CBC Archives

Brainstorm what the students already know about Jean Chrétien. In groups of four or five, have students list the successes and challenges faced by the former prime minister throughout his political career. Invite students to share their lists and combine the information to create a class list.

Direct students to the topic Jean Chrétien: From Pool Hall to Parliament Hill on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. In their groups, have students browse Clips #1 through #8, including the Did You Know? sections and the Web link to the National Library of Canada and National Archives of Canada. Students should note information about Chrétien’s personal life, educational background, constituencies, ministries, significant political accomplishments, and any other information they deem relevant. Students may use the download sheet Climbing the Political Summit to organize their findings.

Each group will prepare an illustrated poster that represents visually Chrétien’s climb to the top portfolio of prime minister of Canada. Groups can discuss how to best represent this concept, and can draw or find visuals to support their work.

Have students display and discuss their posters, comparing and contrasting each group’s work. Many similarities will likely exist. Encourage students to explain why they chose their visual metaphor.

Students can consider other analogies or metaphors to help them examine Chrétien’s career. Possibilities might include paddling a canoe upstream, growing a garden, building a house, or piloting an airplane. Have them write a paragraph to explain the metaphor and why it is appropriate.