DR S. WRITES THAT PIERRE TRUDEAU TRIED TO DESTROY CANADA'S IDENTITY. I GIVE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY HE DEFINED OUR IDENTITY AS A 'JUST SOCIETY'

DR S WROTE THAT HE THOUGHT PIERRE TRUDEAU TRIED TO DESTROY THE CANADIAN IDENTITY. YES, HE WAS A BAD ECONOMIST AND DEALING WITH THE OIL CRISIS ALIENATED ALBERTA WITH HIS OIL PRICING, BUT HE STILL LEFT OUR COUNTRY MUCH BETTER THAN IT EVER WAS BEFORE AND HELPED BRING TOGETHER THE INCLUSIVENESS OF ITS PEOPLE WITH MULTICULTURALISM

I WRITE HER ONLY TO GIVE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY TO THE DR'S NEGATIVE VIEWS AND A LESSON ON CIVICS

Pierre Trudeau's early political career was shaped by his opposition to Maurice Duplessis's authoritarian rule in Quebec. Duplessis, who served as Premier of Quebec from 1936 to 1939 and again from 1944 to 1959, was known for his conservative policies and close ties with the Catholic Church. Trudeau, on the other hand, was a strong advocate for individual freedoms and democracy.

Trudeau's disdain for Duplessis's regime was evident in his writings and activism. He criticized the government's authoritarian practices and the Church's influence over politics and education. This opposition to authoritarianism and his commitment to protecting individual freedoms were key motivations for Trudeau's political career.

The Roncarelli v. Duplessis case significantly influenced Pierre Trudeau's ideas about freedoms and the state's role. Frank Roncarelli, a Jehovah's Witness and restaurant owner in Montreal, provided bail for fellow Jehovah's Witnesses who were arrested for distributing religious literature without permits. In retaliation, Maurice Duplessis, the Premier of Quebec, ordered the revocation of Roncarelli's liquor license, effectively crippling his business2.

The case highlighted the failure of common law to protect religious rights and freedoms. The Supreme Court of Canada eventually ruled in favour of Roncarelli, stating that Duplessis had overstepped his authority. This case underscored the need for stronger legal protections for individual rights against arbitrary state actions.

For Trudeau, the Roncarelli case exemplified the dangers of unchecked state power and the importance of safeguarding individual freedoms. This experience reinforced his commitment to protecting civil liberties and influenced his later efforts to enshrine these rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom.

To claim Trudeau was an authoritarian is false; he was everything but an authoritarian. He did believe in a strong central government to act in the country's best interest and counter regionalism.

Trudeau's desire to protect people's freedoms eventually led him to seek the role of Prime Minister. As Prime Minister, he was crucial in creating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enacted in 1982. The Charter enshrined fundamental rights and freedoms for all Canadians, reflecting Trudeau's lifelong commitment to individual liberties and democracy.

Pierre Trudeau's vision of Canada was deeply rooted in multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and communal support. He believed in a Canada where diversity was celebrated and where every individual, regardless of their background, felt a sense of belonging. Here are some key aspects of his vision:

1. Multiculturalism: Trudeau introduced the policy of multiculturalism in 1971, making Canada the first country in the world to adopt such a policy. This policy recognized the cultural diversity of Canadians and promoted the idea that all cultural groups should be able to preserve and share their cultural heritage. Brian Mulroney and Joe Clark also significantly promoted multiculturalism in Canada. Mulroney continued to support and expand Trudeau's multicultural policies, introducing the Canadian Multiculturalism Act in 1988. Clark supported multiculturalism by introducing policies and programs aimed at helping immigrant communities and promoting cultural understanding and inclusion.
2. Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Trudeau's government introduced the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, a gold standard for human rights. The Charter guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all Canadians, including freedom of expression, equality rights, and the right to a fair trial. Many nations around the world have copied it. The Canadian Charter's values align closely with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948. The Charter has influenced Israel's Basic Laws, South Africa's Bill of Rights, New Zealand's legal system, and Hong Kong's Bill of Rights. Canada has been recognized as a constitutional trendsetter, with the Charter influencing the drafting of constitutions worldwide.
3. Opposition to Section 33: Trudeau strongly opposed conservative governments' use of the notwithstanding clause (Section 33), as he believed it weakened the inalienable rights guaranteed by the Charter. He once said, "The state has no business in the nation's bedrooms." This quote reflects his commitment to protecting individual rights and freedoms.
4. Bilingualism and Inclusiveness: Trudeau was a staunch advocate for bilingualism and wanted French and English speakers to feel comfortable and included anywhere in Canada. He believed that linguistic duality was a fundamental aspect of Canadian identity and said, "You just cannot cut a country in two any more than you can cut a human being in two. If you do, you do not have two human beings but a corpse."
5. Social Safety Nets: Trudeau supported social safety nets such as pension plans and universal healthcare. He believed that these were essential rights for all Canadians and that the government had a responsibility to provide for the welfare of its citizens.
6. Dialogue with Cuba and China: Trudeau believed in engaging in conversation with countries like Cuba and China, not because he favoured their political systems but because he felt that dialogue was necessary to open the doors to democracy and foster international understanding. Many believe Trudeau's engagement with China was key in then-U.S. President Richard Nixon doing the same a few years later. Trudeau also thought that the U.S. isolation of Castro's socialism led to Cuba's alignment with Russia. Remember, before Castro, Cuba was run by a ruthless dictator financed by the American Mafia.
7. Opposition to Extensive Nationalism: Trudeau viewed extensive Nationalism as a divisive force. HNationalismthat excessive Nationalism could lead to regionalNationalismgmentation, undermining Canada's unity. He once said, "Nationalism is a dangerous game. INationalismto the fragmentation of a country and the rise of regionalism."
8. Repatriation of the Constitution: Trudeau played a crucial role in the repatriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982, making Canada a genuinely independent country free of English rule. This move was seen as a final step in the century-long journey towards Canadian independence from Britain2. Trudeau's leadership ensured that the Constitution was brought home to Canada with the addition of a new amending formula and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
9. Abortion Rights: Trudeau's government decriminalized abortion in 1969 through the Omnibus Bill (Bill C-150), which allowed abortions under certain circumstances. Trudeau believed that the state had no place in the nation's bedrooms, and this belief extended to a woman's right to choose. He once stated, "There is no place for the state in the nation's bedrooms." This stance on abortion was part of his broader commitment to individual rights and freedoms.

Trudeau's vision of Canada was a just, inclusive, and diverse society where everyone could thrive and contribute to the nation's success. His policies and beliefs, as well as Mulroney and Clark's contributions, continue to shape Canada's identity and values, inspiring nations and legal systems worldwide to uphold fundamental rights and freedoms.

WE MUST STOP PUTTING OURSELVES DOWN. WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS FOR A LARGE COUNTRY SPANNING MULTIPLE REGIONS, INCLUDING A DIVERSE POPULATION AND INTERESTS.

AS FAR AS THE WORLD AND HOW IT SEES US REMEMBER,

• Global Peace Index (GPI): Canada ranks 8th out of 163 countries, indicating a high level of peace and stability.
• World Happiness Report: Canada is consistently ranked among the top 10 happiest countries in the world, often placing 5th or 6th.
• Human Development Index (HDI): Canada ranks 16th globally, reflecting strong performance in life expectancy, education, and per capita income.
• Economic Freedom Index: Canada is ranked 9th globally, highlighting its strong economic policies and business environment.