Just watch me

The October Crisis and a Defining Phrase

The phrase "just watch me" emerged during one of Canada's most serious peacetime emergencies, the October Crisis. In October 1970, the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) kidnapped British diplomat James Cross and Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte, the latter of whom was later murdered. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, facing what he termed a "parallel power" challenging the state, advocated for strong measures to restore order. On October 13, 1970, during an impromptu interview on the steps of Parliament Hill, CBC reporter Tim Ralfe pressed Trudeau on the potential cost to civil liberties. After a heated exchange where Trudeau dismissed "weak-kneed bleeding hearts" who disliked the military presence, Ralfe asked how far he would go. Trudeau's terse reply, "Well, just watch me," became an instant headline.

Political Legacy and Usage by Justin Trudeau

The phrase entered the vocabulary of Canadian political theatre and has been strategically invoked by subsequent politicians, most notably Pierre Trudeau's son, Justin. During his campaign for the Liberal Party leadership in March 2013, Justin Trudeau was handed a note on an airplane asking if he could beat Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He wrote back "Just watch me," consciously echoing his father's words, a move that sparked significant media attention and debate about its political sensitivity in Quebec. Justin Trudeau did go on to defeat Harper in the 2015 federal election, becoming prime minister. The phrase resurfaced in 2021 when NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh used it on Twitter in response to Trudeau's scepticism about taxing the wealthy. During the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests, some commentators publicly called for Justin Trudeau to have his own "just watch me" moment. While he never uttered the phrase, his government's decision to invoke the Emergencies Act for the first time in Canadian history drew direct parallels to his father's use of the War Measures Act.

In Media and Biography

The phrase "just watch me" has been used as the title for several works about Pierre Trudeau. These include biographies such as John English's Just Watch Me: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, 1968 to 2000, Larry Zolf's Just Watch Me: Remembering Pierre Trudeau, and Ron Coleman's Just Watch Me: Trudeau's Tragic Legacy. The 1999 documentary by Catherine Annau is also titled Just Watch Me: Trudeau and the '70s Generation. These works use the phrase to frame their analysis of the former prime minister and his political era.

• Larry Zolf's biography, Just Watch Me: Remembering Pierre Trudeau (1984).
• Ron Coleman's biography, Just Watch Me: Trudeau's Tragic Legacy (2003).
• John English's biography, Just Watch Me: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, 1968 to 2000 (2009).
• Catherine Annau's documentary, Just Watch Me: Trudeau and the '70s Generation (1999).

There is a contemporary Canadian podcast titled Just Watch Me, which is hosted by Liv and Kate. The podcast explores under-discussed or misjudged Canadian topics. Its episodes have covered a wide range of subjects including the Great Canadian Baking Show Christmas Special, the musician Michael Bublé, and the TV show Kim's Convenience. The podcast has also featured interviews, such as one with MasterChef Canada winner Christopher Siu, and has discussed investigations into figures like Peter Nygard and the role of Canadian first spouses.

Cultural Adaptation and Charitable Campaign

Separate from its political origins, "just watch me" has been adopted as a powerful slogan for empowerment and advocacy. The UK-based charity Whizz Kidz, which supports young wheelchair users, launched a "Just Watch Me" campaign framing the phrase as a challenge to societal underestimation. The campaign highlights stories like that of eight-year-old Amber, whose wheelchair provided newfound independence, allowing her to play freely and hold her mother's hand without being pushed. This usage transforms the phrase from a political warning into a declaration of capability and defiance against imposed limitations. In this context, "just watch me" serves as an inspirational rallying cry for inclusion and the right to participate fully in childhood and everyday life, demonstrating the phrase's versatile resonance beyond the world of government and power.

The Podcast and Contemporary Canadian Discourse

The Just Watch Me podcast, active through 2026, exemplifies the phrase's adaptation into a platform for exploring Canadian identity and pop culture. Hosts Liv and Kate investigate a wide array of subjects with a distinctly Canadian focus. Their episodes serve as an informal archive of national conversation, covering topics from television shows like Kim's Convenience to the careers of artists like Joni Mitchell. The podcast frequently features interviews with Canadian figures, such as MasterChef Canada winner Christopher Siu and journalist Timothy Sawa, who investigated allegations against Peter Nygard. It also engages with political history through series on Canadian federal elections and first spouses. This media iteration demonstrates how "just watch me" has evolved into a brand for curious, critical exploration of the country's stories, far removed from the crisis that spawned it. The podcast's coverage is broad, with notable episodes focusing on specific topics and guests.

• An episode on the Great Canadian Baking Show Christmas Special with contestant Colin Asuncion.
• A two-part series on Canadian First Ladies and the role of prime ministerial spouses.
• An interview with journalist Timothy Sawa regarding the Peter Nygard investigation and the Evil by Design podcast.
• A discussion on royal couples with Canadian connections.
• An episode with historian Craig Baird on scandal-ridden Canadian federal elections.
• A deep dive into the TV show Kim's Convenience and its representation.
• An interview with MasterChef Canada winner Christopher Siu about his bakery, Daango.
• An episode dedicated to the life and career of musician Joni Mitchell.

Enduring Significance in Canadian Life

More than half a century after its utterance, "just watch me" retains a complex presence in Canada. It is a historical shorthand for a moment when democratic norms were weighed against perceived existential threats. It is a political heirloom, used by a prime minister's son to channel his father's determination. It is a title for historical and biographical reflection, and a name for contemporary cultural commentary. Finally, it is a repurposed motto for social advocacy, championing the potential of marginalised youth. This journey from a specific, contentious political retort to a broad cultural motif illustrates its unique stickiness. The phrase continues to capture a spirit of defiant resolve, whether that resolve is deployed by the state, by individuals seeking power, or by those challenging the world to see their capabilities.

Questions about Just watch me

When did Justin Trudeau use the phrase "just watch me"?

Justin Trudeau used his father's famous phrase during his campaign for the Liberal Party leadership in March 2013. While on an airplane, a passenger passed him a note asking if he could beat Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Justin Trudeau wrote back "Just watch me" on the note. The incident generated considerable media buzz and debate. He later led the Liberals to victory over Harper in the 2015 federal election, becoming prime minister himself.

What did Pierre Trudeau mean when he said "just watch me"?

Pierre Trudeau meant he was prepared to go to extreme lengths, including suspending civil liberties, to confront the FLQ crisis and restore order. He made the statement on October 13, 1970, during an impromptu interview with CBC reporter Tim Ralfe, who questioned how far he would go. Trudeau argued society must defend itself against a "parallel power" challenging elected government. Three days later, he demonstrated his resolve by invoking the War Measures Act, leading to widespread police action. The phrase became a defining symbol of his willingness to use drastic state power during the October Crisis.

Is there a podcast called Just Watch Me?

Yes, there is a Canadian podcast titled Just Watch Me, hosted by Liv and Kate. The podcast explores various under discussed or misjudged Canadian topics in media and culture. Episodes have covered subjects like the TV show Kim's Convenience, the life of musician Joni Mitchell, and Canadian federal election history. The hosts have also interviewed guests such as MasterChef Canada winner Christopher Siu and CBC journalist Timothy Sawa. The podcast aims to learn something new about Canadian topics each week.

How is "just watch me" used by charities?

The phrase is used by the UK charity Whizz Kidz in a campaign supporting young wheelchair users. Their "Just Watch Me" campaign challenges the world to stop underestimating children with disabilities and to start backing them. It highlights stories like that of eight year old Amber, who gained independence with a suitable wheelchair. The campaign frames the phrase as a declaration of capability and a demand for inclusion. It argues that with the right equipment and support, young wheelchair users can live full, independent lives.

What books or documentaries use "Just Watch Me" in the title?

Several biographical and documentary works about Pierre Trudeau use the phrase as a title. These include John English's biography Just Watch Me: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, 1968 to 2000 from 2009. Other books are Larry Zolf's Just Watch Me: Remembering Pierre Trudeau from 1984 and Ron Coleman's Just Watch Me: Trudeau's Tragic Legacy from 2003. The 1999 documentary by Catherine Annau is titled Just Watch Me: Trudeau and the '70s Generation. These works use the well-known phrase to explore his legacy.

Did Justin Trudeau say "just watch me" during the Freedom Convoy protests?

No, Justin Trudeau did not say "just watch me" during the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests. However, some commentators called for him to have a similar decisive moment. While he did not use the phrase, his government invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time in history to deal with the protests. This action was widely compared to his father Pierre Trudeau's use of the War Measures Act in 1970. The Emergencies Act is the legal successor to the War Measures Act his father used.

Sources and further reading

• Just watch me (Wikipedia)
• Just Watch Me (redcircle.com)
• Just Watch Me (whizz-kidz.org.uk)

Checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-29.