Canada is girding itself for the greatest celebration in its history. Next week its centennial year begins, marking the 100th anniversary of the signing of the British North America Act, which forged three separate British colonies into a single confederation. As the festivities start, Ethiopia's Haile Selassie will lead an almost nonstop, six-month procession of 60 or more of the world's leaders, including President Johnson, Prime Minister Wilson and General de Gaulle, who will come to Canada to pay their respects and to visit Montreal's centennial-commemorating Expo 67, which will feature displays from Canada and 70 other nations.
Cabinet Reshuffle. Taking advantage of the few remaining days before he becomes immersed in wining and dining visiting rulers and royalty, Prime Minister Lester Pearson last week made a series of appointments aimed at strengthening Canada's top echelon of officials. First, he reached among his former political rivals for a new Governor General to succeed Georges Philias Vanier, who died last month. His choice to represent the Queen in Canada is Daniel Roland Michener, 66, a former Conservative Member of Parliament and onetime Speaker of the House whose latest post has been that of Canada's High Commissioner (ambassador) to India. As Governor General, mustachioed Michener will provide a fitting bipartisan representation in Canada's highest official councils during the centennial year.
Pearson also reshuffled the Cabinet of his Liberal government for the first time since last year's general elections. The effect was to bring into the foreground bright new men whose influence will be to pull French-speaking Quebec more closely into the English-dominated confederation. To make room, out went Minister of Justice Lucien Cardin, 48, and Privy Councilor Guy Favreau, 49, who are both ailing and wanted to quit. Into the largely ceremonial privy-council post, where he can continue his study of the Canadian economy, moved former Finance Minister Walter L. Gor don, 61, who is noted for his protectionist economic philosophy.
Three Quebecois. More important was the elevation to Cabinet rank of three young Quebecois who some day may contend for the leadership of the
Liberal Party and of Canada. They are new Justice Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, 47, a University of Montreal law professor; Jean Chretien, 33, who becomes a minister without portfolio in the Finance Department; and John Turner, 37, who will take over a soon-to-be-created department that will handle matters concerning consumers and corporations. Turner will try and press through Parliament such potentially voter-pleasing legislation as greater protection for consumers against false labeling and full disclosure on the credit cost of installment sales. Rich, intelligent and Catholic, he is already being talked of in some Canadian political circles as a north-of-the-border John F. Kennedy. His job is ideal for a man in his stage of career, but he may not have time to grow into national importance before the day arrives to choose a new Liberal party leader. Pearson, who turns 70 later this month, has made it plain that he wants only to preside over Canada's centennial year before stepping down as Prime Minister.