“The domestic policies of Pearson and Trudeau resulted in limited change.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the domestic policies of Pearson and Trudeau resulted in limited change. Results may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of Pearson and Trudeau, or they may prioritize their discussion of either leader. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to Pearson’s implementation of the Canadian Pension Plan, the Universal Medicare System and a higher minimum wage. For Trudeau, the passage of the 1982 Canada Act and the adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which broadened civil rights’ protections may be addressed. Other factors may be addressed, for example the criticisms of both Pearson and Trudeau for failure to improve economic conditions in the Western provinces or Trudeau’s failure to control inflation, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Whether the domestic policies of Pearson and Trudeau resulted in limited change was a prompt that was rarely addressed.