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Period: to
Election of Jean Lesage’s Liberal Government – ‘It’s Time for a Change’
When Jean Lesage became the Premier, he created a welfare state that cared for citizens from birth until death. He made a hands-on society where the government agreed to provide education, taking the power away from the church. The state provided free education up to age 15. (Class Slides 28) -
Period: to
Creation of the Department of Cultural Affairs
In 1961, the government created the Department of Cultural Affairs to promote arts in Quebec and highlight Quebec's identity and culture. In doing that, they created the office de la langue française to promote the French language. They opened museums, concert halls and theatres. Jean Lesage is still premier in 1961. (class slides 34) -
Period: to
Nationalization of Electricity (Hydro-Québec Expands)
Quebec nationalized electricity by buying out all the electricity companies and making them into one crown corporation (government-owned business) called Hydro Quebec. They also built dams so that people all over Quebec could have electricity, and this created many jobs and revenue for Quebec. Jean Lesage is still premier in 1962. (Class slides 31) -
Bill 16 – Married Women Gain Legal Independence
In 1964, they created Bill 16, which gave complete legal autonomy for married women in a range of areas, so they now have the right to own properties and care and raise families. Before this bill, women were considered minors and could not make any legal decisions. Jean Lesage is still premier in 1962.(Class slides 43) -
Period: to
Creation of the Ministry of Education (Parent Report Recommendations)
The Department of Education was created in 1964. The year before that, they created the parent commission, hoping to create a high-quality public education. In 1965, they created comprehensive high schools to prepare students for college and vocational programs which prepare students for a skilled craft. Jean Lesage is still premier in 1962.(Class slides 28) -
Period: to 1967 BCE
Expo 67 – Showcasing Québec’s Identity to the World
Expo 67 was an international Exposition called the World's Fair, which was an event where countries could come to showcase their achievements. It was one of the most successful world fairs of the 20th century. Jean Drapeau, the mayor of Montreal, pushed to make it happen, but many Canadians were against it. Daniel Johnson became Premier in 1967, and he was part of the Union National Party. (Class slides 37) -
Period: to
Charles de Gaulle’s “Vive le Québec libre” Speech
Vive le Québec Libre was a speech by Charles de Gaulle in Montreal during Expo 67. This speech was given to show his support towards Quebec sovereignty. The Canadian government said that Canadians do not need to be liberated. Daniel Johnson is Premier in 1967. (The Canadian Encyclopedia) -
Period: to
Passage of Bill 63 – Language Rights Debate
Bill 63, also known as the act to promote the French language in Québec, was passed in 1969. It was the first major language law in Quebec. It was mandatory to teach French in English schools, it required immigrants to learn French and it gave the rights to parents to chose the language of instruction for their children. Daniel Johnson is Premier in 1967. (The Canadian Encyclopedia)