Justin Trudeau is set to conclude his over nine-year tenure as Canada’s Prime Minister, making him the 23rd person and 7th Francophone to hold the position. The article traces the history of Francophone leadership in Canada, from George Étienne-Cartier’s missed opportunity to Wilfrid Laurier’s significant contributions and subsequent leaders like Louis Saint-Laurent and Pierre Elliott Trudeau. As Trudeau prepares to step down, his legacy is shaped by various policies and initiatives rather than solely by the promotion of the French language.
Justin Trudeau’s Tenure as Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau is poised to step down from his role as Prime Minister of Canada, marking the conclusion of an impressive tenure that spanned over nine years. During his time in office, he was the 23rd individual to serve as Prime Minister and notably the 7th Francophone to ascend to this esteemed position.
The Evolution of Francophone Leadership in Canada
At the inception of the Dominion of Canada, the opportunity for George Étienne-Cartier to become Prime Minister was overshadowed by the selection of John A. Macdonald, the MP for Kingston, Ontario. Macdonald, a staunch Orangist conservative, was not particularly inclined to promote the interests of Francophones within the nascent nation.
Following Macdonald’s passing, John Abbott took over from 1891 to 1892, becoming the first Prime Minister from Quebec, though he was not fluent in French. It wasn’t until almost three decades after Confederation that a Francophone finally took the helm of the country.
Wilfrid Laurier, a Member of Parliament for Quebec East, shone as a remarkable orator and served as Prime Minister for 15 years from 1896 to 1911. His leadership period was characterized by the need to balance the demands of Anglophones loyal to the British Crown with those of nationalists seeking greater autonomy. His administration grappled with vital issues such as the Manitoba schools controversy, the Boer War, the establishment of Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1905, and the formation of the Royal Canadian Navy, culminating in his memorable pledge to “build a nation, great among the nations of the world.”
After Laurier’s departure, a 37-year gap ensued before Louis Saint-Laurent took office from 1948 to 1957. Like Laurier, he was the MP for Quebec East and presided over significant milestones, including Canada’s admission to NATO and the UN, the Suez Canal Crisis, and the Newfoundland Confederation.
Following Saint-Laurent, Pierre Elliott Trudeau emerged as a political force after Lester B. Pearson. Trudeau gained fame as Minister of Justice for his progressive reforms and became synonymous with “Trudeaumania.” His time in office is marked by pivotal actions such as the War Measures Act during the October Crisis, the establishment of Canada’s diplomatic relations with China, and the patriation of the Constitution, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Brian Mulroney, the 18th Prime Minister, led from 1984 to 1993, navigating complex constitutional negotiations and establishing Canada-U.S. free trade agreements. His government was also active during the Gulf War and the Oka Crisis, showcasing his commitment to international relations and social justice.
Jean Chrétien, who served from 1993 to 2003, was another notable Francophone leader, advocating for Canadian unity during the Quebec sovereignty referendum. His administration introduced the Clarity Act and sought to address the budget deficit with the support of his finance minister, Paul Martin, who later assumed the Prime Ministership amid the fallout from a sponsorship scandal.
As Justin Trudeau prepares to exit the political arena, he stands as the last Francophone Prime Minister of Canada. His legacy may not be primarily defined by his efforts to bolster the French language in Canada, but rather by the policies and initiatives that shaped his government, alongside the capable guidance of his minister, Chrystia Freeland.