Social Studies 10 Lessons

By Gen L.

Lesson 1: PM Trudeau (1968-1979)

The Rise of Trudeau

• He was a popular minister in Pearson's Gov't.
• His reforms made divorce easier and decriminalized homosexuality.
• Obviously, he would be the next leader.
• Focusing on bilingualism and spending cuts - "no more free stuff!"
• He embodied the youth & liberal spirit of the 60's, and "Trudeaumania" swept Canada, winning a majorit government in 1968.

First Nations Issues: The Papers

• 1969: Minister of Indian Affairs (Jean Chretian), released a "White Paper" stating a policy to repeal the Indian Act.
• The White Paper was criticized as "Assimilation". (After reading what it would have done, makes sense.)
• 1970: Native Leaders responded with the "Red Paper", reaffirming the importance of their treaties & lands.
• 1971: The Policy was canceled.

70's Economics: Unemployment

• Basically, more workers (Boomers & Women) + fewer jobs (Automation & Technology) = high unemployment.

70's Economics: Inflation

• '71: The US devalued its dollar to reduce debts (Vietnam)
• '73: OPEC quaduples price of oil.
• The prices of most consumer goods doubled in the 70's.
• Rents increased, pensions couldn't keep up, unions demand higher pay.
• Trudeau freezes Alberta oil prices and puts an export tax on oil. Albertans were enraged!

70's Economics: '72 - '74

• 1972: Canada elects a Liberal minority gov't.
• Trudeau indexed pensions and began a spending deficit.
• 1974: He won back a majority.
• To limit US control of the economy, Trudeau establishes FIRA (Foreign Investment Review Agency).
• FIRA oversaw & regulated foreign (US) investment.

70's Economics: '75 - '78

• 1975: 12% inflation rate, Trudeau establishes wage & price controls.
• 1976: 1 million workers strike to protest wage controls.
• Gov't forces them back to work; voters & unions are unhappy. (this was before the Charter, so they could.)
• 1976: Montreal Olympics took on an enormous public debt.
• 1978: New Plan - No more controls, but deep spending cuts.

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