Jean-Jacques Blais, minister in the Cabinet of Pierre Trudeau, spoke with Riddell program students about the former prime minister’s leadership style. Blais described Trudeau as the “brightest and most able” person he had ever met. Trudeau was interested in the exchange of ideas, meaning that Cabinet meetings were stimulating exercises. Decision-making was reflective, but Trudeau exerted strong leadership to provide the government with focus. From 1976 to 1984, Mr. Blais served in several Cabinet portfolios, including national defence. After leaving politics, he returned to the practice of law and served for seven years as a member of the Security Intelligence Review Committee. He is now counsel with MBM Intellectual Property Law.