Economics/NEP Pierre Trudeau

a series of difficult budgets long-time loyalist allan maceachen in 1980s did not improve trudeau s economic reputation. however, after tough bargaining on both sides, trudeau did reach revenue-sharing agreement on energy alberta premier peter lougheed in 1982. amongst policies introduced trudeau s last term in office expansion in government support canada’s poorest citizens , introduction of national energy program (nep), created firestorm of protest in western provinces , increased many termed western alienation .

trudeau s approval ratings slipped after bounce 1982 patriation. meanwhile, progressive conservatives raced out substantial lead in opinion polls under new leader brian mulroney. beginning of 1984, obvious liberals heavily defeated if trudeau remained in office. on february 29, after described long walk in snow , trudeau announced not lead liberals next election. formally retired on june 30, ending 15-year tenure prime minister. trudeau succeeded liberal leader , prime minister former cabinet minister john turner, had been out of politics decade.

before handing power turner, trudeau advised governor general jeanne sauvé appoint on 200 liberals patronage positions. , turner crafted legal agreement calling turner advise additional 70 patronage appointments. sheer volume of appointments, combined questions appointees qualifications, led condemnation across political spectrum. however, apparent rebound in polls prompted turner call election september 1984, year before due. turner s appointment deal trudeau came haunt liberals @ english-language debate, when mulroney demanded turner apologize not advising appointments canceled—advice sauvé have been required follow convention. turner claimed had no option let appointments stand, prompting mulroney tell him, had option, sir--to no --and chose yes old attitudes , old stories of liberal party. liberals never recovered this. combined anger in quebec @ being left out of patriation, liberals heavily defeated @ 1984 election, losing 95 seats in worst defeat of sitting government @ federal level.