Nous vous remercions de l’intérêt que vous portez à la Fondation Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Si vous avez des questions, nous vous invitons à prendre contact avec notre équipe.
Since its inception, the Foundation has centred its actions on four core themes that reflect central questions in Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s life and work. Our themes are inclusive from all perspectives and often intertwined, encouraging interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches. The Foundation’s work centres on the humanities and social sciences but with a sizeable disciplinary understanding of possible connections and inputs.
The research and activities of our community members clearly show that the definitions of human rights and dignity extend far beyond the purely legal issues of our times. Civil, political, economic and social rights are being challenged as societal values and expectations are put to the test. Research projects are not merely asking the usual questions about marginalized groups but dare to address the issue of traditional power (im)balances while proposing solutions to remedy them. Perceptions and assumptions are being challenged along with the traditional responses to age-old questions.
The functioning of a society as a whole depends on its constituent parts. Local, national and global distinctions seem to be blurring in a society that is becoming increasingly globalized while simultaneously facing protectionist movements. The public and private responsibilities that previously defined how society works are becoming less and less clear. And yet communications are multiplying and dispersing, a trend that reflects the calling into question of the civic system as such. The proliferation of misinformation further complicates and erodes social interaction. Democratic processes are coming under pressure and giving rise to new movements and collaborations. The concept of citizenship around the world will depend on the ability of societies and their constituent parts to confront new challenges and reallocate responsibilities.
Today more than ever, Canada’s place and role in the world are front and centre in our collective thinking. Canada’s global role does not depend solely on its relations with its southern neighbour; its participation in economic, military, political, environmental, cultural, religious and other matters is also more critical than ever for Canada as a country. Artificial intelligence shows that there are really no longer any barriers, while biases, polarization and radicalization are alive and well. Canada has a plethora of roles to play and contributions to make, both at home and abroad.
The relationship between the environment, economic power and self-determination is increasingly being challenged as dialogue broadens and understanding grows about the role that, among others, Indigenous peoples play in preserving the environment. Research is not limited to the impact of climate change, but also examines its political, social, technological and economic implications. Members of our community are currently looking at the link between climate change and the economy, raising questions about ecocide and urban spaces and exploring the relationship between public health and Indigenous knowledge. Environmental rights, ecological stewardship and the impact of climate change on migration are further topics being researched.
