WITH A BANG, NOT A WHIMPER: PIERRE TRUDEAU SPEAKS OUT Edited by Donald Johnston Toronto, Stoddart, 1988. 168pp, paper, $12.95 ISBN 0-7737-5246-3 Grades 10 and up/Ages 15 and up Reviewed by Thomas F. Chambers. Volume 17 Number 4 1989 July It is no secret how former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau feels about the Meech Lake accord. To say that he simply dislikes the accord is misleading. He dislikes it with a passion that is so intense that his words almost burn the pages they are printed on. Trudeau's objections to Meech Lake have by now become quite well known. He does not believe Quebec needs to be granted status as a distinct society. Other provinces such as Newfoundland could ask for the same treatment. It is obvious that Quebec is different without stating it. Meech Lake also allows the provinces to select senators and justices of the Supreme Court and to opt out of federal programs. It therefore weakens the federal government's ability to look after the interests of the nation. The Senate, reflecting provincial concerns, could refuse to pass any legislation passed by the House of Commons in the interests of all Canadians. Trudeau's disdain for the politicians who support Meech Lake is unrestrained. Rarely when he was prime minister did he lose his temper as he does now. The leaders who are trying to destroy Canada he calls "that bunch of snivellers," "the provincializing politicians," and "spoiled adolescents" who are "flaunting their political stupidity." Students will find Trudeau's temper tantrums quite entertaining, but they will find his testimony to the Senate Submissions Group on Meech Lake a bit tedious. This is nevertheless an important book about an issue of vital importance to Canadians. Everyone interested in our future should read it. Thomas F. Chambers. Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology, North Bay, Ont.