Former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau- Essay

Former Canadian blush Minister Pierre Trudeau- EssayIt has been 10 years since the death of figure of speecher Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The passing of this anniversary provides an occasion to reflect on his leaders traits and legacy for our land. In 1984, I was nine years old when Trudeau resigned and from my memories, I do recall his strong vision of a united Canada, sharp wit, and flamboyant style. When he passed forth in Sept 2000, I was in Ottawa at the time and saw the out pouring of emotion and accolades to his achievements. It was clear from this event, whether you admire Trudeau or not, he was not simply a good prime minister, further a remarkable prime minister who impacted many Canadians in his lifetime.From this experience, I asked myself what distinguishes a typical leader, from a great leader. In Trudeaus case, his consummate leadership skills were not based solely on intellect or technical skills, rather than, on his enhanced emotional intelligence w hich include greater self awareness, self regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.For the analysis of Pierre Trudeaus leadership style, his emotional intelligence will be explored to illustrate his exemplary performance as Prime Minster.Leadership AnalysisIn 1968, Pierre Trudeau was elected as Prime Minister and symbolized the burgeoning hopes of a landed estate long relegated to the often smothering shadow cast by its dominant southern neighbour. He was young, intelligent, brilliantly articulate and physically vigorous, and enraptured the youth of the country with all the sex appeal and flamboyance of a rock star, something never before seen in Canadian politics.i(Appendix A)Self AwarenessOne of Trudeaus greatest leadership traits is his self -awareness. Here, he has displayed a high degree of self confidence and a strong understanding of where he headed. One example is his Just adopt me phrase that was made famous during the October crisis in October 1970 (Appendix B). Trudeau, who had in previous years been a strong proponent of civil liberties, spoke of the need for drastic implement to restore order in Quebec. When questioned by a reporter on how far he would go in the suspension of civil liberties to maintain order, Trudeau rep take a breatherd Well, serious watch me. Three days later he invoked the War Measures Act, which led to police action against many Quebec dissidents and ended the crisis.ii2.2 Self Regulation Trudeau had an ability to halt his impulses and moods. For example, during his pick campaign in 1968, while attending the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day parade in Montreal, Quebec separatists were rioting and throwing rocks and bottles at where Trudeau was positioned. Instead of taking cover, he remained in his seat and faced the rioters, showing no feeling of fear. The image of a politician illustrating such courage impressed the Canadian people, and he handily won the election the next day.iii2.3 MotivationTrudeau strived to trans form our nation to one that was proud of its bilingual heritage. In his first acceptance speech as Prime Minister, Trudeau, with great feeling, uttered the following ambition for his country Canada must be unified Canada must be one Canada must be progressive and Canada must be a just society.2.4 Social SkillsIn the 1968 leadership race for the Liberal Party, a nickname of Trudeaumania was coined to describe the excitement that surrounded Pierre Trudeaus candidacy. This nickname persisted throughout the national election campaign and also, for the duration of Trudeaus early years as Prime Minister. At this time, plenty of young adults were predisposed to the 1970s counterculture and identified with Trudeau, an energetic chapelgoer who was relatively young. They were dazzled by his charm and good looks, and a large fan base was established throughout the country. He would often be stop in the streets for his autograph or for a quick photograph.ivEmpathyConclusionSince the post Tru deau era, has there been a political personality that has brought our nation together and inspired us tackle the many issues of the 21st speed of light and develop a distinct Canadian approach to prevailing over them? From my own experience and observations, there has not been a leader since Trudeaus retirement that has exhibited bold leadership style. Perhaps pollster Michael Adams said it best of Trudeau He represented the high mark of Canadian idealism, the withstand real coherent articulator of a Canadian vision of the country. Love him or hate him, we are all Trudeaus children.vAppendicesThe following documents pass water been used in the eagerness of this document and are useful references to provide additional information about the comments in the assignment.Appendix A Profile of Pierre TrudeauJoseph Philippe Pierre Yves Elliott Trudeau,1 (October 18, 1919 September 28, 2000), normally known as Pierre Trudeau or Pierre Elliott Trudeau, was the 15th Prime Minister of Cana da from 20 April 1968 to 4 June 1979, and again from 3 March 1980 to 30 June 1984.Trudeau began his political career campaigning for socialist ideals, but he eventually joined the Liberal Party when he entered federal politics in the 1960s. He was constitute as Lester Pearsons parliamentary secretary, and later became his Minister of Justice. From his base in Montreal, Trudeau took control of the Liberal Party and became a charismatic leader, inspiring Trudeaumania. From the late 1960s until the mid-1980s, he dominated the Canadian political scene and aroused passionate reactions. Reason before passion was his personal motto.2 He retired from politics in 1984, and John food turner succeeded him as prime minister.Admirers praise the force of Trudeaus intellect3 and they salute his political acumen in preserving national unity against Quebec separatists, suppressing a violent revolt, and establishing the Charter of Rights and Freedoms within Canadas constitution.4 His detractors loa d him of arrogance, economic mismanagement, and unduly favouring the authority of the federal government in relation to the provinces, especially in trying to control the oil wealth of the Prairies.5Trudeau remains well-regarded by many Canadians.43 However, the passage of time has only slightly softened the strong antipathy he inspired among his opponents.4445 Trudeaus charisma and confidence as Prime Minister, and his championing of the Canadian identity are often cited as reasons for his popularity. His strong personality, contempt for his opponents and distaste for compromise on many issues have made him, as historian Michael gladness puts it, one of the most admired and most disliked of all Canadian prime ministers.46 He haunts us still, biographers Christina McCall and Stephen Clarkson wrote in 1990.47 Trudeaus electoral successes were matched in the 20th century only by those of Mackenzie King. In all, Trudeau is undoubtedly one of the most dominant and transformative figure s in Canadian political history.4849Trudeaus most enduring legacy may lie in his contribution to Canadian nationalism, and of pride in Canada in and for itself rather than as a derivative of the British Commonwealth. His role in this effort, and his related battles with Quebec on behalf of Canadian unity, cemented his political position when in office despite the controversies he faced-and remain the most remembered aspect of his tenure afterward. Some consider Trudeaus economic policies to have been a weak point. Inflation and unemployment marred much of his prime ministership. When Trudeau took office in 1968, Canada had a debt of $18 billion (24% of GDP) when he left office in 1984, that debt stood at $200 billion (46% of GDP), an increase of 83% in real terms.50 Though his popularity had fallen in English Canada at the time of his retirement in 1984, public opinion later became more sympathetic to him, particularly in comparison to his successor, Brian Mulroney. Pierre Trudeau i s today seen in very high regard on the Canadian political scene. Many politicians still use the term taking a walk in the snow, a throw-away line Trudeau used to describe his finish to leave office in 1984. Other popular Trudeauisms frequently used are just watch me, the Trudeau Salute, and Fuddle Duddle.Source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_trudeau, accessed on November 11th, 2010Appendix B Overview of the October Crisis of 1970The October Crisis was a series of events triggered by two kidnappings of government officials by members of the Front de libration du Qubec (FLQ) during October 1970 in the province of Quebec, mainly in the Montreal metropolitan area.These circumstances ultimately culminated in the only peacetime usage of the War Measures Act in Canadas history, done by Governor General of Canada Roland Michener at the direction of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, having been requested by the Premier of Quebec, Robert Bourassa, an d the Mayor of Montreal, Jean Drapeau.The invocation of the act resulted in widespread deployment of Canadian Forces troops throughout Quebec, and in Ottawa gave the appearance that martial law had been imposed, although the military remained in a support role to the civil authorities of Quebec. The police were also enabled with far-reaching powers, and they arrested and detained, without bail, 497 individuals, all but 62 of whom were later released without charges.At the time, opinion polls throughout Canada, including in Quebec, showed widespread support for the use of the War Measures Act.1 The response, however, was criticized at the time and subsequently by a number of prominent leaders, including Ren Lvesque, Robert Stanfield,2 and Tommy Douglas,3 who believed the actions to be excessive and the precedent to suspend civil liberties dangerous. The criticism was reinforced by evidence that police officials had step their powers and detained, without cause, prominent artists and intellectuals associated with the sovereignty movement.4The events of October 1970 galvanized support against violence in efforts for Quebec sovereignty and highlighted the movement towards political means of attaining greater autonomy and independence,5 including support for the sovereigntist Parti Qubcois, which went on to form the provincial government in 1976.Source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Crisis, accessed on November 11th, 2010