Former
Canadian Prime Minster
Pierre Elliott Trudeau, died on 28 September 2000, at age 80.
He was the first Canadian prime minister born in the 20th century.
Canada has not seen another like him. He patriated Canada's
constitution, made
bilingualism official and advocated a just society in turbulent times.
He held forceful opinions, delighted in debate, did not suffer fools, and was loathed by separatists. Canada had not seen such a powerful figure since
Sir Wilfrid Laurier or
Sir John A. Macdonald.
His dramatic style will be missed.