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Point out to students that St. Laurent’s years in office are referred to as Canada’s “Golden Age.” Discuss with students what they think the term implies. Ask: What events in your own lives would have to happen for you to consider it a golden time?

Working in small groups, students create a word web with the term “golden age” in the centre. Ask students to identify categories that would contribute to a nation’s Golden Age with specific examples for each. Have each group share its web.

Direct students to the topic Uncle Louis and Canada’s Golden Age on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. In their groups, have students browse Clips # 4, 5, 6, and 7 as well as other links provided. Identify events and accomplishments that would have helped distinguish those years as a booming, happy Golden Age in Canada.

Have students create a poster with words and visuals to represent this Golden Age.

Gather students to share and discuss their posters. Ask: To what extent can St. Laurent and his Liberal government take credit for this Golden Age?

Do further research to determine to what extent this Golden Age applied to all Canadians in all parts of the country. Write a position paper entitled: The Dark Side of the Golden Age.