prime Minister this country could have. You shaped this country and made it into a better one, and brought hope to those who had none, because of you Canada has been a such peaceful country, may God bless you and let you into Heaven.
Rafiq Syed Samad
A 12-year-old boy in grade 7
Brampton Ont.
I drove all the way to Ottawa from Toronto on Saturday. The van was cramped, I had homework to do and all I ever knew about Pierre Trudeau
was from history texts and that he had just died. I was born a year after he resigned. And I found politics rather boring anyways. So I
stood in line waiting for my turn to stand near the coffin and well, I'd just stand. Like any other funeral or such where I'd have to pay
respect. I'd probably forget about it anyways.
I got to Parliament Hill and stood unbelieving. So many people had come to pay respect to this guy that probably none of them had ever met.
Many of them were not even born when he was around. I realized that he WAS something special, that maybe all the things everyone had said
about him were true. As I waited in line, I overheard people talking about him. He was charismatic, intelligent, charming. He was
different, unconventional. He was something special. People respect him for so many different things, and yet, all these different things
are all the same. Like him or not, he has definetley had an impact on his country, my country, our country. Trudeau's dream and vision of
Canada, it seems has realized itself.
It was my turn to pay respect. I put my hand on the flag lying on the coffin and gave thanks for my home, the greatest nation of the world,
the place that it is.
Cyan Kuo
I only wish today we had a leader with as great a vision as Pierre Elliot
Trudeau. Today there is only talk of the national debt, reducing taxes
but no real vision of where we are going as a nation, of what we stand
for as Canadians. Perhaps in his death, he has reminded us of what is
truly important.
On Sunday, I went to Parliament Hill to say good-bye to Trudeau. I went
with my husband and our 3 children aged 10, 8 and 4. I am hoping they
will always remember the roses surrounding the flame, the long lines of
people also needing to come to pay their respects, and our beautiful
Canadian flag draping Trudeau's casket. Perhaps this way and through our
family discussions of what Trudeau gave to Canada, they will understand
the values that he tried to inspire in us as Canadians.
Caroline Harris-McDonald
Gloucester, Ontario
I am of Justin's generation. Many of the values that I hold dear, and
thought were my own, I realize now, were actually those of Pierre
Trudeau.
As the great psychiatrist and theologian, Carl Jung, said when asked
whether he believed in God,
"... to believe in God would require a faith, no, I do not believe in God... I know there is a God."
May God hold Pierre Trudeau close to his heart, and Michel, too.
Jacqueline Dubé
Calgary, Alberta
I am a 21-year-old Chinese-Canadian born citizen, and did not live
during the era of Trudeaumania. Some people say that "generation X"
Canadians do not know exactly who this man was, and therefore may not
truly respect the contributions he gave to Canada.
Yes, the younger generation may not have experienced the kind of passion
that the people had for his vision. We might not know the type of
character or charisma everyone says he had. We do not know every issue
and bill that his party fought for.... But this does not mean we will
never know who Mr. Pierre Elliot Trudeau is.
We will learn about Mr. Pierre Elliot Trudeau from our elders, from our
teachers, Canada's history books, newspapers, television, the net, and
from people who know him and have been greatly touched by him. I am
listening to Canadians mourn, cry, and reflect upon Mr. Pierre Elliot
Trudeau's death, and I feel the loss of someone very important that I
wish I had known. Even though I've never met him, I feel the pain that
all Canadians are feeling this moment. From what I have learned, I know
that Mr. Pierre Elliot Trudeau was someone with a true heart and a true
vision for Canada. He became Prime Minister not for fame, fortune, or
power ...but for something even stronger – which was his love for the
country.
I have learned a lot about the former Prime Minister and his
achievements for Canada, and I will continue to learn about the many
wonderful things about him. His legacy will continue to live on and will
never be forgotten! For the younger generation, he gives us inspiration,
goals, and dreams. He has set a great example for us to learn from, that
we can all set a place in our hearts for Canada and to someday make
Canadians proud!
Mr. Pierre Elliot Trudeau was a great man who loved his country and did
everything he could to protect Canada. He believed Canada existed as a
"whole" and should not be broken into separate pieces. He cared for all
Canadians, whether they were English speaking, French speaking, or any
other language speaking Canadian. He created the existence of
multiculturalism within our country.
One of his contributions which greatly affects me is what he did for
immigrants. He gave many people opportunities, including my parents who
emigrated from Hong Kong, a chance live in a country that had stability,
beauty, peace, freedom, and a hopeful future. Without him, I would not
be able to call this place I was born in – "my home."
Without him, Canada would not be the country in which all of us
Canadians are proud to live in. Therefore, he is one of Canada's
greatest heroes!
Thank you Mr. Pierre Elliot Trudeau. You were a wonderful Prime
Minister, a wonderful father, and a wonderful Canadian. Our prayers are
with your family and friends. I pray that God will give your family the
time to heal and the strength to overcome this time of sadness.
Mr. Pierre Elliot Trudeau – You will be forever missed.
With Love,
Karen Mok
Calgary, Alberta
I was born in 1970 and really don't remember what Mr. Trudeau did for
the country, but I do respect him for what he did. I was visiting my
girlfriend this past weekend and her husband and I had a discussion
about Pierre Trudeau. He had the same problem as I did. We were alive
when he was Prime Minister, but too young to realize what he was doing
for our great country.
He said that he couldn't see why there was so much mourning in the
country because he couldn't remember what a great man he was. Then
something came into my mouth and I spoke it before I could even think of
it. I told him that we might be too young to remember what he did for
our country but we are old enough now to realize what he did and that is
why we should all be in mourning.
I would like to send my and my husband's deepest sympathy to his family,
close friends and the rest of our country. We have lost a great man and
we will all miss him greatly!
Linda Johnson
Georgetown, Ont
My nine year old niece, Melissa called me to wish me a Happy Birthday on September 28, 2000. I thanked her and as we spoke I said I it is also a sad day. Our former Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau passed away today. She said she saw it on TV and it was just like when Princess Diana died. I tried to explain that Mr Trudeau was a great man and had a profound impact on our nation. I am not sure she understood. I hope one day our schools will teach our children about Mr Trudeau and his legacy. My feelings are that Mr Trudeau made me proud to be a Canadian and he fought for his vision of this country
which many of us share.
My condolences to his family.
Frank Perna
White Rock, B.C.
I'm 19 years old. I didn't know Pierre Elliott Trudeau as a Prime Minister.
I didn't know him as a political figure. And I didn't know him as a lawyer.
I know him as a Canadian Legend.
I know that I cried for this man I have never met when I saw him walking at
his son's funeral several years ago. I know that my whole family was broken up at the news of his death. I know that Canada will never be the same without him.
My condolences to the Trudeau family. There really are no comforting words,
but merely the thought that he is in Heaven now, on a bed of red rose
petals, smiling.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Trudeau.
Tara Conley
My hope is that the children, teenagers and young adults take the time
to witness the impact of what great leadership can have on humanity.
The way it draws people together. The way it touches your heart because
it is real. Pursuing a vision is a worthwhile and valuable endeavour.
Thank you Mr. Trudeau, for sharing your intellect, creativity, charisma,
ambition, drive, generosity, pride and devotion. You have left us with a
precious legacy.
Roxanne Brousseau-Felio
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