CBC Archives

Brainstorm with students what they know about Pierre Trudeau. Brainstorm what they would like to find out about him. Ask: From what you know, what personality traits and personal beliefs would you attribute to Trudeau? List their responses on the board or chart paper and keep for later in the activity.

Direct students to the topic Trudeau’s Omnibus Bill on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Have students review the site while taking notes about Trudeau: things he said, things he did, and his involvement with the Omnibus Bill. Students will write a point-form profile of Trudeau based only on the information they gathered on the CBC Archives Web site.

Discuss what the students discovered about Trudeau and compare their new knowledge with the list from the Before Exploring activity. Explain that Trudeau made it clear that his beliefs were distinct from his approach to the Omnibus Bill. Ask: Do you think politicians should, or even can, separate their personal beliefs from what they think the country needs?

Students can perform further research on Trudeau to expand on their profile. Encourage them to add an audio or visual component to their profile.