Pierre Elliott Trudeau (1919–2000) was the 15th prime minister of Canada, serving two non-consecutive terms from 1968 to 1979 and 1980 to 1984. Born in Quebec, he studied law and politics before rising to prominence in the 1950s as a labour activist. Initially aligned with the New Democratic Party, he joined the Liberal Party and quickly ascended, becoming justice minister in 1967 and prime minister in 1968, sparking "Trudeaumania." Trudeau's tenure was marked by a dynamic and often polarizing leadership. He liberalized laws on divorce, abortion, and homosexuality, and introduced official bilingualism and multiculturalism, shaping a pan-Canadian identity. He faced major crises, including the 1970 Quebec terrorist crisis, during which he controversially invoked the War Measures Act, and successfully opposed Quebec's push for sovereignty in the 1980 referendum. His government also implemented the National Energy Program, causing alienation in Western Canada. On the international front, Trudeau pursued an independent foreign policy, distancing Canada from the U.S. and forging ties with countries like the Soviet Union, China, and Cuba. He is best known for patriating the Constitution and establishing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, securing full Canadian sovereignty. After leaving politics, Trudeau opposed efforts to grant Quebec special status. He remains a divisive figure, especially in Quebec and Western Canada, but is regarded highly by scholars. His son, Justin Trudeau, became Canada's 23rd prime minister in 2015.

Pierre Trudeau - Wikipedia