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World War I Conscription Crisis
World War I conscription started in 1917 where the government proposed mandatory military commitment from Canadians. However, this action came across with an issue between the French and English-speaking Canadians. French-speaking Canadians did not support conscription since they felt there is no need for them to fight for British-controlled Canada. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/conscription -
Creation of the Union Nationale Party
the Union Nationale Party was a Quebec party that started in 1936 and dissolved in 1989. The leader was Maurice Duplessis until his death. He emphasized provincial autonomy, conservatism, economic liberalism, and rural life. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/union-nationale -
The Great Darkness
Maurice Duplessis served as the Union Nationale premier of Quebec from 1936 to 1939, and 1944 to 1958. He avoided English influence at all costs. He discouraged unions and used aggressive tactics against them. This era was known as the Great Darkness with bad living conditions. Adapted from Socials 10 Text Book -
World War II Conscription Crisis
Just like World War I, the Canadian government implemented the conscription policy again. However, the relation between the French and English-speakers did not break Also, the volunteer troops never actually got to the battlefront, so the policy was not politically damaging. In addition, Canada did not automatically go to war this time under the control of Britain. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/conscription -
1960s Separatist Movement
This separatist movement refers to the re-emerged demand of the separation Quebec party from larger Canada. This event promoted French nationalism and its wish to gain political independence from the rest of Canada. This movement is notably led by the Front de liberation du Quebec LQ party. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/separatism -
Quiet Revolution
Jean Lesage of the Liberal Party was premier of Quebec. They did not seek independence for Quebec as they wanted a partnership with English Canada. During this time, Quebec went through a period of rapid reform and modernization which is the Quiet Revolution. Most importantly, Lesage granted special status for Quebec to protect its French culture and language. "Vive le Quebec libre!" - Long live a free Quebec was the slogan for French-Canadian nationalism Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
Creation of Front de Liberation du Quebec LQ party
Front de Liberation du Quebec LQ party was a Canadian separatist group founded in the 1960s. They spoke of separation for Quebec from Canada. They used violent actions if necessary to achieve their demands and goals. Many members received guerilla training for potential assassination. They have committed countless political actions that involved violent threats. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism
This event was introduced by Lester Pearson to allow Canada to be a multicultural country. It brought changes to political policies that state the equality between English and French Canadians and Canada's bilingualism and biculturalism. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/royal-commission-on-bilingualism-and-biculturalism -
Canada’s New Flag 1965
After the first draft of the flag was released, there was a debate between the French-speaking and English speaking Canadians. Prime Minister Diefenbaker wanted the flag to represent the superior race while the opposition leader wanted more representation for the French-Canadian culture. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/flag-debate -
Canada’s Immigration “Colour Blind” Policy 1967
Before the 1967 Immigration Act was introduced, Canada was being discriminatory to Non-Europeans and Non-American immigrants. However, after the act was implemented in 1967, this racial discriminatory system was ended and allowed more free immigration. Then, Canada experienced an increase in immigration. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/immigration-policy -
Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau
Pierre Trudeau made many great contributions for Canadians as a politician. He played a key role in negotiating Canadian independence from Britain. He also helped to establish a new constitutional change to the Charter of Freedom and Rights. He brought the Official Language Act as well, which makes Canada officially bilingual. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/pierre-elliott-trudeau -
Official Languages Act 1969
In 1969, Prime Minister Trudeau passed the Official Languages Act, giving all Canadians the legal right to either French or English. Also, French Immersion programs had to be in action across Canada and all products have to have French labels. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook. -
October Crisis 1970
On October 5th, 1970, 4 Front de Liberation de Quebec members kidnapped the British Trade Commissioner James Cross in Montreal. This group also kidnapped the Vice-Premier and Minister of Labour of Quebec, Pierre Laporte. This event triggered the French and English relations unrest and was the first political kidnapping ever. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
War Measures Act of 1970
Because of the October Crisis, the government decided to introduce the War Measures Act, which gave the government the power to take away certain civil rights. Thus, any involvement in FLQ was illegal and resulted in criminal charges. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
Policy of Multiculturalism 1971
Prime Minister Trudeau implemented new political policies, which protect and promote diversity, recognize the rights of the Aboriginals, and support the bilingual Canadian society. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/multiculturalism -
Bill 22 1974
The Liberal Premier of Quebec, Robert Bourassa, introduced Bill 22. This bill made French the official language of the province of Quebec, which strengthens the French culture in Canada upon the fear of disappearing the French language. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
Bill 101 1976-1977
Parti Quebecois proposed Bill 101 to replace the old Bill 22. Bill 101 is known as the Charter of the French Language bill. This bill required French to be the language used by governments, courts, and businesses in Quebec. Also, commercial signs can only be displayed in French. However, this action caused many English businesses to depart from Quebec. Bill 101 was later passed in 1977. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
Immigration Act 1976
The Canadian government passed the Immigration Act in 1976 to promote diversity and family reunion. This act was created to oppose discriminatory and racial judgments. This way, there were more immigrants coming to Canada. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/immigration-policy -
Parti Quebecois 1976
The Parti Quebecois (PQ) led by Rene Levesque came on top of the Liberals to win the provincial election in the province of Quebec. It was the first non-violent separatist party that was committed to declaring independence for Quebec from Canada. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
1980 Referendum
Quebec held its first referendum on the issue of sovereignty versus association with the rest of Canada since they always wanted to be an independent state. Therefore, they proposed that they would be independent with control over its own taxes, social policies, citizenship, and immigration, but will main its economic relationship with the rest of Canada. However, 60% of the people voted no to this referendum. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
Constitution Act 1982
Constitution Ac of 1982 was proposed to replace the British North America Act of 1867. This act made Canada a truly sovereign nation with its own constitution. The new constitution including an amending formula gave Canadians the ability to make changes to the constitution without the consent of the British Parliament. This way, the Canadian constitution would be repatriated. -
2nd Referendum 1995
Leader Jacques Parizeau asked for a referendum on Quebec separating from the rest of Canada. 50.6% of people voted "no", which meant this referendum did not go through. After Parizeau resigned, Lucien Bouchard did not bother to ask for another referendum. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
Brian Mulroney was a Canadian politician who was the leader of the Progressive Conservative party. He improved Canada's economics drastically and developed a coalition between Western conservatives and Quebec nationalists. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Brian-Mulroney -
Bloc Quebecois
Bloc Quebecois is a federal political party that promotes nationalism and sovereignty for Quebec. It is the largest federal party in Quebec led by Lucien Bouchard. Later on, it became the official opposition party of Canada. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
Meech Lake Accord 1987
Meech Lake Accord proposed Quebec would be considered a distinct society, three Supreme Court judges, any amendments to the new constitution need agreement from all ten provinces, provinces could choose to opt out of federal funding, and Quebec would control its own immigration regulations. However, this accord left Indigenous people out as they feel like they should have a distinct society as well. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook -
Reform Party 1987
The Reform party was a right-wing, populist, western political protest movement that became Canada's official opposition party. Its platform includes free trade and direct democracy. They also opposed to Quebec demands for special status within the Confederation. -
Department of Multiculturalism 1988
Department of Multiculturalism was passed to enhance multiculturalism in Canada. It promoted the full equality between people from all origins. It protected ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity in Canada https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/multiculturalism -
Meech Lake Accord 1990
Meech Lake Accord was further delayed to 1990, but Manitoba and Newfoundland leader wouldn't give this document a document. Therefore, this accord eventually failed and led to the Charlottetown Accord. -
Charlottetown Accord 1992
The issue of the amendment was still occurring, so the leaders tried to reach a new agreement which is the Charlottetown Accord. It made provisions for Indigenous self-government, Senate reform, universal healthcare, worker's rights, and environmental protection. However, only 4 out of 10 provinces approved this accord, so it did not go through. -
Parti Quebecois 1994
In 1994, Parti Quebecois returned to power in Quebec after defeating the Liberals. It returned with 44% of the vote and 77 seats in the National Assembly which is a strong majority. Its leader was Jacques Parizeau. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/parti-quebecois -
Clarity Bill & Supreme Court Decision 1998
The Supreme Court declared that Quebec does not have the legal right to separate from Canada. In order to achieve independence, Quebec would have to negotiate with the federal government, the nine other provinces, the Indigenous nations living in Quebec. Also, the Clarity Bill states that any future referenda that Quebec proposes, must ask a clear question and win a clear majority. Adapted from Socials 10 Textbook
