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Maurice Duplessis as Premier
Maurice Duplessis was part of the Union nationale party which supported provincial autonomy, economic liberalism, modernization of farming, social conservatism, and close ties to Catholic Church. The Duplessis Era known for it's conservative policies that basically kept people in the dark. The Duplessis era is important for Québec because it was a time of conservative leadership that limited social changes. (Class Slides 25) -
Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (Québec’s Flag)
Duplessis thought that creating a provincial flag would strengthen Quebecs autonomy and independence from the rest of Canada. The Fleurdelisé became a very powerful symbol of Quebec nationalism and French-Canadien culture. The flag created symbolized Duplessis efforts to protect Quebec's interest and provincial autonomy. (Class Notes, under Provincial Autonomy For Duplessis Government, written in febuary) -
Asbestos Strike
The 1949 Asbestos Strike in Quebec saw miners demanding safer conditions and higher wages due to the dangers of asbestos. These strikes became violent and led to interference with police. Premier Maurice Duplessis supported all the strikers and decided to make the strike illegal. The 1949 Asbestos Strike showed how the government mistreated workers, which led to more labor activism and helped spark the changes of the Quiet Revolution in Québec. (Class Slides 14) -
Arrival of Television in Québec
Post WW2 economy sparked the start of consumer society. There was mass consumption of many types of goods, including televisions. Many businesses began using television to advertise products with promoted even more consumer behaviour. Television led to exposure to American culture (Americanism) through TV, radio, movies: culture of freedom, material comfort, success. (Class Slides 17) -
Québec Introduces Provincial Income Tax (Fiscal Autonomy)
Premier Maurice Duplessis was convinced that Quebec should collect its own taxes to enjoy greater autonomy. In 1954, it reintroduced the provincial income tax. The federal government was forced to reduce the taxes it collected from Québec. Moreover, the Duplessis government, like other provincial governments, criticized the federal equalization system, which it wanted to modify in order to ensure a better distribution of wealth. (Reflections, p. 211) -
Election of Jean Lesage’s Liberal Government – ‘It’s Time for a Change’
Jean Lesage was the Leader of quite revolution in quebec. Premier of Quebec (Liberal Party)
Lesage spearheaded the Quiet Revolution (1960-1966), modernizing Quebec's government and economy. He reduced the Catholic Church's influence, reforming education and healthcare under provincial control. Lesage promoted Quebec's distinct identity, laying the groundwork for future nationalist movements while maintaining ties to Canada. (Class Notes, The emergence of a welfare state, written in febuary) -
Creation of the Department of Cultural Affairs
The state promotes Quebecois identity and culture and creates Department of Cultural Affairs, promotes the Arts (Office du film du Quebec) all in 1961. They also created the Office de la langue française which is responsible for promoting the French language in Quebec museums, concert halls and theatres built. (Class Slides 34) -
Nationalization of Electricity (Hydro-Québec Expands)
Jean Lesage wanted to modernize Quebec's economy and rely on less private companies. He nationalized electricity by buying out all electricity companies and merged them with Hydro-Quebec into one crown corporation ensuring control. It helped Quebec become a leader in hydroelectric power, selling energy to the U.S and other provinces (Class Slides 31) -
Establishment of CEGEPs and Université du Québec Network
CEGEPs were created in 1967 to bridge high school and university or vocational careers, making higher education accessible. While Université du Quebec network was created in 1968 to provided affordable university education across Quebec, reaching smaller communities. This leads to a more educated society: increased access to education and emphasis on literacy and higher learning (Class Notes, under Return of Union Nationale, written in january.) -
Creation of the Ministry of Education (Parent Report Recommendations)
During the Duplessis Era, education in Quebec was mainly controlled by the Catholic Church, leading to limited access and an outdated education system. The Parent Commission recommended major changes to create high-quality public education.
Quebec established comprehensive high schools and vocational programs. This allows more people to finish school, making job opportunities and strengthening Canada's economy. (Class Slides, p. 28) -
Bill 16 – Married Women Gain Legal Independence (Led by Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain)
In 1964, Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain was
responsible for the adoption of the Act Respecting
the Legal Capacity of Married Women. This act
allowed married women to carry out financial
transactions, sign legal documents, and so on,
without requiring their husband’s permission. This meant that women were becoming more independent and noticeable as members in society. (Reflections, p. 250) -
Birth Rate Drops in Québec
Quebec’s population during the 1960s was characterized by falling birth rate, diverse immigrants and a consumer society. However in 1965, a huge falling birth rate occurred due to birth control, contraception, more women working and women not wanting to have large families. (Class Slides, p. 42,44) -
Expo 67 – Showcasing Québec’s Identity to the World
After 1960, Quebec become a more modern society
Montreal aimed to establish itself as a global city, using Expo 67. They used this opportunity to showcase its culture, innovation, and progress. It attracted many tourists and lead to the opening of the Montreal Metro. There was the development of cultural hubs like place des arts. Quebec's arts, music, and literature became very popular, reinforcing a distinct identity. (Class Notes, Cultural renaissance p.11 , Febuary) -
Charles de Gaulle’s “Vive le Québec libre” Speech
Charles de Gaulle, president of the French
Republic, was invited to Québec for Expo 67. During
a speech, he declared, “Vive le Québec libre!”,a statement that was perceived as support for Québec’s independence movement. His speech caused tension between Canada and France, upsetting the Canadian government. It alaso increased pride among Québécois and strengthened nationalist movements in Québec. (Reflections, p.235) -
October Crisis – FLQ Kidnappings & War Measures Act
Since mid 1960s, FLQ radical separatists targeted symbols of British colonialism and Anglophone power. In October 1970, FLQ kidnaps British diplomat James Cross and Liberal minister Pierre Laporte, killing the latter. Prompting Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to invoke the War Measures Act which invoked, military called out, some FLQ arrested, others given safe conduct to Cuba in exchange for the release of James Cross. (Class Slides 46) -
Introduction of Québec’s Medicare System (Health Insurance Act)
In 1970, the Health Insurance Act was
established which allowed for universal public health insurance, covering medical services for Quebec residents.In 1974 CLSCs were formed (community clinics). Quebec aligned with federal Medicare, implementing a publicly funded healthcare system by the late 1960s. (Class Notes, under Quebec Under Bourassa 1970 - 1976, written in febuary) -
James Bay Hydroelectric Project Announced
In 1973 the James Bay hydroelectric project launched. This developed massive hydroelectric dams, boosting Quebec's energy production and economy. In 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec made an Agreement: Inuit and Cree sign with Quebec. This recognized Indigenous land rights, granting self-governance and compensation for development. The James Bay Project focused on boosting Quebec's economy through industrialization. (Class Notes, under Quebec Under Bourassa (1970 - 1976, written in january) -
Laurendeau-Dunton Commission & Bilingualism Debate
The Royal Commission was formed to examine the state of bilingualism+biculturalism in Can. And to demonstrate federal willingness to address Qc's demands for linguistic+cultural protection.Commission found that Fr-speaking Canadians were underrepresented in government jobs+faced more challenges than Eng-speaking minorities in Qc.Led to the Official Languages Act in 1969 making Eng+Fr Can's official languages allowing equal status and services in both languages nationwide. (Reflections p.238) -
First Oil Crisis Begins
In October 1973, a war broke out between
Arab countries and Israel. The
OPEC which several Arab countries belonged, raised the price of oil per barrel and dropped its production. With an objective to weaken Western countries that supported Israel, such as the US.
It marks the end of the period of uninterrupted economic growth/prosperity following WW2. Led to an increase in the cost of transportation and goods. QC experienced inflation which educed their purchasing power. (Reflections, p. 259) -
Bill 22 – French as Québec’s Official Language
In Quebec, most immigrants whose mother tongue was neither French nor English chose to send their children to English schools. This led to francophones worried French language losing ground to English. Therefore in 1974, Bourassa government adopted Bill 22 Official Language Act that made French the only official language of Quebec and limited access to English schooling
This was designed to reinforce the French character of Quebec. (Class Slides 53) -
Superfrancofête – Cultural Affirmation in Québec
In the 1970s, theatre troupes and filmmakers became more politically engaged, advocating for social issues like women's rights, workers, and the unemployed. Musicians performed at major outdoor events, including Saint-Jean-Baptiste festivities, la fête nationale, and Superfrancofête which attracted large audiences. (Class Notes, under Politicized Artists, written in january) -
Adoption of Québec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
In June 1975, the Bourassa government adopted the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. This recognized that all individuals are equal. In 1976, the Québec Human Rights Commission was established. Its mission was to ensure that the
rights outlined within the Charter were promoted and respected. It did this by providing information to the public through publications and by investigating cases of discrimination. (Reflections, p. 254) -
Election of René Lévesque & The Parti Québécois
Rene Levesque was the Premier of Quebec from 1976-1985.Was the founder of the Parti Quebecois and served as Quebec's 23rd premier.He was a key figure in the province’s movement toward greater autonomy and sovereignty.He believed in greater independence for Quebec he spearheaded the 1980 Quebec referendum. He introduced key reforms such as Quebec's first laws protecting tenants and workers.His gov also implemented campaign finance reforms to limit corporate donations in politics
Class Notes p16 -
Bill 101 – The Charter of the French Language
Bill 101, passed in 1977, it made French the primary language of government, business, and public life in Quebec. It restricted access to English schools meaning children must attend french school unless their parents received English education in Canada, limiting access to English public schooling for most immigrants. As well as business with 50+ employees must operate in French, and commercial signs must prioritize french.A Consequence being many anglophones leave for Ontario Reflections 268 -
Economic Downturn
The late 1970’s marked significant economic downturn the 1979 Oil Crisis: The Iranian Revolution disrupted the global oil supply, increasing prices and rising energy costs contributed to a high inflation rate. Many companies moved operations to countries w/lower labor costs, resulting in losing jobs in Quebec and across Canada. This affected Quebec with job losses and led to a high unemployment rate such as in manufacturing and construction sectors. (Class Slides p60)