CBC Archives

Discuss with students the role of political leadership in a country and how it can affect its citizens. Focus on the role of Kim Campbell, including the fact that she was the first female prime minister of Canada. Students might offer examples of current politicians and their decisions and policies and how they think these acts impact on students personally.

Direct students to the topic Kim Campbell: First and Foremost on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Divide the class into six groups and assign each group two clips for focused attention and study. Each group will note Campbell’s positive personality traits, important policy decisions, significant experiences, and so on. Students should support each item with evidence. Remind them they can also review the Additional Clips, the Did You Know? sections, and the Links section for more details.

Have students work in their groups to prepare a proposal to erect a commemorative plaque acknowledging Campbell’s contribution to the country. Students should be guided to write a two- to three-page proposal that clearly outlines reasons for considering a plaque, a proposed location for the plaque, and the historical significance of the plaque.

To guide the development of their ideas, students might consider Campbell’s impact during her political career, her goals, and her accomplishments.

Students will share their proposals with the class. They should compare their work with their classmates’ and comment on anything interesting they learned from their research.

Make a class list of students’ reasons for designating a commemorative plaque, discuss possible reactions of the Canadian public, and consider potential locations for the plaque.

Students can search online for, and read, former prime minister Paul Martin’s speech at the official portrait unveiling of former prime minister Kim Campbell on November 30, 2004.