Pierre Elliott Trudeau

Citizen of the World: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Volume One: 1919-1968

Just Watch Me: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Volume Two: 1968-2000

by John English

      With the election of Justin Trudeau to the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in April, one cannot help but make comparisons between Justin and his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau. As the 15^th Prime Minister of Canada, the elder Trudeau is arguably the most popular, yet controversial, politician in the history of Canada. His charismatic personality and his untraditional approach to public relations earned him an interesting reputation as a Canadian politician. Whether you love him or hate him, Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s legacy is undeniable. He is credited for preserving national unity by preventing Quebec’s succession, suppressing a violent revolt during the October Crisis, and he established the Charter of Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Constitution.

      Respected historian and Professor of History at Waterloo University, John English, has published two excellent biographies chronicling the life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau from his birth in 1919 to when Justin Trudeau gave his eulogy in 2000. The first book, Citizen of the World: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Volume One: 1919-1968, examines Trudeau’s life up to his election to office as the Prime Minister of Canada. The second book, Just Watch Me: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau: 1968-2000, takes the reader through the “Trudeaumania” in the sixties until his death.

       One of the best parts of English’s approach is that these books are not hagiographic – that is to say he includes the good, the bad and the ugly rather than treating Trudeau like an infallible saint. He avoids praising, blaming or psychologizing and presents different views on the events described. It includes excerpts from lots of primary sources like diaries and personal correspondence.

      Trudeau has left a lasting impression in Canada for not only his political accomplishments, but his unashamed approach to public relations. One cannot help but remember his infamous “Fuddle Duddle” incident when he responded to a question from an opposition MP. If you want to learn more about Trudeau’s life, both personal and political, read John English’s two biographies.

      As Justin Trudeau continues to fight to bring the Liberal Party back to 24 Sussex Drive, he reminds us of his charismatic father. When asked if he thought that he could really beat current Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Trudeau responded invoking his father’s famous phrase used during the 1970 October Crisis: “Just watch me”