Quebec Part 1

TOPIC 3 The Duplessis Era in Quebec

The Hockey Sweater

Duplessis’ Quebec

Quebec Premier 1936-1939, 1944-1959 when he died (Union Nationale)

Wanted traditional live and values back to the farm and

simple country life.

Kept federal government interference to a minimal

Refused federal government money and grants for education

Duplessis’ Quebec continued

Delayed needed reform modernization industrialization

Controlled unions and kept wages and benefits low for workers

Encouraged Eng. Canadian and American investment in Quebec factories, businesses and natural resource

Montreal 1950

How did Duplessis stay in power? Weak opposition

Was supported by the Catholic Church

Was a good speaker – Convinced Quebecers that he was the champion Quebec’s survival

Ridings were rewarded with new roads, hospitals and other services if they supported him

Unions were squashed – believed to be communistic inspired

Big Business (English Canadian and American) supported him in return for business opportunities in Quebec

Results

French Canadians did not get the education needed to be competitive in the post-war era

Big business belonged to English speaking Canadians

French Canadians felt like 2nd class citizens in their own country

Great resentment towards English Canada

Quebec Part 2

Jean Lesage and the Quiet Revolution

Lesage and the Quiet Revolution

Duplessis dies 1959, Jean Lesage becomes leader

Lesage promises: (Quiet Revolution Goals)

improve social standards improve economic standards Win greater recognition for Fr.

Slogan “Maitres chez nous / masters in our own house”

Video Peoples History 1964-76 “Maitre Chez Nous”

Quiet Revolution Continued Education:

give control to province rather than church Curriculum focus on business, technology, science and engineering –

tools to function in the industrial world

Social Programs Shift from RC Church to state

Economic Standards Private Hydro-electric companies (in foreign hands) were brought by

the state and became Hydro Quebec – symbol of economic liberation

Language made working language French, not English

Culture Pro French political themes and messages emerged in new freedoms

of expression – books, film, art, music….

Outcome of the Quiet Revolution French Canadians realized

the extent of the discrimination they had injured. New middle-class of elite

emerged that challenged Quebec’s position in Confederation

French Canadian and English Canadian relations tense

Rise of separatist groups (3) FLQ bombings 1960

3 Wise Men

Expo 67 Canada (Montreal) hosts the

World Fair

Celebrates our Centenary (100 years)

50 million visitors from 60 countries visited

French President Charles DeGaulle delivers a speech to a roaring enthusiastic crowd “vive le Quebec libre” Rallied a cry for Quebec

separation

Video Peoples History 1964-76 “Vive le Quebec Libre”

P.M. Pearson’s Federal Response: Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism Purpose: To examine

the state of Fr /Eng. relations in Canada and make recommendations

Made of equal numbers French and English speaking members + 2 members from other ethnic groups

Video Peoples History 1964-76 – “Language Wars”

Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism

Findings:

1. Strong regional self-interest everywhere in Canada

2. In Quebec, rise of radical separatist groups

3. Battle of 2 majorities (Quebec and Canada)

Recommendations Canada should be a bilingual country Eng & Fr. Official languages of parliament and federal

courts Government services should all be offered both

languages anywhere in Canada

The Quebec Question

All 3 recommendations carried out in the Official Languages Act, 1969 By the Trudeau Government. Known as Bill 101

Still not enough

FLQ October Crisis 1970