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Act to Promote Rural Electrification
In Quebec, lots of rural communities and farms struggled without electricity which made work and many tasks harder. The Rural Electrification Act brought power to a bunch of homes and farms, allowing farmers to use machinery that was electric. This improved the quality of life in many rural areas. Found in notes unit 3 and https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/en/students/vl/history/the-economy-under-the-duplessis-government-h1644 -
Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (Québec’s Flag)
Maurice Duplessis thought a provincial flag would show Quebec’s independence in Canada. Because of this, the Fleurdelisé was introduced, which was meant to strengthen Quebec’s identity. Today, it remains a strong symbol of the province and its culture. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/fleur-de-lys and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Quebec -
Refus Global Manifesto Published
In the late 1940s, Quebec was changing, but the Catholic Church still had a lot of control. In response, artists like Borduas and Riopelle wrote the refus global manifesto, asking for the government to take over health and education. This helped shape a more modern Quebec Mr Streeter Slides Unit 3 page 14 -
Asbestos Strike
Over 5,000 miners in Asbestos and Thetford Mines went on strike, asking for better pay and safer working conditions. Duplessis sided with the employers, saying the strike was illegal. The violent clash between workers and the government started a growing opposition to Duplessis and led the way for labor reforms during the Quiet Revolution. Reflections (216) and https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/asbestos-strike -
Arrival of Television in Québec
After World War 2, the economy grew stronger, starting the rise of consumer society. People began buying many goods, including televisions. Businesses used TV ads to promote their products, influencing what people bought. At the same time, TV, radio, and movies introduced American culture, showing ideas of freedom, comfort, and success. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/television -
Québec Introduces Provincial Income Tax (Fiscal Autonomy)
In 1954, the Quebec government passed the Provincial Tax Act, which allowed it to take taxes directly from people's incomes. Maurice Duplessis thought this would help manage the province's expenses more effectively. Because of this, Quebecers had to file two tax returns every year. Took part of information given from https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/en/students/vl/history/society-under-the-duplessis-government-h1645 -
Election of Jean Lesage’s Liberal Government – ‘Now or Never! Masters in Our Own House!’
In 1960, Jean Lesage’s Liberal Party won the election, ending 16 years of Union Nationale ruling Quebec. People saw the Union National as corrupt and too controlled by the Catholic Church. Lesage promised change and a modern Québec. His win led to big changes in society and the economy, starting the Quiet Revolution. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/jean-lesage -
Rise of Americanism (Influence from the USA in Media & Culture)
With greater buying power, Quebecers began adopting an American way of life, believing happiness came from owning things. This led to more household appliances, like refrigerators and electric stoves, in homes. People also bought cars and houses, creating suburbs and roads. Despite modernization, traditional gender roles remained, with women staying home and men working. https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/en/students/vl/history/consumer-society-h1670 -
Rise of Consumer Society in Québec
Canada saw prosperity, with people having more buying power than before. This led to a rise in consumerism. As suburbs grew, people bought more goods, like cars and appliances, improving living conditions. Better wages in industries helped boost this. https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/en/students/vl/history/consumer-society-h1670 -
Creation of the Department of Cultural Affairs
In 1961, the Quebec government created the Department of Cultural Affairs to promote Quebec’s identity and culture. It established the Office de la langue française to protect the French language. The government also built museums, concert halls, and theatres. To boost francophone immigration, it set up official offices abroad to promote Quebec’s culture and economy. Mr Streeter slides page 34 -
Establishment of CEGEPs and Université du Québec Network
Quebec created the CEGEPs and Université du Québec Network to provide post-secondary education through pre-university programs and vocational training. These schools made education more accessible and helped students prepare for university or work. CEGEPs also helped develop areas outside big cities and made education available to more people in Quebec. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/college-denseignement-general-et-professionnel-cegep and reflections page 231 -
Bill 16 – Married Women Gain Legal Independence (Led by Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain)
In 1964, Bill 16 gave married women in Quebec more rights. Before this, women needed their husband's permission to do things like sign contracts or get a loan. Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain helped pass this law, which allowed married women to make their own decisions. This was an important step for women's rights in Quebec. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/women-and-quiet-revolution -
Charles de Gaulle’s “Vive le Québec libre” Speech
On July 24, 1967, French President Charles de Gaulle said “Vive le Québec libre” at Expo '67 in Montréal. This upset the Canadian government and caused a diplomatic problem. His words supported Quebec's independence and helped the movement grow, leading to the creation of the Parti Québécois a year later. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/de-gaulle-and-vive-le-quebec-libre-feature -
Expo 67 – Showcasing Québec’s Identity to the World
Expo 67 was held in Montreal to show the city's growth and modernize its image to the world. The Mayor at the time Jean Drapeau wanted to show Montreal’s culture and technology. The expo was built on islands made from Metro construction landfill. Over 50 million people visited Expo 67. The theme was "Man and His World," which spoke to the desire of Québec society to know more about the world and discover other cultures. The expo site today is still a popular space in Montreal. reflections 234 -
Passage of Bill 63 – Language Rights Debate
In November 1969, the Quebec government passed Bill 63, which required English-speaking children to learn French and ensured immigrants learned French upon arrival in Quebec. It followed the 1967 Saint-Léonard school board conflict. Many Francophones felt Bill 63 didn't do enough, leading to strong opposition. The bill was eventually replaced by Bill 22. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/bill-63 -
October Crisis – FLQ Kidnappings & War Measures Act
In October 1970, the FLQ, a group wanting Québec to be independent, kidnapped British diplomat James Cross and politician Pierre Laporte. Prime Minister Trudeau used the War Measures Act to handle the situation. Laporte was found dead, and the kidnappers were caught. Cross was released after the kidnappers were sent to Cuba. After this the FLQ faded away reflections page 258 -
Introduction of Québec’s Medicare System (Health Insurance Act)
In 1970, the Bourassa government introduced the Health Insurance Act, expanding free healthcare in Quebec. Before this, free services were limited to hospital stays. With Medicare, all Quebecers could now access free medical care. In 1974, the government set up CLSCs to offer health and social services like vaccinations and home care for seniors. reflections page 254 -
Laurendeau-Dunton Commission & Bilingualism Debate
In 1971, the Laurendeau-Dunton Commission looked at the relationship between French and English in Canada. It showed that there were serious cultural differences. The commission led to the 1969 Official Languages Act, making French and English equal in national institutions. This helped bilingualism grow in Canada and shifted to a focus on multiculturalism. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/the-b-and-bs-grand-inquest-feature -
First Oil Crisis Begin
In October 1973, a war broke out between a coalition of Arab countries and Israel. In support of the Arab nations, OPEC raised oil prices and cut production. (Many Arab countries were in OPEC) This was supposed to weaken Western countries, especially the U.S. This led to an increase in the
cost of transportation and goods. Quebecers experienced a period of economic
instability during which inflation reduced their purchasing power. reflections page 259 -
Adoption of Québec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
In June 1975, the Quebec government adopted the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. It says that all people are equal. In 1976, the Quebec Human Rights Commission was created to make sure everyone followed the Charter. It helped by providing information and investigating cases of discrimination. reflections page 254 -
James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA)
The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement was signed in 1975 after a long dispute. It allowed Quebec to build dams but gave the Cree and Inuit rights to their land, culture, and economic growth. They also received money for compensation. The agreement changed how Quebec and Indigenous peoples worked together and led to similar agreements in Canada. This boosted Quebec's energy production and economy. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/james-bay-and-northern-quebec-agreement -
Election of René Lévesque & The Parti Québécois
On November 15, 1976, Quebec held provincial elections. The election results sent shockwaves throughout Canada because government aiming for Quebec's independence won. The Parti Québécois, led by René Lévesque, got 41.4% of the vote and won 71 out of 110 seats in the National Assembly. René Lévesque became the premier of Quebec. reflections page 266 -
Bill 101 – The Charter of the French Language
In 1976, the Parti Québécois government made French the official language in Quebec by passing Bill 101. This law made French the language for signs, businesses, and schools. It also required immigrants to go to French schools. Many anglophones and their businesses left Quebec because of this law. Bill 101 is still in place today and helped make French more important in Quebec. Reflections page 268 -
Economic Downturn
At the end of the 1970s, Quebec's economy started to struggle. Unemployment went up, and prices rose because of the 1979 oil crisis. Many companies moved to countries where workers were paid less, causing job losses in Quebec. To keep services running, Quebec and Canada raised taxes and took on debt reflections page 271 -
Second Oil Crisis
In 1979 due to the Iranian revolution the second oil crisis occurred which disrupted oil production due to governmental change. This led to a rise in oil prices, causing inflation and economic problems. Many businesses moved to countries with cheaper labor, which led to job losses in Quebec. The economy slowed down, and unemployment rose. reflections page 271