HIST 3061H/4061H Pierre Trudeau’s Canada

Trent University Durham GTA

Professor Robert Wright

Office: Thornton 167   Email: rw@robertwright.ca


COURSE SYLLABUS

History 3061H / 4061H examines the first Trudeau era and its enduring legacy vis-à-vis Canadian politics, culture and society.  As Justice Minister (1965-8) and especially as Prime Minister (1968-84), Pierre Trudeau presided over the transformation of Canadian political life, establishing bilingualism and multiculturalism on a national footing, enlarging the welfare state, institutionalizing the principle of equalization and, above all, patriating the Canadian constitution and its accompanying Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Always a strong-willed and divisive public figure, Pierre Trudeau inspired many of his compatriots with his bold vision for Canada; yet he also spawned enduring critiques from Québec nationalists, alienated Westerners, business people and others.  It is only a slight exaggeration to suggest that, even now, we live in—and contest—the Canada that Pierre Trudeau built.

This course is scheduled to run in 2025-26.