Pierre Elliot Trudeau, the fifteenth prime minister of Canada, accomplished several beneficial achievements for the country. Among them are passing the official language act of Canada, which declared French and English as official languages, establishing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom, and implementing reforms on matters such as abortion, homosexuality, and lotteries. These examples illustrate Pierre Trudeau’s contributions to Canada during his time in Parliament.
In 1969, the official language act of Canada was implemented by Pierre Trudeau. This act aimed to establish French and English as the country’s two official languages. It granted civil servants the choice to use either English or French while on duty and safeguarded the language rights of Francophones across Canada.
The act guarantees that federal departments and the Crown Corporation provide services in both official languages, allowing French and English politicians to communicate without language barriers. It also grants Canadians the option to have their hearing or attend a hearing in either official language within the court system. Additionally, parliament is obligated to publish laws in both languages, ensuring equality between them and no favoritism towards either one.
Pierre Trudeau achieved two significant achievements for Canada: the official language act and the establishment of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982. This charter encompasses the essential principles concerning the powers of federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
The Charter sets boundaries on the government’s power to create unjust laws, ensuring that everyone is protected and has equal rights regardless of their characteristics. It also expands fundamental human rights that were previously restricted by various governmental rules.The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees several rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and association. In 1968, Pierre Trudeau played a crucial role in advancing Canada by passing laws that legalized abortion, homosexuality, and lotteries.
Trudeau’s famous quote, “there’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation”#, stems from the legalization of homosexuality. Trudeau believes that individuals should have personal freedom in their lives, including their decisions about sexual activities, relationships, or marrying someone of their preferred gender. This law specifically helps Canada’s gay and lesbian community by allowing them to be with their chosen partners without facing punishment for being homosexual.
Pierre Trudeau introduced multiple provisions under the Omnibus Bill, encompassing actions such as the legalization of abortions and the requirement for three doctors to assess potential negative effects on a woman’s emotional, physical, or mental well-being. Furthermore, Trudeau sanctioned lotteries and gambling, allowing individuals to purchase lottery tickets. The bill also conferred police officers with the power to administer breathalyzer tests on individuals suspected of driving under the influence and set forth regulations for owning firearms.
Undoubtedly, Pierre Trudeau’s impact on Canada is immense. His implementation of the Official Language Act, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom, as well as his efforts in liberalizing laws on abortion, homosexuality, and legalizing lotteries have had a transformative effect on the nation. These accomplishments have not only made French an official language but also established fundamental human rights and decriminalized homosexuality, abortion, and gambling. As a result, Pierre Elliot Trudeau rightfully holds a place among the greatest and most influential Prime Ministers in Canadian history.
