Gérard Pelletier facts for kids

Gérard Pelletier (born June 21, 1919 – died June 22, 1997) was an important Canadian journalist and politician. He played a big role in Canadian public life, especially during the time of Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

Early Life and Journalism

Gérard Pelletier started his career as a journalist. He wrote for Le Devoir, a French-language newspaper in Montreal, Quebec. In 1961, he became the editor-in-chief of La Presse. This was a major French newspaper in North America.

Pelletier was also part of a group of smart French-Canadian thinkers. Along with Pierre Elliott Trudeau, he helped start a journal called Cité Libre. This journal was a place for them to share their ideas.

Gérard Pelletier (second from left) in 1941, at the headquarters of the Catholic Student Youth

Entering Politics

Gérard Pelletier met Pierre Trudeau while they were both studying in France. They worked together on important issues, like the Asbestos Strike in Quebec in 1949. This was a big event where workers fought for better conditions.

In 1965, Pelletier, Trudeau, and another friend, Jean Marchand, decided to enter politics together. They were often called the "Three Wise Men" in English. In French, they were known as Les trois colombes, meaning "The three doves."

The Prime Minister at the time, Lester Pearson, asked them to join the Liberal Party. He hoped they could help slow down the growing movement for Quebec separatism. This movement wanted Quebec to become a separate country.

Serving in Government

Gérard Pelletier served in many important roles in the Canadian government. He was part of Pierre Trudeau's cabinet until 1975.

From 1968 to 1973, he was the Secretary of State for Canada. This job involved looking after things like culture, official languages, and citizenship. Later, from 1973 to 1975, he became the Minister of Communications. In this role, he helped manage Canada's communication systems, like broadcasting.

Ambassador and Later Life

After his time in the cabinet, Pelletier took on new roles. He became an Ambassador for Canada. From 1975 to 1981, he was the Canadian Ambassador to France. This meant he represented Canada in France and worked to build good relationships between the two countries.

Later, from 1981 to 1984, he served as the Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations. The United Nations is an international organization where countries work together on global issues.

In 1978, Gérard Pelletier received a very special honour. He was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest awards a Canadian can receive for their contributions to the country.