In Canada, Pierre Elliott Trudeau is the sole figure who has continually dominated our imaginations and our spirits for nearly forty years. His intelligence, often acerbic, always brilliant, exercised a formidable and irresistible fascination which intrigued us all. We were engaged, and frequently enthralled by this man who told us in his own words that `in high school . . . I had already made up my mind to swim against the tide.'

He showed us that it was a worthwhile and honest thing to do. He stimulated us to sensations, feelings and thoughts that challenged us. We could never be indifferent to him. In this way, he gave us the opportunity to think differently, even uncomfortably about our established opinions.

"He had already told us that opposition to accepted opinions was the only constant in his intellectual life. When he was prime minister for so many years, we learned how that temperament dealt with the reality and responsibility of political leadership. We basked in his world fame while demanding his accountability to us as Canadians.

This extraordinary and brilliant man confirmed us as a bilingual, bi- cultural nation. His legacy, personal and public, is to confirm us in our understanding of what our nation is, and must be, to fulfill its original destiny. For this, we will forever be grateful to him.

Pierre Trudeau, the embodiment of the dream of a just society, has left us.

He is gone, but his unfinished work remains, our country, Canada.

Above all, the forces of change that he set in motion continue to shape the soul of his people, a people who, thanks to him, in ever greater numbers, express themselves in both of our official languages. A people who celebrate the diverse roots of our identity, a compassionate people, who reach out to the less fortunate, a young people with a profound love of freedom, justice, and fairness.

Pierre Trudeau dreamed of a society that afforded all of its citizens an equal opportunity to succeed in life, whatever their background or beliefs, whether rich or poor.

He believed that what we have in common was a source of our strength, and what set us apart enriched us all.

On the international stage, he gave us a profile and stature well beyond our size and power.

Where ever we were in the world, he made us feel proud to be Canadians, proud to have the immense privilage of being part of this beautiful and great country.

A political giant, he was also a man who in his last days, suffered terribly from the loss of his son, Michel.

Today, they are together at peace.

Pierre, my friend, your dream is more alive than ever.

Thank-you.

On behalf of all Canadians, Aline joins me in expressing our deepest condolences to his family.

Prince Philip and I were very sad to hear of the death of Pierre Trudeau, who as prime minister gave so many years of dedicated service to Canada. Please convey our deep sympathy to his family and to the people of Canada at this time.

I was deeply saddened to learn today of the death of Pierre Trudeau. As Prime Minister for nearly a generation, Pierre Trudeau opened a dynamic new era in Canadian politics and helped establish Canada's unique imprint on the global stage. I know his passing will be felt by all Canadians. Hillary joins me in offering the condolences of the American people to his two sons and to the people of Canada.

He was a prime minister with vision, political courage and great personal style. We mourn his passing.

We will remember him as a vibrant and charismatic man who applied his talents to further Canada and later, other countries in the Western Hemisphere. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.