The programmes of the Foundation focus on four themes that shaped the life and career of Pierre Trudeau and give voice to a wide variety of perspectives in domestic and international contexts:

HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIGNITY

The aim of life in society is the greatest happiness of everyone, and this happiness is attained only by rendering justice to each person.

― Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Vrai, 1958; Approaches to Politics, 84.

The purpose of pursuing and establishing civil, political, economic and social rights is to preserve and promote human dignity, in all its aspects and dimensions. All human beings should be able to lead a life within society that reflects their common values and aspirations, in spite of differences.

RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

Responsibility must extend to all space and through all time. It must extend into the future not just for months or years, but for decades.

― Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Remarks, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, May 12, 1974.

While powerful forces are pushing for integration on a planetary scale, cultural, ethnic and religious divisions appear to be growing stronger, with an increasing risk of loss of social cohesion. The rights and obligations conferred by citizenship are not equitably distributed at local, national or global levels; in the global economic context, the separation between private and public spheres of responsibility has begun to blur. Proponents of true democracy acknowledge the pluralist environment in a spirit of tolerance and shared social responsibility.

CANADA IN THE WORLD

The role of leadership today is to encourage the embrace of a global ethic.

― Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Remarks, Mansion House, London, England, March 13, 1975.

Canada’s tradition of responsible engagement in international affairs is an integral part of our identity. Through experiences such as immigration, travel, and instant global communications, the Canadian public has become more aware of complex international realities, whether they relate to commerce, culture or security. Our concepts of risk, social obligation and engagement are evolving. We have a clear need to rethink foreign policy and reflect on the opportunities and challenges that affect Canada’s role in critical areas such as environmental protection and cooperation between nations.

PEOPLE AND THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

To ensure nature's continued beauty, we are asked not to suffer, but we are asked to be reasonable.

― Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Remarks, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, May 12, 1974.

Environmental issues are pervasive, a source of concern for individuals around the globe. Competition for food, water, clean air and natural resources is leading to conflict. Like other countries, Canada must acknowledge the degradation of the natural environment and the threat this poses to the health and security of Canadians. New sustainable ecological measures and human adaptation may reduce the risk of confrontation among different sectors of society and countries; the concept of environmental justice will drive changes in the economic, political and social order.