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The Conscription Crisis of 1917
The conscription crisis was caused by disagreement on whether or not all Canadian men should have to go to war. The English supported the idea of compulsory conscription as they believed they should help Britain in the War but French-CAnadians wanted nothing to do with it. This created a cultural divide within Canada. Below is a sign which would've been circulating around 1917, encouraging French-Canadians -
Creation of the Union Nationale Party
The Union National was a conservative political party founded in Quebec. It stood for the defence of provincial autonomy, rural life and economic liberalism. Below is their symbol. -
The Duplessis Era (1936-1939 & 1944-1959)
From 1936-1939 & 1944-1959, Maurice Duplessis served as the Premier of Quebec, representing the Union Nationale. He did not support Unions and fought hard to make sure that there were none, causing poor working conditions, which is why this time period is referred to as the Great Darkness. He avoided English influence and refused money from the federal government. As the 60s approached , the public began to embrace social change and no longer supported Duplessis. -
60s Separatist Movement
Separatism is often wanted due to the belief that a group has/is suffering from colonial oppression. In this case, those who seeked independence from Canada felt oppressed by the English and feared assimilation. The sovereignty movement inspired the Parti Quebecois and the Bloc Quebecois whose goal is independence for Quebec. -
Front de liberation du Quebec LQ party is formed
The FLQ, formed in the early 60s,was a violent separatist group in Quebec. They're known for performing violent attacks in order to get their message heard. Eight people have died due to their attacks.
Below is their flag. -
Quiet Revolution Begins (1960-1962)
The Quiet Revolution was a time of rapid change and reform within Quebec. Jean Lesage, Liberal and Premier of Quebec at the time, campaigned for a better relationship between English Canadians and French Canadians and for the protection of French language and culture. He wanted the French to have a more of a control on decisions concerning Quebecs future, though he did not encourage sovereignty. His slogan was "Masters of our own house". -
Bi & Bi commission
This commission was put in place by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson in order to "inquire into and report upon the existing state of bilingualism and biculturalism in Canada" and to "recommend what steps should be taken to develop the Canadian Confederation on the basis of an equal partnership between the two founding races". Below is former Prime Minister Pearson. -
Canada's New Flag
This historical event is important because Canada's new flag was a symbol of independence as it does not feature the Union Jack. It was inspired by the Royal Military College flag theme, red-white-red. Below is Canada's old flag. -
1967 immigration policy
Prior to 1967, Canada's immigration policy gave preference to dominantly white nations such as New Zealand and the UK. In 1967, Prime Minister Pearson adopted a new policy which was based off a point system, points were given off things such as job skills and education and was no longer based off race. Below is an image representing Canada's newly opened doors to new people -
Pierre Trudeau becomes Prime Minister
Some of Trudeau's Liberal campaign promises were universal healthcare and the separation of Canada and Britain. Trudeau was extremely popular amongst youth, leading to the creation of the term "Trudeaumania". Below is an image of Trudeau in 1968. -
Official Languages Act Passed
The Official Languages Act, which was passed by Pierre Trudeau, gave Canadians the legal right to an education in French, the choice of dealing with the Federal Government in French or English and anything sold in a store must be labelled in French as well as English. This image captures a nutritional label which is in French and English, thanks to the Official Languages Act -
The War Measures Act
The War Measures act was a result of the October Crisis and the common belief that there was a circulating conspiracy. to overthrow the government. It took away certain Canadian rights and allowed the government to arrest, question and detain anyone for up to 90 days, without charging them. It also made involvement with the FLQ illegal. -
FLQ/October Crisis
The October Crisis began with the kidnapping of a British trade commissioner,James Cross, who was living in Montreal. Five FLQ terrorists were returned to Cuba in exchange for Cross. Pierre Laporte, the Minister of Immigration and Minister of Labour, was also kidnapped and then eventually murdered. Both crimes were done by the FLQ. These were the first political kidnappings in Canadian history. This image captures part of Laporte's funeral. -
Canadian Multiculturalism Policy
This policy was implemented by Pierre Trudeau. The main goal was to preserve and embrace multiculturalism, such as diverse languages and religions, in Canada. Below is a picture of the 1971 policy. -
Bill 22
Bill 22 was introduced by Robert Bourassa and made French the only official language of Quebec. Below is a picture of Bourassa. -
Immigration policy moves tom 'sponsorship program'
Changed the way immigrants would immigrate to Canada and the criteria for which they were approved. This policy was more objective and less dependant on the whim of immigration officers. Many immigrants supported this change. -
Parti Québécois Wins
In 1976, the Parti Québécois run by René Lévesque defeated the Liberals in the provincial election. The PQ was a non-violent separatist party that dedicated to winning independence for Quebec by following the rules of Canada's political process. -
Bill 101 introduced by Parti Québécois, René Lévesque
In 1977, Réne Lévesque introduced a new bill, bill 101, that replaced bill 22. Bill 101 became acknowledged as the new Charter of French Language Bill. It meant that French had to be used governments, courts and business' in Quebec. As a result, many English businessess' left Quebec -
Bill 101 Passed
Bill 101 created major backlash not only within Quebec but all over the country. There were many conflicts with it too. One store owner had a sign with French and English on it and it went against section 58 of bill 101. However, it went the store owners freedom of expression. Many English businesses left Quebec to go to other parts of Canada. -
Referendum on Sovereignty Association
In 1980, Quebec held its first referendum on the issue of sovereignty vs. association with all of Canada. The proposal was that Quebec would become an independent state. If that were to happen Quebec would have control over its taxes, social policies, citizenship and immigration. 60% of people from Quebec voted "non". Quebec would remain apart of Canada. -
Patriation of the Constitution
Canada's original constitution was the British North America Act of 1867, which was an act of British Parliament. Prime Minister Trudeau wanted Canada's constitution to belong solely to Canada. So he proposed the Constitution Act of 1982. Canada's constitution would be repatriated, it would be brought back to Canada from its previous colonial leader in Great Britain. -
Constitution Act
All ten premiers met in November to make a draft of the new constitution. On the last day of finishing up the constitution, all the premiers were awakened in the middle of the night to make last-minute revisions. However, the premier of Quebec was not invited. Quebec felt betrayed and did not sign the new constitution. -
Brian Mulroney becomes President
Brian Mulroney was Canada's 18th Prime Minister. He was the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. He offered a new face for French Canadians from Quebec as he was born there. -
Bloc Québécois
Bloc Québécois was the separatist federal party of Quebec. They became the Official Party of Opposition of Canada. The party was led by Lucien Bouchard. -
Meech Lake Accord 1987
In 1987, the Prime Minister (Mulroney) and all ten premiers met at Meech Lake to include Quebec in the constitution. The meeting was held to gain a form of peace, trust, and inclusion between Quebec and the other provinces. Eventually, all ten provinces came to an agreement which created the Meech Lake Accord. -
Reform Party Created
In May 1987, the Reform Association of Canada voted to create a broadly based party to voice western economic and constitutional concerns. The French Canadians were not very happy about this party because it firmly opposed Quebec's demands and ideologies. -
Department of Multiculturalism Formed
In 1988, Brian Mulroney who was Prime Minister created the Canadian Multiculturism Act. This act meant that no matter your ethnicity you would be treated fairly by the government. Also, they would view diversity as a beneficial thing to society. -
Meech Lake Accord
The Meech Lake accord was composed of five parts. 1) Quebec would be considered a distinct society. 2) 3/9 supreme judges were to come from Quebec 3) any amendments would need to be approved by all 10 provinces 4)Provinces could choose to not receive federal funding 5)Quebec would be able to have immigration control over their province -
Charlottetown Accord
In 1992, there was a problem with the constitutional amendment. Also, due to the fail of the Meech Lake accord, Quebec was not in Canada's constitution. So, because of this, all leaders came together to figure things out. The Charlottetown accord created provisions for aboriginal self-government Senate reform, universal healthcare, workers rights and environmental protection. However, four out of 10 provinces approved it. -
Parti Québécois
In 1994, the Parti Québécois defeated the Liberals in the Quebec provincial election. Also, Jacques Parizeau became premier of Quebec, -
2nd Referendum on Sovereignty Association
The rejection of Charlettown left many French Canadians thinking that the rest of Canada has a difference of opinion on where they wished to see this nation strive. Jacques Parizeau who was premier and leader of Parti Quebecois held a referendum on the sovereignty of Quebec. This time the question was asking whether Quebec wanted to stay apart of Canada. It was a very debated topic and the non-side won with 50.6% of the votes. -
Clarity Bill and the Supreme Court Decision
In 1998, the Supreme Court decided that Quebec was not allowed to separate from Canada. The only way Quebec could separate is if they somehow convinced the federal government, nine other provinces and the minorities in Quebec to let them go. Then after that in which a clear majority would need to vote yes.
