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The War Measures Act 1970
In response to the October Crisis, the Canadian government implemented the War Measures Act which gave the government the right and power to take away certain civil rights. This resulted in thousands of searches and hundreds of arrests. The War Measures act related to Censorship banning publication of books and magazines in enemy alien language. -
World War One Conscription Crisis
The federal government of Canada in 1917 decided it was a good idea to make conscription a thing. Conscription refers to the law that was made all men 18 and over have to attend war with no choice given, unless they were Ill, couldn't leave family or had a job that could not be replaced by someone else. People who were living in Quebec were not pleased with this and did not think it should be mandatory. -
Creation of the Union Nationale Party
Maurice Duplessis, a former conservative joined forces with disenchanted Liberals to form the Union nationale, a party that strived for Nationalism in Quebec. Duplessis blamed English minorities in Quebec for social and economic problems. The Union nationale's political objectives were based on improving working conditions, social insurance programs, publicly owned companies, and a system of farm credits. -
The Duplesiss Era/ The Great Darkness 1936-1939 & 1944-1959
Quebec was known as a very conservative province in the early 1900’s. Although canada began to shift itself to centralism after the great depression.. Quebec did not want this to happen so they decided to elect a new leader who was conservative to ensure that it did not change. The leader they elected was Maurice Duplessis, he lead quebec from 1936 till 1939 and then got elected again to run quebec from 1944 till when he died in 1959. -
World War Two Conscription Crisis
In 1939, Prime Minister King made a promise during the election that he wouldn't introduce conscription regarding military service aid overseas. It was later refined and renamed, ''National Resource Mobilization Act'' requiring men to help with the war efforts but not serve overseas. -
Quiet Revolution Begins 1960 / 1962 Maitre Chez Nous (Jean Lesage, liberal Party Campaign slogan)
The Quiet Revolution refers to a time of rapid change and reform which modernized Quebec's society from 1960 to 1966. Students at school were not required to do more technology and science based courses in order to prepare themselves for the changes coming to Quebec. In June of 1960 the Liberals won the vote in Quebec and upon doing so they began the change that they were using in their campaign. -
1960's Separatist Movement
The separatist movement and quebec nationalism began to grow in the 1960’s and on into the 1970’s. Those who lived in Quebec did not like that Canada’s capital, Ottawa, was predominantly english speaking. Many people who were in Quebec only saw one solution, and it was to make Quebec it’s own nation, not a part of Canada. -
Front de Liberation du Quebec LQ party is formed
A Canadian separatist group founded in the 1960's mainly based in Montreal who was quite unknown and spoke of the benefits of separating Quebec from Canada. The FLQ (Front de Liberation du Quebec ) used violence when necessary to achieve their goals. They had several secret cells around Quebec. Members of the FLQ were well trained by people involved with the Cuban revolution. The FLQ was also known for several kidnappings. -
Bi and Bi Commission (Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism) investigation by Lester B. Pearson
A Canadian Royal Commission that was created with the support of president Lester B. Pearson to help develop the state of bilingualism and Biculturalism in Canada. Next they were to inquire on what steps to take to establish the Canadian Confederation regarding equal partnerships. -
Canada's New Flag 1965
in 1964 many were upset by the lack of an official flag. Many wanted to see the union flag replaced and changed to something more relevant and meaningful. Lester B. Pearson organized a group to decide on a new flag, and George Stanley's sketch of the maple leaf was voted upon in 1965. -
1967 Canada's Immigration Policy becomes "Color Blind"
After the policy of multiculturalism was introduced to Canada people became more accepting. In 1967 Prime Minister Trudeau made immigration to Canada “color blind”. By this I mean that he took away all previous laws regarding immigration and people’s skin color and race. He then implemented a point system which would award potential immigrants points based on their, education, age, fluency in english and french, and also job opportunities in Canada. -
1974 Bill 22 introduced by Robert Bourassa
Bill 22 was introduced by Robert Bourassa, Liberal premier of Quebec in 1969. Bill 22 made French the official language of Canada and strengthened French presence. Bourassa introduced Bill 22 because birth rates were declining in Quebec and immigration was increasing. Therefore there was a fear that the French language might vanish. -
Trudeau becomes Prime Minister
Pierre Trudeau was Canada’s 15th Prime Minister. He was elected into power in 1968 and led until 1984. He led for 15 years and 164 days this making him Canada's 3rd longest PM. Throughout the 1970’s he faced many problems. In the election of 1979 the liberals did not win majority, this left Trudeau still in the parliament but his party was no longer in charge. Although, in 1980 another election happened, during this time Trudeau once again won majority and was put back in power of Canada. -
Official Languages Act passed, 1969
Pierre Elliot Trudeau established the Official Languages Act in 1969, an attempt to make Canada truly bilingual and bicultural. They also did this as an effort to make Quebec feel like part of Canada. -
FLQ Crisis aka October Crisis
The October Crisis began in 1970 when the kidnapping of british commissioner James Cross occurred. The kidnapping was done by the Front de Libération du Québec also known as (FLQ). This act turned into the biggest/most serious act of terrorism on canadian soil. Another man was kidnapped and murdered by the FLQ, the man was the minister of immigration and minister of labour, Pierre Laporte. -
Policy of Multiculturalism
In 1971 while Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was Prime Minister he created a multiculturalism policy. This policy was put in place so that everyone would recognize and respect different people and this would allow for a more diverse language, religions, and practices. Canada was the first country to adopt this way of thinking. This was put in place to help everyone be equal and make sure everyone could make canada feel like home for them and their family. -
Bill 101 introduced
Proposed by Parti Quebecois’ René Lévesque. Originally PQ had no intention of uniting the two strongest nations within Canada, but rather officially separating them.
(http://globalnews.ca/news/1237519/fact-file-what-is-bill-101/) -
Parti Quebecois wins provincial election in Quebec
The leader of Parti Quebecois, René Lévesque won through advertising a provincial referendum to Quebec. Only 6 years prior PQ only had 7 seats in parliament, making this victory a surprising one.
(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parti-Quebecois) -
Bill 101 is Passed
Parti Quebecois passes Bill 101 to replace Bill 22. Made French the single official language of Quebec. Also known as “Charter of the French Language”.
(http://www.parli.ca/bill-101/) -
Referendum on Sovereignty Association
Provincial-wide vote administered to allow Quebec voters to decide whether or not to take separatist action from Canada. Was suggested and held by Parti Quebecois, which were openly advocating for the separation. Pierre Trudeau (prime minister at the time) was against the separation, and tried to negotiate to maintain a unified Canada. The results of the referendum were 40% for and 60% against sovereignty.
(http://www.canadahistory.com/sections/eras/trudeau/1980_referendum.htm) -
Patriation of the Constitution
No changes could be made in Canada without going through British parliament first. Trudeau wanted to reform this rule because he wanted to create a “Charter of Rights & Freedoms”, doing this would require planning and agreement apart from British government. Trudeau organized new legislation that changed the process of government, allowing Canadian politicians more power in decisions.
(http://www.histori.ca/peace/page.do?pageID=258) -
Constitution Act
Most Premiers eventually came to an agreement of what this act would include, Levesque was excluded. When he came to know about the agreement he negated it, losing to the majority of other politicians. Quebec government refused to agree in a fury of betrayal. Trudeau continued to ignore Quebec and made this new constitution, officials making Canada independent from Great Britain.
(http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/constitution-act-1982/) -
Brian Mulroney becomes Prime Minister
Conservative leader, Mulroney takes place of Pierre Trudeau as PM. His approach to international relations is opposite of Trudeau's. Wanted to develop closer relationship with US.
(http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/brian-mulroney/) -
Reform Party Created
Mulroney promised to reassess the constitution as was much desired from Canadians in Quebec. Levesque’s successor, Robert Bourassa is in office in Quebec. Many problems occurring at the same time detract attention from the intended purpose of the reform party.
(http://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/the-reform-party-is-formed) -
Bloc Quebecois Formed
Meech Lake Accord resulted in an increase of separatist tension from Quebec again, as they thought the failure of this change was Canada rejecting them. Consequently Lucian Bouchard (powerful conservative politician) resigned and created the Bloc Quebecois in retaliation to the denial of the Meech Lake Accord. This action and the support it garnered were representative of the tension created.
(http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/bloc-quebecois/) -
Meech Lake Accord
Mulroney summoned Premiers to a conference to propose constitutional changes. Specifically, the "Meech Lake Accord" offered to recognize Quebec as a distinct society and give more power to provinces. Was rejected because some provinces did not agree with it. Aboriginals in particular opposed it (with Elijah Harper at the forefront), arguing it did not give them necessary recognition.(http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/meech-lake-accord/) -
Department of Multiculturalism formed
Government established this department with he aim of promoting multiculturalism in all areas of its policy. Multiculturalism is finally understood as important to Canadian unity and values.
(http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/multiculturalism/) -
1992 Charlottetown Accord
In 1992 the charlotte accord was an attempt that failed to join with all of the premiers of Canada and alter the Canadian Constitution. This was done specifically to get Quebec’s permission to follow through with the Constitution act of 1922. The Accord had to deal with legislation issues and constitutional issues. It provided power over the foresting industry, mining, and other areas. -
1994 Parti Quebecois returned to power
Led by René Lévesque a group whoms main focus was seperating from Canada. Strongly believed that Canada would be better divorced from Quebec. -
2nd Referendum on Sovereignty Association
The referendum that happened on October 30th 1995 was originally scheduled to happen in the spring but it got delayed till the end of fall. The Referendum was being help to try and settle the separation of Quebec from Canada. At the beginning the votes were strong to the side of not separating, then coming from behind the votes changed to yes for separation. Although, in the end the votes was counted and was not in favour of separation. The Premier of Quebec said they would try again in 1997. -
1998 Clarity Bill and the Supreme Court decision
The legislation was designed to give effect to the opinion in the Quebec Secession. It was an act that enabled the negotiation between Quebec and the remainder of Canada regarding Quebec divorcing from Canada.
