1. Québec After WWII Ch. 8 (p. 191-204)

2. The Duplessis Era From Great Depression to 1959, Québec controlled by Premier Maurice Duplessis and his Union Nationale government From Great Depression to 1959, Québec controlled by Premier Maurice Duplessis and his Union Nationale government Believed in Québec nationalism, not just another province Believed in Québec nationalism, not just another province Ruled Québec with an iron fist Ruled Québec with an iron fist Strongly anti-union, anti-communist (Padlock Law) Strongly anti-union, anti-communist (Padlock Law) Encouraged foreign/outside investment in Québec Encouraged foreign/outside investment in Québec Much bribery and corruption, “kickbacks” Much bribery and corruption, “kickbacks” Defender of traditional French culture Defender of traditional French culture Roman Catholic Church ran most hospitals and schools Roman Catholic Church ran most hospitals and schools Québec fell behind in fields of science, engineering, business Québec fell behind in fields of science, engineering, business

3. Maurice Duplessis

4. The Quiet Revolution 1960: Liberal Jean Lesage becomes Premier after Duplessis dies 1960: Liberal Jean Lesage becomes Premier after Duplessis dies Election slogan: “Time for a change” Election slogan: “Time for a change” Promises to get rid of government corruption Promises to get rid of government corruption Restrictions lifted on unions, wages go up Restrictions lifted on unions, wages go up Modernization of Québec – “The Quiet Revolution” Modernization of Québec – “The Quiet Revolution” Government takes control of social services and schools Government takes control of social services and schools Catholic Church less influential Catholic Church less influential Quebec economy increasingly controlled by Québec, specifically Francophones (French speakers) Quebec economy increasingly controlled by Québec, specifically Francophones (French speakers) Gov. buys out (nationalizes) power companies, creates Hydro-Québec Gov. buys out (nationalizes) power companies, creates Hydro-Québec Maitres chez nous – “Masters in our own house” Maitres chez nous – “Masters in our own house”

5. The Birth of Separatism As the Quiet Revolution progressed, some Québecois became angry over the influence of English-speakers in Québec, and the lack of influence Québecois had in the federal government As the Quiet Revolution progressed, some Québecois became angry over the influence of English-speakers in Québec, and the lack of influence Québecois had in the federal government Not many Québec MPs in federal cabinet Not many Québec MPs in federal cabinet Many English schools in Québec, few French schools in rest of Canada Many English schools in Québec, few French schools in rest of Canada Québecois expected to speak English at work, in stores Québecois expected to speak English at work, in stores Some Québecois believed separation from Canada was the answer Some Québecois believed separation from Canada was the answer

6. The Birth of Separatism Some young extremists join separatist terrorist groups Some young extremists join separatist terrorist groups Felt change moving too slowly Felt change moving too slowly Most prominent was Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) Most prominent was Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) 1960s: Bombed mailboxes, office buildings, Montreal stock exchange (English symbols); robbed banks; several people killed, dozens injured 1960s: Bombed mailboxes, office buildings, Montreal stock exchange (English symbols); robbed banks; several people killed, dozens injured Most Québecois disapproved of actions Most Québecois disapproved of actions 1968: MLA René Lévesque leaves Liberals (unhappy with refusal to discuss separatism), forms provincial separatist party Parti Québecois (PQ) 1968: MLA René Lévesque leaves Liberals (unhappy with refusal to discuss separatism), forms provincial separatist party Parti Québecois (PQ)

7. FLQ p. 193

8. René Lévesque

9. Pearson’s Response PM Pearson moved to avoid a separatist crisis PM Pearson moved to avoid a separatist crisis 1963: Appointed Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism 1963: Appointed Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism Recommended Canada should become officially bilingual Recommended Canada should become officially bilingual 1965: Replaced old Canadian flag based on British Union Jack with maple leaf flag 1965: Replaced old Canadian flag based on British Union Jack with maple leaf flag Many English-Canadians saw this as pandering to Québec Many English-Canadians saw this as pandering to Québec Québecois still preferred provincial fleur-de-lis flag Québecois still preferred provincial fleur-de-lis flag

10. Flags

11. Trudeau’s Response Pierre Trudeau becomes PM in 1968 Pierre Trudeau becomes PM in 1968 Continues Pearson’s work to keep Québec in Canada Continues Pearson’s work to keep Québec in Canada 1969: Passes Official Languages Act, making Canada officially bilingual 1969: Passes Official Languages Act, making Canada officially bilingual Government must provide services in both English and French Government must provide services in both English and French French-immersion schools available across country French-immersion schools available across country Appointed more French-speaking MPs to cabinet Appointed more French-speaking MPs to cabinet Encourages English-Canadians to learn about Québec culture Encourages English-Canadians to learn about Québec culture Some Canadians in favour of bilingualism, others not (especially in western provinces) Some Canadians in favour of bilingualism, others not (especially in western provinces) Many did not believe French useful to them Many did not believe French useful to them Felt gov. focusing too much on Québec, ignoring rest of Canada Felt gov. focusing too much on Québec, ignoring rest of Canada Some Québecois felt policies not enough, wanted Québec given “special status”, but Trudeau refused Some Québecois felt policies not enough, wanted Québec given “special status”, but Trudeau refused

12. Bilingualism

13. The October Crisis October 1970: FLQ in Montréal kidnaps James Cross, a British diplomat October 1970: FLQ in Montréal kidnaps James Cross, a British diplomat Demand as ransom release of FLQ members in prison Demand as ransom release of FLQ members in prison Federal and provincial governments refuse to release FLQ prisoners Federal and provincial governments refuse to release FLQ prisoners FLQ kidnap Pierre Laporte, Québec Minister of Labour FLQ kidnap Pierre Laporte, Québec Minister of Labour PM Trudeau invokes War Measures Act PM Trudeau invokes War Measures Act Believed violent revolution beginning Believed violent revolution beginning First time War Measures Act used when not at war First time War Measures Act used when not at war Allows police to arrest and jail suspects without warrants or trials Allows police to arrest and jail suspects without warrants or trials FLQ outlawed, troops patrol Ottawa and Montréal FLQ outlawed, troops patrol Ottawa and Montréal 450 suspects arrested during crisis, most released without charges 450 suspects arrested during crisis, most released without charges

14. The October Crisis

17. Much controversy over Trudeau’s use of the War Measures Act Much controversy over Trudeau’s use of the War Measures Act Many believed it went too far in taking away civil rights Many believed it went too far in taking away civil rights PM Trudeau said it was necessary to fight terrorism PM Trudeau said it was necessary to fight terrorism October 17: body of Pierre Laporte found in trunk of car near Montréal airport October 17: body of Pierre Laporte found in trunk of car near Montréal airport PM Trudeau gets more support for War Measures Act PM Trudeau gets more support for War Measures Act Dec. 1970: kidnappers of James Cross found, his release traded for safe passage to Cuba Dec. 1970: kidnappers of James Cross found, his release traded for safe passage to Cuba Kidnappers of Laporte later found, convicted of kidnapping and murder Kidnappers of Laporte later found, convicted of kidnapping and murder

18. The October Crisis

19. The PQ in Power 1976: PQ win Québec election, Lévesque premier 1976: PQ win Québec election, Lévesque premier Lévesque promises to hold a referendum (vote on an issue) on whether to separate from Canada or not Lévesque promises to hold a referendum (vote on an issue) on whether to separate from Canada or not In the meantime, PQ pass Bill 101 In the meantime, PQ pass Bill 101 Made French the only official language in Québec Made French the only official language in Québec All signs must be in French only All signs must be in French only Provincial employees must work in French Provincial employees must work in French Kids must go to French schools, unless they have an English- speaking parent Kids must go to French schools, unless they have an English- speaking parent French-speakers in favour of Bill, felt French culture slipping away French-speakers in favour of Bill, felt French culture slipping away English-speakers disagree with Bill, felt it was oppressive English-speakers disagree with Bill, felt it was oppressive

20. The 1980 Referendum 1980: Lévesque calls a referendum 1980: Lévesque calls a referendum Asks for support to negotiate a sovereignty- association with federal government Asks for support to negotiate a sovereignty- association with federal government Québec would be politically separate from Canada, but remain linked economically Québec would be politically separate from Canada, but remain linked economically PM Trudeau against Québec separatism PM Trudeau against Québec separatism Campaigns for the “non” side Campaigns for the “non” side Promises to negotiate a new Constitution if Québec stays Promises to negotiate a new Constitution if Québec stays Result: 40% vote “oui” to separate, 60% vote “non” Result: 40% vote “oui” to separate, 60% vote “non” Lévesque accepts defeat, but encourages separatists not to give up Lévesque accepts defeat, but encourages separatists not to give up

21. The 1980 Referendum

22. Patriating the Constitution PM Trudeau keeps his promise, begins negotiating an updated Constitution PM Trudeau keeps his promise, begins negotiating an updated Constitution Canada still governed by BNA Act (1867) Canada still governed by BNA Act (1867) Could not be changed without permission from British Parliament Could not be changed without permission from British Parliament Trudeau wants to “patriate” the Constitution (bring it home to Canada), be able to make changes without British permission Trudeau wants to “patriate” the Constitution (bring it home to Canada), be able to make changes without British permission Wants to clarify the basic rights of Canadians Wants to clarify the basic rights of Canadians Needs support of provinces, though Needs support of provinces, though

23. Patriating the Constitution Amending formula and rules of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms must first be agreed upon Amending formula and rules of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms must first be agreed upon Provinces want more say over changing of Constitution, possible veto-power Provinces want more say over changing of Constitution, possible veto-power Provinces want to be able to opt-out of Charter Provinces want to be able to opt-out of Charter Worried that courts would become more powerful than provincial governments Worried that courts would become more powerful than provincial governments Québec afraid that Charter would be used to weaken Bill 101 Québec afraid that Charter would be used to weaken Bill 101 1980-81: Extended negotiations between provincial premiers and federal government largely unsuccessful 1980-81: Extended negotiations between provincial premiers and federal government largely unsuccessful

24. Constitutional Negotiations

25. Patriating the Constitution 4 Nov. 1981: final desperate attempt to come to agreement at hotel in Ottawa 4 Nov. 1981: final desperate attempt to come to agreement at hotel in Ottawa Federal Minister of Justice Jean Chrétien and a couple provincial politicians hammer out a final agreement between federal gov. and provinces Federal Minister of Justice Jean Chrétien and a couple provincial politicians hammer out a final agreement between federal gov. and provinces Called “Kitchen Compromise” or “Kitchen Accord” because written in hotel kitchen in middle of the night Called “Kitchen Compromise” or “Kitchen Accord” because written in hotel kitchen in middle of the night Provincial premiers woken up in hotel to sign the deal Provincial premiers woken up in hotel to sign the deal Québec premier Lévesque staying at other hotel, surprised by deal in the morning, refuses to agree to it, wants referendum on Constitution Québec premier Lévesque staying at other hotel, surprised by deal in the morning, refuses to agree to it, wants referendum on Constitution Referred to as “Night of the Long Knives” in Québec Referred to as “Night of the Long Knives” in Québec Compromise includes current amending formula and the notwithstanding clause, allowing provinces to opt-out of Charter Compromise includes current amending formula and the notwithstanding clause, allowing provinces to opt-out of Charter

26. Kitchen Compromise

27. Patriating the Constitution PM Trudeau goes ahead with new Constitution without Québec’s agreement PM Trudeau goes ahead with new Constitution without Québec’s agreement 17 April 1982: Constitution Act signed by Queen Elizabeth II and PM Trudeau in Ottawa 17 April 1982: Constitution Act signed by Queen Elizabeth II and PM Trudeau in Ottawa Canada now completely independent, last step in gaining autonomy from Great Britain Canada now completely independent, last step in gaining autonomy from Great Britain Many in Québec feel betrayed by federal government and other provinces Many in Québec feel betrayed by federal government and other provinces

28. Patriating the Constitution

29. Further Constitution Debate 1984: Brian Mulroney, campaigning to become next PM, promises to “fix” Constitution so Québec would sign it 1984: Brian Mulroney, campaigning to become next PM, promises to “fix” Constitution so Québec would sign it 1987: PM Mulroney holds conference with premiers at Meech Lake, Québec, come up with several changes to the Constitution – Meech Lake Accord 1987: PM Mulroney holds conference with premiers at Meech Lake, Québec, come up with several changes to the Constitution – Meech Lake Accord Québec to be recognized as a “distinct society” Québec to be recognized as a “distinct society” Change to amending formula to allow provincial vetoes Change to amending formula to allow provincial vetoes More provincial control over immigration, more input in appointment of senators and Supreme Court judges More provincial control over immigration, more input in appointment of senators and Supreme Court judges

30. Further Constitutional Debate Meech Lake Accord requires all provinces to agree to it within three years before it becomes law Meech Lake Accord requires all provinces to agree to it within three years before it becomes law Much debate over the Accord Much debate over the Accord Trudeau against the Accord, “distinct society” would isolate Québec Trudeau against the Accord, “distinct society” would isolate Québec First Nations argue that they should be recognized as a distinct society as well First Nations argue that they should be recognized as a distinct society as well Many Canadians want more input into the Accord Many Canadians want more input into the Accord 1990: deadline to agree to the Accord passes without Manitoba and Newfoundland agreeing, Accord fails 1990: deadline to agree to the Accord passes without Manitoba and Newfoundland agreeing, Accord fails Many in Québec feel betrayed again, more support for separatism Many in Québec feel betrayed again, more support for separatism MP Lucien Bouchard leaves Conservative Party and forms the Bloc Québécois (BQ), a federal separatist party MP Lucien Bouchard leaves Conservative Party and forms the Bloc Québécois (BQ), a federal separatist party

31. Meech Lake Accord

32. Further Constitutional Debate PM Mulroney tries again to amend the Constitution PM Mulroney tries again to amend the Constitution Learned from mistakes of Meech Lake Accord Learned from mistakes of Meech Lake Accord Seeks out input from Canadians on Constitutional changes in meetings across the country Seeks out input from Canadians on Constitutional changes in meetings across the country With recommendations from citizens and premiers, comes up with the Charlottetown Accord With recommendations from citizens and premiers, comes up with the Charlottetown Accord Québec to be recognized as a “distinct society” Québec to be recognized as a “distinct society” Senate to be elected Senate to be elected Supported Aboriginal self-government Supported Aboriginal self-government “Canada Clause” – proposed official Canadian values “Canada Clause” – proposed official Canadian values

33. Charlottetown Accord http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5uLPu4G TUQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5uLPu4G TUQ

34. Further Constitutional Debate Charlottetown Accord to be decided upon in a national referendum in October 1992 Charlottetown Accord to be decided upon in a national referendum in October 1992 54.5% of Canadian vote against it 54.5% of Canadian vote against it Many clauses in the Accord, easy to find something to disagree with Many clauses in the Accord, easy to find something to disagree with BC: 68.3% vote against it BC: 68.3% vote against it Felt would give Québec too much power (min. 25% of MPs) Felt would give Québec too much power (min. 25% of MPs) Québec: 56.7% vote against it Québec: 56.7% vote against it Not happy with many Senate seats going to Western provinces Not happy with many Senate seats going to Western provinces Aboriginal self-government would limit power in N. Québec Aboriginal self-government would limit power in N. Québec

35. Charlottetown Accord

36. Resurgence of Separatism Québec frustrated with Constitution developments Québec frustrated with Constitution developments Rise in support for separatism Rise in support for separatism 1993: separatist Bloc Québécois (BQ) win second most seats in federal election, becomes official opposition 1993: separatist Bloc Québécois (BQ) win second most seats in federal election, becomes official opposition Leader Lucien Bouchard Leader Lucien Bouchard 1994: separatist Parti Québécois (PQ) elected provincially 1994: separatist Parti Québécois (PQ) elected provincially Premier Jacques Parizeau promises referendum on full sovereignty (political independence), not sovereignty-association Premier Jacques Parizeau promises referendum on full sovereignty (political independence), not sovereignty-association 1995: referendum called for October 1995: referendum called for October PM Chrétien campaigns strongly for “non” side PM Chrétien campaigns strongly for “non” side Bouchard and Parizeau lead “oui” side Bouchard and Parizeau lead “oui” side

37. Parizeau and Bouchard

38. Resurgence of Separatism Large rallies and ad campaigns held for both sides Large rallies and ad campaigns held for both sides Debate over wording of referendum question: Debate over wording of referendum question: Do you agree that Québec should become sovereign after having made a formal offer to Canada for a new economic and political partnership within the scope of the bill respecting the future of Québec and of the agreement signed on June 12, 1995? Do you agree that Québec should become sovereign after having made a formal offer to Canada for a new economic and political partnership within the scope of the bill respecting the future of Québec and of the agreement signed on June 12, 1995? “Non” side believes question is confusing, unclear “Non” side believes question is confusing, unclear Oct. 1995: “Non” side barely wins Oct. 1995: “Non” side barely wins 50.6% “non”, 49.4% “oui” 50.6% “non”, 49.4% “oui”

39. 1995 Referendum

40. Resurgence of Separatism Aftermath Aftermath Extremely narrow margin devastating for “oui” side, shocking for “non” side Extremely narrow margin devastating for “oui” side, shocking for “non” side PM Chrétien and Liberals pass the Clarity Bill PM Chrétien and Liberals pass the Clarity Bill Would require a very clear question in any future referendum on separatism Would require a very clear question in any future referendum on separatism Separatism would require a “clear majority”, not just 50% + 1 Separatism would require a “clear majority”, not just 50% + 1 What is a “clear majority”? What is a “clear majority”? Support in Québec for separatism has decreased Support in Québec for separatism has decreased Québec Liberal Party in power since 2003 Québec Liberal Party in power since 2003 BQ still popular in Québec, but not focused on separatism BQ still popular in Québec, but not focused on separatism