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Home : Top Stories : Magazine names Trudeau as 'Worst Canadian'

Magazine names Trudeau as 'Worst Canadian'

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CTV Newsnet: Deborah Morrison, Canada's History Society

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Mon. Jul. 30 2007 12:35 PM ET

Late prime minister Pierre Trudeau has beat out serial killer Clifford Olson and pop diva Celine Dion to win the dubious distinction of being named the Worst Canadian by a Winnipeg-based magazine.

The Beaver, a magazine published by Canada's National History Society, has released the results of its online survey of readers, with Trudeau topping the list.

"When we asked our readers to weigh in with their choice for the Worst Canadian in history, we didn't expect Trudeau to top the list," the magazine said on its website.

"But top it he did, beating out an obscure punk rocker by a couple hundred votes -- a result that perhaps speaks as much about the perils of online polling as it does about the love-hate relationship Canadians have had with this paradoxical prime minister, who could wear a flower in his lapel while giving critics the finger."

The magazine's editor, Mark Reid, told The Canadian Press that Trudeau was someone who transformed Canada, but also polarized people across the country with his controversial measures such as the national energy program and the War Measures Act.

Here are the top-10 Canadians on the list:

  • Pierre Trudeau

  • Propagandhi punk rocker Chris Hannah

  • Abortion activist Dr. Henry Morgentaler

  • Former prime minister Brian Mulroney

  • Schoolgirl killers Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka

  • Prime Minister Stephen Harper

  • Pop-singer Celine Dion

  • Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien

  • Serial killer Clifford Olson

  • Former media baron Conrad Black

Trudeau, who won the title as the third-greatest Canadian in a 2004 television contest, held the position of prime minister from April 20, 1968 to June 4, 1979, then from March 3, 1980 to June 30, 1984.

His eldest son Justin Trudeau is an aspiring federal Liberal party candidate.

The Beaver admits the online poll used to determine the winner of the Worst Canadian contest is far from scientific. As a result, the magazine came up with an alternative list formed by polling "10 of Canada's most renowned historians and writers of popular history."

That list, which can only be found in the printed edition of the magazine, is described by The Beaver as "arguably more measured, and takes into consideration the full breadth and scope of Canadian history."

Trudeau didn't make the cut on that list.

The goal of the online poll, the magazine said, was to trigger a debate about the contentious characters who have shaped Canada's history.

What are your thoughts? Have Trudeau's controversial measures earned him the distinction of being named the Worst Canadian, or would he fit better on a list of the greatest Canadians?

Please Add Comments( )

Richard
said
0 0

P.E.T. as worst Canadian ever....so true! Can't believe they named an airport after this guy.

André
said
0 0

I totally agree...Trudeau was a Liberal that couldn't understand anyone not agreeing with him...he hurt my country more than any other politicians.


Jon Kristoph
said
0 0

I don't know about the worst Canadian, but definitely the worst prime minister.
He almost single-handedly started Canada on the path of dependence upon government, betraying international military commitments, and unrestricted feticide through all 9 months of pregnancy.


Kris
said
0 0

Trudeau? Are you serious?


John
said
0 0

It is about time that Mr. Trudeau has been recognized for what he was. I remember "Trudeaumania" when I was a lot younger and even as a just turned 13 teenager, I felt then something was wrong.


Lorne Melnyk
said
0 0

Finally someone calls a spade a spade. Trudeau was a powertripping grandiose wannabe dictator.

Greg
said
0 0

You can't please everyone! Majority of Canadians and the world will disgaree with you as do I!!


Hugh
said
0 0

This is more history than news. Is there anyone who didn't know that he was, at the very least, the worst prime minister we've ever had.


Gabriel
said
0 0

FINALLY! Somewhere, people remember.


Michael
said
0 0

I agree. He hardly worked a serious job, starting at the age of 45!!?? Rich kids can't build a country, only those who work hard and smart, starting at early age. The story about Trudeau is just a myth.


Rick Renaud
said
0 0

I have to agree that Trudeau was the worse Canadian. By not including Quebec in the constitution was by far the worse thing any Prime Minister could do to a country.


Chaccco
said
0 0

I don't know about the worst Canadian, but definitely the worst prime minister. His name should not even be "fuddle duddle" mentioned.



Glenn
said
0 0

I disagree with all these absolutist positions. As always, the truth is grey. PET was complex, his legacy mixed. This poll is a belated shot of balance to the personality-cult exercises like the Greatest Canadian.


Randy
said
0 0

With Chris Hannah coming in second!?? Where was this poll taken... an anarchists' convention?


Derek N
said
0 0

I agree with Jon, not worst canadian, but defiiately worst Prime Minister. Sure he p/o generations of westerners and got rid of any notion of one common Canadian culture, but I wouldn't put him in the same league as Paul Bernardo.


Ursula
said
0 0

Actually Greg, I think that if you count up the comments so far, there would be only 2 for Trudeau and 6 against (including mine). So that's 75 percent believe Trudeau ought to be on that list?

And I'd also like to point out this is in the nation-wide site, not one of the regionals...


Heidi
said
0 0

I wouldn't call P.E. Trudeau the worst Canadian. He wasn't the best, mind you, but certainly not the worst.
Like most PMs, he had some good points and some bad points.

Worst Canadians that come to mind are ones like Bernardo and the like.


Colin
said
0 0

He finally gets the recognition he deserves! Sadly, the Liberals have emulated him for years and look what it brought us, Jean Chretien and his cronies!


Johnn
said
0 0

Greg: You said "Majority of Canadians and the world will disgree with you as do I!!"

Just count the number of comments on this story: You're the only one so far who seems to disagree that PET was a disaster for Canada.
Far from "majority of Canadians and the world"


John
said
0 0

Trudeau was a real Canadian who transformed Canada and forced us to think for ourselves and start building a better home for imigrants and natives.


Scott
said
0 0

Remember the 1970 Invasion of Quebec and the 1980 Attack on Alberta (the National Energy Policy). Trudeau was THE worst PM of all time.


Jonathan Clatter
said
0 0

Another silly attempt by the fanatical right-wing malcontents. Get real people. Trudeau was our greatest prime minister - hands down. He was a visionary, and without him, the current generation may have never known what it is like to be truly Canadian.


joe canadian
said
0 0

This contest was probably designed by some conservative group who was pissed off that P.E.T was one of the most loved Canadians...the negative comments are probably from angry Conservatives who know Harper's days are numbered...P.E.T. you're the best.


Tim
said
0 0

Hmmmm....interesting comments. I guess that makes us the worst voters ever, n'cest-pas?


Bob Taylor
said
0 0

He was by far the worst prime minister. This country had no debt when he took over and put us hundreds of millions in debt. He also gave us the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that is used mainly by criminals and illegal refugees to milk our system.


craiger
said
0 0

I wouldn't say the worst. I'd save that for Kim Campbell. Besides anyone who could be buddy buddy with Fidel can't be all that bad.


WB
said
0 0

Hey look: a Conservative convention!

Sorry to break up the party guys but the worst Canadian ever goes to Brian "GST" Mulroney. Or even our enlightened, racist, thieving political father John A MacDonald. The man never met a bribe he didn't like.


RP
said
0 0

I think PET was certainly among the most destructive PMs, he cannot be placed in the same list as serial killers. As much as I thought he was an awful PM, he doesn't belong among the ranks of the scum of the earth like Bernardo.


Stephen
said
0 0

So is this magazine saying that the man who brought us the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the man who fought for separating the state from out private lives, and the man who fought to keep Canada united was out worst prime minister?! He was one of the best Prime Ministers cause he fought for people's rights and for the Canadian identity, and if that meant making hard choices along the way, that is what makes a man great!


Scott
said
0 0

If he is the worst Canadian, then we can all aspire to be as bad as him, because Canada became a much better, more just, more inclusive country under his leadership, both as Justice Minister and Prime Minister. We have the Charter, we gained international recognition and appreciation for his dialogues with China and Russia, and he had a vision of Canada which transcended small-minded provincial interests and cultural barriers.


Peter
said
0 0

Are you people on hard drugs? Trudeau was controversial, but worst Canadian??? He was the only PM we have had in the last 30 years with any personality at all.

Nick J Boragina
said
0 0

Trudeau being the 3rd most loved, and most hated speaks to his being a conterversial person. He is not someone that you feel contented about, you either love him or you hate him.


Scott
said
0 0

Oh for the love of . . . Everyone commenting about this article apparently didn't read that the poll 'wasn't exactly scientific' . . I'm guessing the Beaver has a specific demographic, which doesn't represent nearly a majority of Canadians so the poll is hardly accurate; Wasn't exactly a national survey of all Canadians - just those that read the Beaver.


Eleanor
said
0 0

Not the worst Canadian by far. Possibly not even the worst PM however PET's track record is not all rosey.




Jack. R.
said
0 0

What a bunch of trolls. Nice to attack Canada's greatest prime minster. Not surprised though this rag comes from out west.


Mike
said
0 0

Hard to believe that people are taking this "non-scientific survey" (publishers' words not mine) as a reflection of history. Yeah, P.E.T. peeved people across the country, but when has all the people of Canada spoken with a single voice. You may not have liked some things that he did, but he did what his government thought to be in the best interest of Canada and did not 'kowtow' to our neighbours to the south, as a lot of other PMs did. Bravo Pierre!


Vanessa C
said
0 0

Yes, definitely the worst Canadian ever. He had promise when he started, but then proceeded to destroy the country bit by bit, and kowtowed to Quebec far too often after the October Crisis. He is the one responsible for starting the demise of our Armed Forces, which are only *just* barely starting to recover. He wasn't the great Canadian etc that the media and his followers make out.

John Fitz
said
0 0

It's interesting that if you talk with people from other countries (not just the reactionary elements of this country) they will pick Trudeau as one of our greatest leaders. Most leaders we have had recently produce very little passionate response one way or the other. This man was dynamic because he spoke out regardless of his naysayers. It would be good to have a little more of that again instead a series of bland political custodians...


Tom
said
0 0

Have to agree. Trudeau has wiped out any credibility this country ever earned and had. I can't believe the amount of people who actually are sucked onto the myth that he was somehow a saviour of this country. I guess you keep repeating the same message, it sticks. It's called propaganda people.


Herb Carter
said
0 0

Trudeau divided the country, anyone disageeing with him he gave them the big finger. He crippled the military. His Charter of Rights protects criminals more than the victims.

tommy bee
said
0 0

As a person who lived through the entire PET era, I've got to concur with the poll. PET was by far the worst PM in Canadian History.

A pompous ass who spent the country into the ground, cozied up to communists and celebrities alike, drove the military into the ground, had a hand in ruining the education system, I could go on and on....

Pat
said
0 0

Agree with Mr. Trudeau or not, like him or not, he had the balls to stand up for what he believed. Since then, has there been another politician, at that level, who the same can be said about...I think not!


AR
said
0 0

I think there is a great difference between worst person and worst prime minister. He may very well have been the worst prime minister, but worse than a murderer? How can a prime minister (like him or hate him) be a worse person than someone like Paul Bernardo who killed people in the prime of there life? It's not possible!


Don
said
0 0

He was the most brilliant Canadian leader of the 20th Century. He modernized the nation despite being wedged between country cripplers like Brian Mulroney and John Diefenbaker.


Errol Aveling
said
0 0

The worst thingt that PET was responsible for was bilingualism. It still tears the country apart.


F.Moris
said
0 0

I'm appalled that any publication, even a relatively obscure one, would name Trudeau the Worst Canadian. One has to seriously question the research/poll done.
Trudeau was totally bilingual and had a towering intellect unlike some of the more recent PMs we have seen in this country.


Douglas
said
0 0

Piere Trudeau was a true Canadian in every sense and had it not been for his efforts we'd all be Americans or toeing the corporate line.


James
said
0 0

All of these online polls get freeped by conservatives who are trying to create a history which is more hospitable for their undesirable political leanings. They use free speech to cover for their hate speak.

Lorne Babcock Sr.
said
0 0

Contrary to the belief of many, Pierre Elliott Trudeau was, without a doubt, our greatest PM and among our greatest Canadians. He had the courage to drag us into the 20th century and to get us out from under the thumb of the Brits. If only he were Prime Minister today we would not have to put up with the ultra-neocon George Bush clone that we are currently stuck with.


Jeff S.
said
0 0

Trudeau was the architect of just about everything that makes me ashamed to be Canadian: socialist fiscal policies, social liberalism, anti-Americanism and an overall naive perspective on humanity and society in general. Parts of his legacy are finally being undone, but there is much more work to do.



Zach
said
0 0

A modern Charter, bilingualism, multiculturalism, tolerance, respect, dignity? These are things we despise? Trudeau was not perfect, but he believed that building a just nation was better than building a military. That he could possibly be named Worst Canadian (or even Mulroney or Harper for that matter) is proof of lunacy.


Jeremy
said
0 0

Trudeau is definitely the worst Canadian in my books. He drowned us in debt, enforced ridiculous laws in this country, was arrogant, put his idealism before the wishes of Canadians, a communist in the closet and all the while sticking his middle finger at the people hes suppose to represent.

Lenca
said
0 0

P.E. Trudeau was a great Canadian!
However, as A. Einstein has said: 'Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.'





John S
said
0 0

RIGHT ON! He did more to limit this country than any individual before or since. It's going to be very interesting to watch the ageing hippies spin this one.


Brett
said
0 0

I think it's interesting how he can still stir up this kind of response from the Canadian public. He may have been responsible for creating a deficit and abusing military power in Quebec, but he was a champion of rights and freedoms for this country. Also, our contitution is now our own, no longer requiring us to run to the UK if we want to change it. Any prime minister has good and bad moments. The fact that he consistently won majority governments (aside from the Tory win in 1979) meant that he had a large support base. If he was so bad, then why did millions of Canadians agree with him?


Skip
said
0 0

Terrific SENDUP joke on all these online polls. Celine in with Karla. Unknown anarchist in with 2 famous PMs? Are the Beaver's anarchists behind other 'who's the worst' jokes? This takes the cake for bizarre fakeouts, but what are they trying to prove with their phoney poll - that Canadian politics is a sham?


Kassim Wais
said
0 0

I disagree with the magazine, Trudeau was the best PM we ever had. He contributed alot to Canadian society and he should be commended for that. Shame on thoses people who agree with this magazine its findings are baseless.


Emily
said
0 0

Perhaps we should all take a closer look at how one defines the term "the worst"...It's too bad that we would let political opinions overide the actions of serial killers and psycho mass murderers.

Kelly
said
0 0

Trudeau may not be everyones favorite PM but is certainly should not have been voted #1 when there were convicted murderers on the list.

Gord M.
said
0 0

This is the most unscientific, unrelaistic poll I have ever encountered. After seeing Chris Hannah, whom I had never heard of, come second, I had to find out who he was/is. A little research and I come across a blog http://pottawatomie.blogspot.com/2007/05/chris-hannah-worst-canadian.html

In it, the blogger states: "Naturally, my request is a simple one. Take five minutes, head to The Beaver's poll here, and vote for Chris Hannah 3 times (surveymonkey is kinda dumb, so if you have multiple IP-unique machines around you can maybe vote 15 times or something). Do your part!"

So it doesn't take much to conclude that the entire premise of these online polls is flawed, and you are all mooks for arguing one way or the other. Meanwhile, all the false voters are laughing their butts off at the scene they created.


Jeff
said
0 0

This poll, and most of the comments on here are a sham.
Trudeau was, and still is the best PM this country has ever seen.
As for what Trudeau himself might have thought about this meaningless, conservative poll - He's been called worse by better people.

John
said
0 0

Trudeau was a brilliant statesman and should have been Canada's "Henry Kissinger" - BUT - he was an idiot as Prime Minister. He was voted in because there was no one else to pick from and because of his charisma and the ladies loved him.

He steeped us in debt, gave us a constitution that protects the criminals more than the victims, gave those behind bars the vote (maybe he remembered being in a Russian jail for snowballing a statue in Russia). His most prominent role was in the "fuddle duddle" fiasco and the "single digit salute".

Most of those that praise him never lived through those trying times. Most problems in Canada today can be traced back to that flower power idiot.


R
said
0 0

I agree with the poll. P.E.T ruined this country with the Charter and his holier than thou attitude towards Canadians and the world.


Bruce Robertson
said
0 0

I agree. Obviously his media worshippers didn't vote.


Matt George
said
0 0

Sure, Trudeau wasn't the best PM this country has ever seen, but come on, how can you say he's worse than a guy who murdered dozens of children, or Celine Dion! I'm not saying he doesn't belong on the list, but he's definitely not the worst of the worst.


Steve
said
0 0

Between the accrual of debt, the evisceration of our armed forces, the NEP, and his obvious affinity for communists, Trudeau had some sort of manifest destiny to turn Canada into a socialist state. It almost worked, too. He isn't even in the same league as Stephen Harper.


S Williams
said
0 0

Campaign by pro-life movement.

http://bluewavecanada.blogspot.com/2007/05/vote-for-pierre-trudeau-as-worst.html


Doug Porter
said
0 0

I heartily agree! PET showed his true feeling for his fellow Canadians with his middle finger. And the National Energy Policy was a disaster for the West, which he held in utter contempt.


Shawn Katz
said
0 0

This is revolting. Take a look at that list once more. Out of ten Canadians, four are former Prime Ministers of this country, holders of high public office who, regardless of one's personal impressions of their tenures, dedicated their lives and work to this country. That's far more than anyone here can say. Now to see them up there on a list of "worst Canadians," amongst the likes of Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo. Absolutely despicable. Those who fail to see anything remotely troubling in this should be profoundly and personally ashamed of themselves and of their compatriots. Only in Canada would we have so little esteem for our public officials who have devoted themselves and their lives in full to make this country a better place.


Paul
said
0 0

Why did I vote for PET?
Most arrogant - his idea of campaigning was a rude hand gesture.
Most Quixotic - he unified the country by patriating a constitution without Quebec.
Government for him was about Pierre, not about Canada. Even the constitution had to be forced through in order to build his own legacy.


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