The National Unity Debate An Introduction

Learning Goals By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: Describe some significant issues and/or developments that have affected the relationship between Quebec and the federal government

Key questions to consider… How much do you value a united Canada? What is a majority? Is 51% enough in any case? What about a matter of national unity?

Let’s Review… So far, we have seen the beginnings of Quebec’s discontent starting in the 1940’s, 50’s Changes were made to make Quebec more ‘modern’ through the Quiet Revolution Some felt this was not enough, and became more radical (i.e. FLQ) The next step will be to try politics…

The Rise of the PQ Rene Levesque founds the new Parti Quebecois in the 1970’s His party’s main goal is to separate Quebec from Canada In 1976 the PQ becomes the official gov’t in Quebec

Language Laws – the first step In 1977 the PQ passes the controversial Bill 101 (aka the Sign Law) All signs/billboards must be in French only Children of French parents must attend French schools New immigrants to Que must attend French schools Many English Cdns upset!

The 1980 Referendum An independence referendum (mass vote) was scheduled for May, 1980 in Que The question? Sovereignity Association – political independence, but economic co- operation with Canada PM Pierre Trudeau fights for Canada to stay united No side wins 60%-40%

The 1995 Referendum Jacques Parizeau (PQ leader) Several other conflicts between Quebec and Canada (ex. Constitution Crisis, Meech Lake…) Then…another referendum in 1995 (No side won 51%– 49%) vs. Jean Chretien (Prime Minister) Lucien Bouchard (BQ leader)