Quebec & Aboriginal Issues

Background to French-English Relations 1600-1944 Until the end of the Seven Years War (1763), What is now Canada was a French Colony of New France Seven Years War: Global conflict involving Britain, France, and their colonies Canada: British defeat French in Battle of Plains of Abraham French were out numbered and forced to a conditional surrender

Background to French-English Relations 1600-1944 II So, in 1763, the French troops were given the right to maintain their Catholic religion (Britain = Church of England) and their French Culture Treaty of Paris, France gave up New France, were only able to keep a few islands off of Newfoundland French Canadians felt very betrayed…

Background to French-English Relations 1600-1944 III 1774, the Quebec Act was passed by the British This entrenched (established) the rights of French Canadians This was Canada’s first constitution, and in 1867 Quebec joined Confederation based on the understanding that the rights of French Canadians would be protected Other key events between 1885 & 1944 that didn’t “help things” between the French and English in Canada: Metis Leader Louis Riel was executed for second rebellion Fighting for their rights in SASK. & MAN. PM Laurier compromised French interests in MAN. Schools controversy French no longer considered as an official language The Boer War British war vs. Dutch Settlers of Boer Republic (S. Africa); ethics were violated Naval Crisis Canadian fleet created that could come under control of British (1910) Conscription issue in WWI and WWII

Modern French-English Relations 1950s and 1960s The Great Darkness: Maurice Duplessis served as the ‘Union Nationale’ premier of Quebec from 1936-1939, and then from 1944-1959 He was a “staunch Roman Catholic and a political conservative” Known as “le chef” (the boss), he would do his very best to avoid English influence at all costs. Refused financial help from the Federal Government, he was a strong supporter of provincial rights Era was also characterized as being known for bad working conditions He was anti-union, often picking battles with them “La grande noiceur” – the Great Darkness came from this… 1959, the swinging sixties marked an end of Duplessis – people were tired of the old fashioned techniques, and wanted social change… bye bye Duplessis…

Modern French-English Relations 1950s and 1960s II The Quiet Revolution: 1960-66 Jean Lesage (Liberal) was the Premier of Quebec. Campaigned under the slogan Maîtres chez nous – masters of our own house Lesage was not seeking independence for Quebec, instead wanted more control over decisions that affect it’s future Essentially, he wanted to create a new and equal partnership with English Canada Recognized that while small in number, English Quebecois were in control of most business in Quebec Quebec was now in the midst of a rapid reform and modernization, this was called “la revolution tranquille” AKA: The Quiet Revolution

Masters of our own House The Quiet Revolution The Quiet Revolution was characterized by: Secularization (move away from Catholic Church in political affairs) Strengthening of Welfare State Massive investments in Public Education Unionization of Civil Service (government employees) Measures to control the economy (who had what) Nationalization of Hydroelectric production and distribution (Hydro-Quebec) Lesage also sought “special status” for Quebec in order to protect language and culture Federal Gov’t allowed Quebec to run its own pension plan, loans, and medical insurance Biggest product of Quiet Revolution = increase in Quebec Nationalism The “Quebecois” was born… Now or Never! Masters of our own House

Modern French-English Relations 1950s and 1960s III Vive Le Quebec Libre!” Expo ’67 Montreal, French President Charles DeGaulle ended his speech with this phrase – meaning: “Long live a Free Quebec!” Encouraged French-Canadian Nationalism and enraged English Canadians See this slogan in events yet to come… (FLQ)

Modern French-English Relations 1950s and 1960s IV The Official Languages Act, 1969: PM Trudeau signed the Official Languages Act giving all Canadians the legal right and ability to deal with the Federal government in either French or English Additionally all products sold in stores across Canada had to be labelled in both French and English Brought with it the implementation of French Immersion programs across the country as well.