PERSON: Justin Trudeau

Prime Minister

Born on December 25, 1971, Justin Trudeau is Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister.<br> <br> A teacher, father, advocate, and leader, Mr. Trudeau’s vision of our country is a place where everyone has a shot at success because we have the confidence and leadership to invest in Canadians.<br> <br> His passion for public service and vision for Canada are shaped by his experiences and influences — his father, Pierre, and mother, Margaret; the Trudeau and Sinclair families; his roots in the East and West, French and English.<br> <br> Driven by the desire to have a positive influence in the world, after graduating from McGill University in 1994, Mr. Trudeau decided to become a schoolteacher. He completed the University of British Columbia’s education program, and spent several years teaching mostly French and math in Vancouver.<br> <br> In 2002, Mr. Trudeau returned home to Montreal, where he fell in love with Sophie Grégoire, a Quebec TV and radio host. They married in 2005 and, in subsequent years, became the proud parents of Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien.<br> <br> Prior to entering politics, Mr. Trudeau was frequently called upon to speak at conferences and various events on youth and environmental issues. He was the Chair of Katimavik, where he spoke to young people about the value of community service and volunteerism, and a board member of the Canadian Avalanche Foundation, where he promoted avalanche safety. The more Mr. Trudeau spoke with young people across the country, the more he began to gravitate toward a life of advocacy. It became increasingly clear that the issues young Canadians care about — education, the environment, their generation’s economic prospects — needed a stronger voice in the public sphere. He also began to feel that a generational change was approaching. It was against this backdrop that he made his first steps into politics.<br> <br> In 2007, Mr. Trudeau decided to serve Canadians by seeking the nomination in the Montreal riding of Papineau. He was elected in 2008, and then again in 2011 and 2015.<br> <br> Mr. Trudeau was elected Leader of his party in April 2013. Propelled by hope and hard work, he focused his leadership on building the team and the plan to create growth that works for the middle class, and fair economic opportunity for everyone; on respect for and promotion of freedom and diversity; and on a more democratic government that represents all of Canada.<br> <br> On October 19, 2015, Mr. Trudeau led his party to victory, winning a majority government with seats in every province and territory across the country. He was elected on a platform for change and growing the middle class.<br> <br> Mr. Trudeau was sworn in on November 4, 2015, with an equal number of men and women in Cabinet — a first in Canada’s history.<br> <br> — pm.gc.ca