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FLQ & the Crisis of 1970
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The Quiet Revolution
Historica Canada
Jean Lesage leads the newly elected Quebec Liberal Party through a time of rapid change during the 1960s. Modern and unconventional ideas were brought about in Quebec in an attempt to reform the identity of Canadian Francophones. Separatism was widespread and Quebec nationalism played a key role for FLQ extremeists. They soon began committing acts of terrorism. -
Canada's New Flag is Born
oc
After trial and error, ideas and eliminations, the Senate and the House of Commons agree on a final concept for the country's new flag which happened in December, 1964. The same month, Queen Elizabeth II, declares the flag to take effect on February 15, 1965. The flag's design is credited to Dr. George Stanley and John Matheson. Lester B. Pearson, is credited with his proposal for a new flag in an attempt to unify Canada. -
Trudeau Sworn In
oc
Pierre Elliot Trudeau becomes Canada's fifteenth prime minister. The October Crisis was one of his career highlights. He left office in1979 and returned in 1980 for a term of four more years. -
James Cross' Kidnapping
oc
The October Crisis (1970) begins with the kidnapping of British trade commisioner James Cross by the FLQ. Cross was residing in Montreal at the time. He would be held ransom until demands the FLQ made were met. These demands included: the release of twenty-three "politcal prisoners," $500,000 in gold, the broadcast and publication of the FLQ manifesto, and finally an airplane that would exile them to Cuba. -
Broadcast of the FLQ Manifesto
wiki
As one of the demands made by the FLQ in return for the release of James Cross, they wanted their manifesto to be broadcast over the radio as well as the television. CBC/Radio-Canada read the manifesto on the air. -
Pierre Laporte's Kidnapping
oc
The same day that Quebec minister of justice offered safe passage for the kidnappers of Cross, Quebec minister of labour and immigration was snatched by the Chenier cell and taken hostage. Laporte spent several days in captivity and was later executed. -
Canadian Army in Ottawa
october crisis timeline
Under the command of the federal government, the Canadian Army is deployed to guard federal offices and employees in Ottawa. Tanks and troops were part of the patrol. -
"Just Watch Me..."
oc
During an interview with CBC reporter Tim Ralfe, Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was asked to what extent would he go with the crisis. He replied, "Well, just watch me." A statement which is now famous throughout North American politics. Trudeau was of course referring to the planned invocation of the War Measures Act. -
Robert Lemieux
oc
Robert Lemieux publicly asks students to boycott classes in support of the FLQ. He was also a lawyer for several of the terrorists. -
"Help Wanted"
oc
The provincial government formally requested assistance from the Canadian Army. The army's designated job was to support local police during the crisis. -
3rd use of War Measures Act
oc
Pierre Trudeau officially announces that the War Measures Act is in place. Essentially, it suspended regular liberties and arrests were made without any charges being laid against anyone. About 450 people were thereafter released and their charges were not presented in front of the court nor heard of. They were simply dropped and the "offenders" were set free. Unaware, the public was really under martial law. -
Pierre Laporte's Execution
october crisis timeline
Seven days after being kidnapped by the Chenier cell, Pierre Laporte's body is found in the trunk of a car. Eventually, Paul Rose and Francis Simard were sentenced to life in prison for Laporte's murder. Bernard Lortie was convicted for the kidnapping and Jacques Rose was deemed an accessory. -
Police Raid the Chenier Cell
october crisis timeline
Police raid the hideout of the FLQ's Chenier cell and detain Bernard Lortie, while other members escape. Lortie is arrested and charged with the kidnapping of Pierre Laporte. -
Cross' Release
oc
James Cross was liberated after the police located his holding cell and confirmed that the FLQ members would be given safe transport to Cuba. This negotiation effort was credited with Cross's safe return. Cross insisted that he had not been physically abused by his captors. -
Announcement of Troop Withdrawal
oc
Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau officially states that Canadian troops will be withdrawn from Quebec. All troops were to be removed by January 5,1971. -
The Charter is Embedded in Canada's Constitution
oc
After months about prolonged debates,The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms takes effect along with The Constitution Act when it passed legislation. Queen Elizabeth II signed off and it became law. Pierre Trudeau was a strong advocate for The Charter and helped make it possible.
