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Duplessis and “La Grande Noirceur”
When Duplessis was elected in 1933, he took charge of Quebec from 1933-39 and 1944-59. During this time, Quebeckers called it “The Great Depression.” Duplessis was vowed to many promises that turned out to be the opposite. This era got the name of “The Great Depression” thanks to the government’s corruption and the no advancements/improvements made socially, politically nor economically under Duplessis’ reign. -
The Richard Riots
Maurice “Rocket” Richard was the best hockey player at the time and he played for the best & French hockey team, the Montreal Canadiens. But one game in the 1955 season, Richard got frustrated at the linesmen and hit him with his stick, as a result to that he got suspended for the rest of the season including the playoffs. The following game, NHL president, Clarence Campbell went to watch the Canadiens’ game against the Red Wings, the French people saw this as a way of provoking them, riot began -
The Quiet Revolution
After Duplessis’ death, the Liberal government came into power under leadership of Jean Lesage. He won on the slogan “Time for change.” Quebeckers were no longer controlled by the church, status of women increased, took control of hydroelectricity and management of big businesses and high level positions go to Quebeckers. Economic and social standards of Quebeckers increased. Jean Lesage and his government modernized Quebec during their reign. -
The Birth of Separatism
At this time, Quebeckers asked, why is Ottawa so English speaking? Why are there so few cabinet ministers from Quebec? Why were Quebeckers in Quebec expected to speak English? From this frustration came the idea of a independent country entirely controlled by the Quebecois. They believed that French Canadians would never be treated as equals and that this was the only solution to their problems. -
The FLQ
The FLQ were a terrorist group which formed in the name of a free Quebec, Le Quebec libre. Between the years of 1963-70, they set off many bombs, mainly in Montreal, killing 6 people and wounding many others. This was all an effort to bring independence and freedom to Quebec. -
Charles de Gaulle’s Visit to Quebec
President of France, Charles de Gaulle, came to visit Montreal under the pretext of attending Expo 67. During his speech he delivered a phrase that shocked Canada and left Prime Minister at the time, Lester B. Pearson outraged. He said “Vive le Quebec libre!” (Long live free Quebec), and said he feels the same way as when France was liberated by the Nazis. Charles de Gaulle immediately cancelled the rest of his trip and went back to France knowing what he had said left him in problems. -
The Official Languages Act
When Pierre Trudeau came to power, he wanted to do more to please Quebec. In 1969, his government passed the Official Languages Act. This act made Canada officially bilingual. All Federal government agencies were required to now offer all services in French and English. More French speaking people were appointed to senior government positions. This act also encouraged Canadians to increase their understanding of each other’s culture. -
The October Crisis
In October of 1970, the FLQ kidnaped British Trade Commisioner, James Cross and the Quebec Labour Minister, Pierre Laporte. Federal troops took up position in Ottawa to protect government officials. The Quebec government requested the War Measures Act to be put in place and so it did by Pierre Trudeau’s approval. October 18 the dead body of Pierre Laporte was found in the trunk of a car in Montreal and police had to negotiate with members of the FLQ to get James Cross. The kidnapers flew to Cuba -
Le Parti Quebecois
Le Parti Quebecois were a provincial political party in Quebec. Their aim was to bring Quebec independence under the reign of their leader Rene Levesque. This was the first time that Quebeckers got to choose their government and dedidcated the choice to try and establish independence. Once more, this caused shockwaves across Canada and got many to ask “what will happen to Canada now?” Pierre Trudeau and Rene Levesque were political rivals at the time. -
Bill 101
The first step of action for the Parti Quebecois was to pass Bill 101. This bill meant that French was to be used in government, courts and businesses. Businesses could only display commercial signs in French. French became the official language of workplaces, Quebeckers had the right to use French in their workplaces, and Quebeckers were now able to access jobs only previously open to those who spoke English. As a result, around 50,000 people left the province causing Quebec’s economy to drop. -
Independence First Try
In 1980, Rene Levesque called a referendum for independence, although, many Quebeckers feared of US invasion and economic and political cultures. So Levesque offered sovereignty association meaning Quebec would become politically independent, Quebec would collect its own taxes, would have its own citizenship and have its own immigration laws to protect French culture to the Quebec people. Over 90% of the people voted and 40% voted yes, but 60% voted no. -
Trudeau’s Response
Pierre Trudeau was against separation. He voted hard against separation. He was very passionate about keeping Canada united. So going into the referendum, he promised the people of Quebec a new constitutional arrangement if the referendum was defeated (as it was). Trudeau also wanted Canada’s constitution to belong to Canada (not to the British Parliament). -
The Night of the Long Knives
In November 1981, Trudeau’s thought of the constitution included a charter of rights and freedoms which would protect citizens against arbitrary actions by their governments, but the other provincial representatives didn’t agree with him. Only the representatives of Ontario and New Brunswick agreed with him. The other 8 (known as the gang of 8) took it all the way to the Supreme Court. The final judgement left everyone dissatisfied. -
Continuation of “The Night of the Long Knives”
On the last day, Trudeau proposed one final attempt to persuade the gang of 8, “patriation first, of that fails then we go to a referrendum.” Levesque felt that this was directed at him. Later that night, the gang of 7 went back to the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, while Levesque left to Hull, Quebec. The gang of 7 agreed with Trudeau and did not inform Levesque on this. Levesque was angry and said he felt “betrayed.” The next morning all the premiers signed the agreement except for Levesque. -
Referendum Round 2- Quebec
In 1995, the Bloc Québécois federal party announced yet another referendum in order to try and establish independence. This one was closer than the last, but still failed on a tight margin. Parti Quebecois leader who became premier of Quebec, Jacques Parizeau and Lucien Bouchards hopes were crushed in a poll of 51% voting no, and 49% voting yes. Jacques Parizeau speech agh the end of the referendum caused him to step down as premier because of saying “we lost because of the immigrants we have.”
