The Modernization of Québec & The Quiet Revolution

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    Duplessis Era

    Under Maurice Duplessis
    Duplessis and the Union Nationale party were elected, promoting traditional values, Catholic influence, and economic conservatism.
    His government prioritized rural life, opposed unions, and resisted federal intervention, keeping Québec economically dependent on foreign companies.
    His policies delayed modernization, leading to growing dissatisfaction and ultimately sparking the Quiet Revolution after his death in 1959.
    Slides 2-26 Unit 3 Slides
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    Baby Boom

    Under Maurice Duplessis until 1959 then Jean Lesage
    After WW2, soldiers returned home and birth rates skyrocketed due to economic stability and family incentives
    Quebec saw larger families and a demand for more schools, healthcare, and housing
    Led to the Quiet Revolution since the churches schools and hospitals were too little in numbers and costed too much
    Slide 18 and 26 Unit 3 Slides
  • Refus Global

    Refus Global
    Quebec was under Maurice Duplessis conservative rule
    Traditional Catholic values
    Wanted secularism
    Modernization
    Wanted government to take control
    Slide 14 Unit 3 Slides
  • Asbestos Strike

    Asbestos Strike
    Duplessis in power
    Conservative government
    Government had very strong ties with the church
    Mine workers demanded safer conditions and more money
    Duplessis supported the employers and made "strike" illegal
    This encourages more strikes to happen in the future
    Slide 14 of Unit 3 Slides
  • Richard riot

    Richard riot
    Under Maurice Duplessis
    Suspension of hockey player Maurice Richard because he hit a NHL referee
    Thousands of fans protested downtown in Montreal
    Became a symbol of French Canadian revolution and then influencing social changes leading to the Quiet Revolution
    Slide 11 Unit 3 Slides
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    Quiet Revolution

    Under Jean Lesage
    Election of Jean Lesage liberal government led to major reforms to modernize Quebec and reduce churches control
    The government took over education and healthcare, expanded the public sector, created crown companies, and promoted Quebec Nationalism
    This led to a stronger Quebec identity, the rise of a separatist movement demands from autonomy of Canada even new political parties
    Slides 28, 30, 31, 35, 37 Unit 3 Slides
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    Jean Lesage Era

    Under Jean Lesage
    After Duplessis’s death, Lesage’s Liberal government was elected, promising modernization and reforms.
    His government launched the Quiet Revolution, expanding education, healthcare, and the role of the state in the economy.
    It transformed Québec into a more secular and modern society, laying the foundation for Québec nationalism and future independence movements.
    Slides 28-35 Unit 3 Slides
  • Creation of Department of Cultural Affairs

    Creation of Department of Cultural Affairs
    Under Jean Lesage
    The government wanted to promote and proctect Quebec's unique culture and identity as part of the Quiet Revolution
    The Department of Cultural Affairs was created to support arts, heritage, and the French language.
    It helped strengthen Québec’s cultural identity and laid the foundation for future cultural policies.
    Slide 34 Unit 3 Slides
  • Nationalization of Electricity

    Nationalization of Electricity
    Under Jean Lesage
    The Quebec government wanted to take control of private electricity companies to ensure fair prices and improve services
    Hydro-Quebec expanded as the province bought out private power companies, creating a provincial energy monopoly
    Symbol of Quebec economic independence, helped modernize the province, strengthened the government's role in the economy
    Slides 31, 41 Unit 3 Slides
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    Royal Commision on Bilingualism and Biculturalism

    Under Jean Lesage (1963-1966) and Daniel Johnson (1966-1968)
    Growing tensions between French and English Canadians led the federal government to study language and cultural issues.
    The commission’s report recommended official bilingualism in Canada and better protection of French language rights.
    It led to the Official Languages Act (1969), making French and English Canada’s two official languages, strengthening French-language rights in Québec.
    Slide 39 Unit 3 Slides
  • Adopted the Labour Code

    Adopted the Labour Code
    Under Jean Lesage
    Workers and unions demanded better rights and protections as part of the Quiet Revolution reforms
    The Labour Code was adopted giving public sector workers the right to unionize and strike.
    It strengthened workers rights in Québec and led to the growth of stronger unions in the Quebec
    Slide 35 Unit 3 Slides
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    Daniel Johnson Era

    Under Daniel Johnson
    Johnson took office after Lesage, continuing many of the Quiet Revolution reforms while promoting Québec nationalism.
    His government emphasized Québec's autonomy
    His leadership marked a shift toward increased provincial control, laying the groundwork for future sovereignty movements in Québec.
    Slides 36 and 37 Unit 3 Slides
  • Creation of Cegepts

    Creation of Cegepts
    Under Daniel Johnson of the Union National party
    The government wanted to improve access to higher education and create a bridge between high school and university.
    CEGEPs were established, offering free public education at the post-secondary level.
    It increased education accessibility, helped modernize Québec’s workforce, and became a key part of the Québec education system.
    Slide 36 Unit 3 Slides
  • Expo 67

    Expo 67
    Under Daniel Johnson
    Canada hosted a world fair in Montreal as part of its Centennial celebrations, showcasing innovation and culture.
    Millions of visitors attended, and Montreal gained global recognition as a modern, vibrant city.
    It boosted Québec’s confidence and nationalism, influencing the rise of the Québec independence movement.
    Slide 37 Unit 3 Slides
  • Health Insurance Act

    Health Insurance Act
    Under Robert Bourassa
    The government wanted to ensure universal healthcare for all Quebecers as part of the ongoing modernization efforts.
    The Health Insurance Act was passed, establishing a public healthcare system in Québec that covered all citizens.
    It strengthened the role of the Québec government in healthcare and became a model for universal healthcare in Canada.
    Slide 47 Unit 3 Slides
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    Robert Bourassa Era

    Under Robert Bourassa
    Bourassa was elected to modernize Québec and deal with rising nationalist movements and economic challenges.
    His government passed the Bill 22 (French as the official language) and focused on economic development, including hydroelectric projects.
    His tenure contributed to rising separatist sentiments and laid the groundwork for the 1976 referendum on sovereignty.
    Slides 46-54
  • War Measures Act

    War Measures Act
    Under Robert Bourassa
    The FLQ (Front de libération du Québec) kidnapped British diplomat James Cross and killed a Quebec minister, prompting the government to act against rising separatist violence.
    The federal government invoked the War Measures Act allowing military deployment and suspending civil liberties to deal with the crisis.
    The act increased tensions between French and English Canadians, contributing to Québec’s nationalist movement and distrust of federal power.
    Slide 46 Unit 3 Slides
  • Oil Crisis

    Oil Crisis
    Under Robert Bourassa
    The OPEC oil led to a sharp rise in oil prices, severely affecting global economies, including Québec’s.
    Québec faced inflation, economic slowdown, and energy shortages as a result of the rising fuel costs.
    The crisis highlighted the need for economic diversification in Québec and sparked efforts to reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.
    Slide 51 Unit 3 Slides
  • Bill 22

    Bill 22
    Under Robert Bourassa
    The government aimed to protect and promote the French language in Québec as a response to growing concerns about the decline of French in the province.
    Bill 22 made French the official language of Québec and required French language proficiency for all government services and education.
    It strengthened Québec’s linguistic identity and set the stage for future language laws, including Bill 101.
    Slide 53 Unit 3 Slides
  • James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement

    James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement
    Under Robert Bourassa
    The agreement was a response to the proposed James Bay hydroelectric project, addressing concerns from Indigenous communities about land rights
    The agreement provided compensation, land rights, and self-governance for the Cree and Inuit peoples in exchange for allowing the project to proceed.
    It marked the first modern land claim agreement in Canada, influencing future negotiations and improving relations between Indigenous peoples and the government.
    Slide 47 Unit 3 Slides
  • Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms

    Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
    Under Robert Bourassa
    The government wanted to protect and promote human rights and freedoms in Québec, reflecting the values of equality and individual rights.
    The Charter was enacted, ensuring fundamental rights such as equality, freedom of expression, and protection against discrimination.
    It strengthened Québec’s legal framework for human rights and became a model for other provinces in Canada.
    Slide 47 Unit 3 Slides
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    Réné Lévesque Era

    Under Réné Lévesque
    Lévesque, leader of the Parti Québécois, was elected to promote sovereignty and strengthen Québec’s independence from Canada.
    His government introduced Bill 101 (French as the official language) and held the 1980 sovereignty referendum, though it was narrowly defeated.
    Lévesque’s era intensified Québec nationalism and set the stage for future referendums and political movements around sovereignty.
    Slides 55-61 Unit 3 Slides
  • Bill 101

    Bill 101
    Under Réné Lévesque
    The Parti Québécois government sought to protect the French language and reinforce Québec’s cultural identity amid concerns over the dominance of English.
    Bill 101 made French the official language of Québec, impacting education, workplace communication, and government services.
    It significantly strengthened French language rights, shaping Québec’s identity and creating a bilingualism policy for future generations.
    Slide 56 Unit 3 Slides
  • Automobile Insurance Act

    Automobile Insurance Act
    Under Réné Lévésque
    The government wanted to reduce the high costs and complexities of car insurance and provide better protection for drivers.
    The Automobile Insurance Act introduced a public, no-fault insurance system, covering medical costs and damages regardless of fault.
    It reduced legal disputes and made automobile insurance more affordable for Québec residents, setting a precedent for similar systems in other provinces.
    Slide 58 Unit 3 Slides
  • Act Respecting the Preservation of Agricultural Land

    Act Respecting the Preservation of Agricultural Land
    Under Réné Lévesque
    The government aimed to protect agricultural land from urban sprawl and development in order to preserve food production.
    The Act established the Commission de protection du territoire agricole (CPTAQ) to regulate and prevent the loss of agricultural land to non-agricultural use.
    It ensured the preservation of Québec’s farmland, contributing to the sustainability of the agricultural industry and food security.
    Slide 59 Unit 3 Slides