Chretien: Trudeau gave pride, strove for justice

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien mourned former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who died Thursday, as a political giant who strove for a just society and made Canadians feel proud.

"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," Chretien, visiting Guatemala and Jamaica, said in a written statement issued from Ottawa.

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"Above all, the forces of change that he set in motion continue to shape the soul of his people," he said.

"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."

Chretien said that thanks to Trudeau, Canadians were able in ever greater numbers to express themselves in both French and English and to celebrate their diverse roots.

"On the international stage, he gave us a profile and stature well beyond our size and power. Wherever we were in the world, he made us feel proud to be Canadians," Chretien said.

Chretien was due to meet Caribbean leaders in Jamaica on Friday. A spokeswoman said it was not clear whether he would now curtail his visit.

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