Canadian Identity One, Two or Many Nations?

REBEL LATE 1960s ~1980s

Little Rock, Arkansas

Prague Spring

Black Panthers

Soweto Uprising, SA

Katherine Switzer Boston Marathon, 1968

How had the other Prime Minister’s BEGUN to address these issues?

Setting the Scene… 1960: Canadian BILL OF RIGHTS Aboriginals can vote in federal elections MOST racial discrimination is eliminated from Canada’s immigration policies Medicare and Canada Pension Plan Royal Commission on the Status of Women.. Get right to abortion and access to contraception

Then, in comes Trudeau..

TRUDEAU’S CHALLENGES The 1960 & 1970s were an awakening for human rights in Canada, and around the world Trudeau had great aspiration of a ‘just society’ – but many people had issues they wanted resolved WOMENS MOVEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY MULTICULTURALISM & INCLUSION ABORIGINAL ISSUES FRENCH CANADIANS NATIONALISM

Scenario People have suggested at different points in history that British Columbia would be better off joining with Washington, Oregon and Northern California to form their own country ~ based on the Pacific Northwest. Why would they believe that BC would do better off in this alliance than the nation of Canada?

Why Quebec Why have some Quebecois believed that they would be better off on their own? It’s not because they believe that it would benefit them economically… or trigger employment growth… so why would they take such a giant risk?

Separatist Issues 1. History of discrimination and oppression of French Canadiansby English Discrimination of jobs, etc Lack of recognition of the French role in developing Canada 2. Rise in the movement called separatism – people fighting for an independent nation for French people living in Canada 3. Desire to be recognized as a “distinct society”

History of Separatist Rebellion Duplessis Era Quiet Revolution FLQ & Parti Quebecois 1967 October Crisis 1970 Levesque & Referendums

Duplessis Era – Union Nationale party led by Maurice Duplessis Strong Quebec nationalist who was devoted to the idea of Quebec as a distinct society Introduced a new flag – “fleur-de-lis” & was linked to the idea of “Je me souviens” Linked very closely to the Catholic church – seen as the defender of French culture – religion was a part of all authority including education, etc ‘La Grande Noiresse’ – orphanages scandal Bribery and corruption was rampant – businesses were expected to give “kick-backs” Famous for the Padlock Law – banning newspapers, publications he didn’t like

The Quiet Revolution~1960s “Time for Change” – the Liberal party came to power Lesage (leader) tried to eliminate corruption, wages and pensions were removed, unions embraced Province became much more modern – education, culture, etc – push to become citizens of the 20 th century “Maitres chez nous” – “Masters in OUR own house” French nationalism increased and standards of living improved greatly Quebec economy was greatly strengthened as they nationalized businesses and corporations – Hydro Quebec - $$$$

Anger and Resentment During the 1960s, massive resentment and anger grew amongst the French population How come everyone in Ottawa was English speaking? How come French Canadians were rarely chosen for Cabinet positions? How come French-Canadians didn’t have schools and hospitals in other parts of Canada while English speaking Canadians had them in Quebec How come Quebec’s French majority was forced to speak English in stores and at work in Quebec? NOTE: Quebec makes up 30% of Canada’s population

Rise of Radicalism - FLQ FLQ – Front de liberation du Quebec – fought for a Quebec Libre! (Free Quebec) Used firebombs, explosives and other extremist tactics to raise awareness of their cause – bombing mailboxes

Canada’s Response Lester Pearson – appointed a commission on Bilingualism – recommended that Canada should become officially bilingual Changed the flag to make it less British; ironically the French still hang on to the fleur-de-lis Trudeau – Acted on the recommendation of the commission and made Canada officially bilingual – 1969; Official Languages Act Called on young people to increase their knowledge of French culture – ex. French immersion

October Crisis October 5, 1970 – FLQ kidnapped James Cross, a British diplomat, from his Montreal home FLQ demanded that in return for his release, FLQ prisoners be released from jail – federal and Quebec authorities refused to listen FLQ then kidnapped Pierre Laporte – Quebec Labour Minister – Trudeau decided to take action Laporte found dead in a trunk - Trudeau instigates War Measures Act and curfew, police put in place Terrorists negotiated release of Cross, escape to Cuba

Laporte is found..

Bill 101: Strengthening French Language 1976 – Rene Levesque formed the Parti Quebecois (PQ) – believed that Quebec and Canada should ‘divorce’ ~ very popular leader He developed the welfare state system in Quebec Social Services – daycare, left-wing ideology 2. Strengthening the status of French language Major fear that French culture will die out – lowest birth rate in Canada Law made French the only official language of Quebec – all employees must speak French in order to work, all signs in French, Main use of not-withstanding clause – ability to break the Charter in certain specific cases

Rene Levesque

To separate or not to separate? Quebecois politicians have tried to convince the people to separate on two different occasions 1980 Referendum – Sovereignty-Association “maitres chez nous” Pierre Trudeau made strong speeches against Results – 40% yes, 60% no 1982 – Canada patriates the Constitution (gives total control to Canada)– many controversies regarding the amending formula – how do we change the constitution in future? Kitchen Compromise – 7/10 provinces required to make changes – 50% of the population – Quebec furious, wanted revenge MULRONEY ~Meech Lake Accord – Is Quebec a “distinct society” in Canada, or are there many distinct societies? Accord is rejected by Canada – major protest from First Nations Referendum #2 – 1994 – 49% Yes; 51% No

What Now? After the two referendums, new legislation was put forward that says that any province would need a clear majority to leave the country After losing a lot of popularity, the Parti Quebecois got a recent resurgence of popularity in the last 2 years in Quebec Recently had an election a few months ago – PQ leader raised issue of referendum and Charter of Values (religious symbols banned) Strong vote against PQ – kicked out of power, Liberals now have majority gov’t – sovereignty issue is dead