[1945-1980] The Modernization of Québec & The Quiet Revolution

  • James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA)

    • There was tension between Inuit and Cree people over land in the James bay area
    • A treaty was signed which gave Cree and Inuit land, and financial aid
    • It influenced more future agreements between the indigenous and Quebec
  • The Duplessis Era

    • Maurice Duplessis was a conservative who rose to power
    • He focused on economic growth and and having conservative values
    • It set up the beginning of the quiet revolution
  • Act to Promote Rural Electrification

    -They needed to put electricity easier to access in quieter regions of quebec
    - It brought more modern growth in rural parts of quebec
    - it boosted the economies in those rural parts of quebec
  • The Cold War

    • There were T\tensions between the U.S. because of their by ideological differences capitalism vs. communism -Canada aligned themselves with the U.S. in NATO, which increased military power -Quebec became more involved in global politics.
  • Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (Québec’s Flag)

    -Quebec had the desire for cultural identity
    -The Fleurdelisé was Quebec's flag in 1960, symbolizing Quebec's French and cultural pride.
    - The flag became a powerful symbol of Quebec's identity, im-powering the province’s political and cultural autonomy.
  • Refus Global Manifesto Published

    • They started to disconnect from the traditional and conservative views. -The 1948 manifesto was speaking up for forartistic freedom and secularism. -It influencing Quebec's shift toward secularism, modernization.
  • Asbestos Strike

    -Poor working conditions and low wages in the asbestos industry
    -The strike became violent, leading to deaths and a awareness for working rights .
    -It contributed to the rise of unions and labor movements.
  • Majority of Immigrants Come from Italy

    -After World War II labor shortages in Quebec, encouraged large waves of Italian immigration to Quebec.
    -Italians became one of the largest immigrant groups in Quebec, contributing to the province's economy, culture.
    -Italian immigration created diversity because of the food, language, and urban landscape
  • Introduction of Provincial Income Tax (Fiscal Autonomy)

    -Quebec's desire for greater financial control and autonomy from the federal government.
    -In 1954, Quebec introduced its own provincial income tax, allowing the province to get more money
    -It gave Quebec more power over its economy.
  • Arrival of Television in Québec

    -Technological advancements and the demand for entertainment and news.
    -Television was introduced in 1952 making new communication and entertainment, with French-language programming catering to Quebec’s
    - Promoted a new sense of identity strengthening the French-language media.
  • Contraception Becomes More Accessible

    -Growing demand for birth control in the 1960s, and change of attitude to sexual freedom .
    -Quebec government made contraception more accessible
    -It contributed to social and cultural change, empowering women
  • The Quiet Revolution

    -Discontent with the conservative, religious influence in Quebec
    -Major reforms took place, including secularization and the growth of Quebec nationalism
    -It transformed Quebec into a more modern, secular, and progressive society
  • Creation of the Department of Cultural Affairs

    -Promote Quebec's distinct culture and identity
    -In 1961 the Department of Cultural Affairs was made for the arts and culture, and to promote Quebec's heritage.
    -It strengthened Quebec’s cultural identity, creating a great arts scene
  • Establishment of CEGEPs and Université du Québec Network

    • aimed to make higher education more accessible and aligned with Quebec's values. -CEGEPs provide pre-university and technical education to offer affordable higher education
    • helped create a more educated work strcuture.
  • Bill 16 – Married Women Gain Legal Independence

    -women's rights movement in Quebec and wantig to improve women's independence in marriage.
    -gave married women the right to manage their own property, make money, and legal decisions without their husband.
    -It helped gender equality in Quebec, promoting social changes and women’s rights in society.
  • Creation of the Ministry of Education (Parent Report Recommendations)

    • It highlighted issues with the education system in Quebec like outdated teaching methods and not a lot of access to goo education
    • Quebec created the Ministry of Education from the recommendations of the Parent Report. This led to the improvement of access to education. -Quebec's education system became more accessible. increased literacy rates and education . The creation of the Ministry was the start for future educational decisions across canada
  • Expo 67 – Showcasing Québec’s Identity to the World

    -Expo 67 showed Canada's achievements and brought different cultures together. Quebec, especially, wanted to share its culture.
    -Quebec presented its French culture, art, and architecture. The province focused on its heritage and identity and showing their pride.
    -It helped promote Quebec's culture to the world. For Canada, it showed its identity as bilingual and a country full of many cultures
  • Passage of Bill 63 – Language Rights Debate

    -there was lot's concern in Quebec about the preservation of the French language , especially because english was an increasing language. Bill 63 was introduced to give protection to the French language
    -Bill 63 allowed parents to choose the language of instruction for their children but they still really wanted french in schools.
    -Bill 63 started the beginning of the language rights debate in Quebec.
  • Political & Social Changes (1970-1980)

    • There was a growing want for more political power for French Quebecers and led to more tensions between English and French people.
    • The passage of Bill 101 in 1977, which made French the official language in Quebec and restricted English use in public life. -These changes intensified Quebec nationalism. It led to many political movements.
  • Introduction of Québec’s Medicare System (Health Insurance Act)

    -There was worry over access to healthcare in Quebec, and many people couldn't to afford the right medical services.
    -This established a funded healthcare system, which introduced Quebec’s Medicare system.
    -This improved access to medical services.
  • Laurendeau-Dunton Commission & Bilingualism Debate

    -There was tension between english and french canadians so the government wanted there to be equality between the lamguages
    - It made English and French official languages in Canada and lead to the Official Languages Act.
    -This recognized French and English as equal languages. .
  • Bill 22 – French as Québec’s Official Language

    -there was some concern in Quebec about how English was on the rise and they wanted to perserve the French culture.
    - Bill 22 was passed which made French the official language in Quebec.
    -This helped Quebec’s identity as French speaking and was a step to protect the French language.
  • Election of René Lévesque & The Parti Québécois

    • Quebec went through political and social changes with the desires for greater autonomy. Rene Levesque found the Parti Québécois help the interests of French-speaking Quebecers.
    • this shifted Quebec's politics. The parti quebecois promised Quebec's independence and worke on gaining more control over Quebec's economy.
    • This marked the rise of Quebec nationalism and sovereignty
  • Bill 101 – The Charter of the French Language

    -The french thought the english were over dominating and got very worried
    - the Parti Québécois made French the official language of Quebec. It made strict language and made french to be used in government, education, business.
    -Bill 101 helped strengthened the French language in Quebec and showed Quebec’s identity as a French province. .
  • Economic Downturn

    • Quebec was faced an economic downturn because of the oil crisis, lot's of unemployment, and inflation. -The government faced lower budgets and many businesses moved to other provinces.
    • The downturn had pushed the government to seek more economic reforms.