Magazine names Trudeau as 'Worst Canadian':

[Praxius]

CTV.ca | Magazine names Trudeau as 'Worst Canadian'

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?

I certainly wouldn't call him the worst Canadian at all.... considdering he was one of the only leaders of a free country, a polotician, which you actually pay attention to, someone who knew how to shake the tree and get attention. He was very opinionated and spoke what was on his mind.... he would have been an interesting Prime Minister today in this political correct world, because I imagine he would have pissed a lot of people off, including Bush, lol.

I think the reason why many or some don't like him and would have voted is because he didn't soften what he said, he did what the country needed for the time and those who argued, he told them where to go..... kinda like me

For anybody else who knew or read up on Trudeau, what are your thoughts on this poll? Do you agree or disagree?

Quote by: Praxius For anybody else who knew or read up on Trudeau, what are your thoughts on this poll? Do you agree or disagree?

Fascinating, Praxius. Trudeau gave us the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and he's named the worst Canadian. What's a guy got to do to get a little respect around here? Says more about online polls than Trudeau. For insights into the value of online polls, see the one displayed by Volconvo about U.S. Presidential hopefuls.

Regards
S.

[Nono]

Unlike that worthless punk Harper and that fatback mafioso Mulroney, Trudeau had a vision of Canada that went beyond his personal bank balance or that of his corporate sponsors. The man had a sweeping view.

And the man had style.

OK, he was an elitist. (The young Trudeau treated the young Chrétien with contempt.) But what else could a guy from that background be expected to be?

And OK, his idea of an activist federal government promoting national unity as opposed to promoting good ol' traditional bitch'n'moan nobody-understands-me, those-fuckheads-in-Ottawa(Ontario)-canstick-it, let-the-eastern-bastards-freeze-in-the-dark Canadian federalism was way ahead of its time, way ahead of the pack.

As for the War Measures Act, how many Canadians today can anyone find who remembers that as a crime? Not many. It was probably way over the top in retrospect, but the guy was under intense pressure to DO SOMETHING, and would have been crucified if he hadn't.

Ah, but that was a different time.

Worst Canadian? LOL!!!!

[Praxius]

I always considdered him one of the greatest.... during his time in power, we actually stood out in the global scene.... and in a good way imo....

Sure he pissed a few people off.... sure he spoke his mind and opinion.... sure he admitted on camera that he didn't give a rats ass what anybody thought of him, etc..... but hey.... that's the attitude that most Canadians have today.... Confident to the point of annoyance yet still knowing what we're talking about...... like me

[Nono]

Trudeau also had a sense of humour:

"Mr Speaker, I note that the honourable member doesn't agree with what I've just said. I can hear him shaking his head."

And much more.:)