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Ask students what they know about Pierre Elliott Trudeau and his role as a federal political leader in Canada. Then have students brainstorm recent examples of political leaders facing a major crisis (for example, US President George Bush and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001). What important qualities does a leader need when confronting a serious crisis? What special qualities would a Canadian leader have needed during the October Crisis?

Have students form groups to browse the October Crisis topic. They should watch and listen to clips that portray Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s statements and actions during the October Crisis of 1970, and also those that present comments by others on Trudeau’s response to it. Have them especially note the famous interview shown in Clip 6.

Students should make notes about Trudeau’s views on the crisis, the actions he took in order to confront it, his justifications for these actions, the positions of other federal and provincial political figures on Trudeau’s handling of the crisis, and the response of the Canadian people to his leadership at the time.

Based on the information gathered, each group should prepare and present a summary of the kind of leadership Trudeau demonstrated during the crisis, and whether or not they think it was effective. Each group should present its summary and evaluation to the rest of the class for further discussion.

After the presentations, have students reflect on what they learned about Trudeau and his importance in Canadian history. Ask them how their views of Trudeau have been influenced, either negatively or positively, by their study of his role during this event. Have them reflect on the leadership qualities they listed earlier, and to what extent they think Trudeau measured up to this standard.

Students can research specific statements and actions made by Trudeau during the October Crisis, as well as those of other leaders facing a crisis (Brian Mulroney during the Oka Crisis of 1990, US President George Bush at the time of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962). Ask students: How do the statements and actions compare? Is there one leader you think handled a crisis better than the others? Which one and why?