CANADIAN HISTORY Quebec Nationalism and Canadian Unity 1960-Present
For this section be able to define Federalism Separatism FLQ
La survivance - survival Quebec had been a French colony until conquered by the British in 1760.
The major issue for French-speaking people became la survivance survival of; Their language Their religion Their culture Their separate identity The rallying cry of the French in Quebec became Je me souviens - I remember!
Post - WWII La survivance also came to mean economic survival within Quebec Politics was dominated by Maurice Duplessis (Le Chef) of the Union Nationale Duplessis worked to create a spirit of French-Canadian nationalism within Quebec. Duplessis was seen as the protector of Quebec He fought for more powers for Quebec
Problems in Quebec Because of so much English investment most French Canadians needed to speak English to get the highest paying jobs This created a growing resentment by university graduates seeking jobs Duplessis aligned himself with the RC Church and conservative groups to stay in power. The church, who controlled education, were using curriculum to protect French culture but were not preparing Quebecers for modern jobs, therefore Quebecers were poorly paid Status Quo
Duplessis aligned himself with the RC Church and conservative groups to stay in power. The church, who controlled education, were using curriculum to protect French culture but were not preparing Quebecers for modern jobs, therefore Quebecers were poorly paid Duplessis ruled with an iron fist and resisted change..
The Quiet Revolution In 1960 Jean Lesage s Liberal party won the election in Quebec. He promised two main things: Improve the economic and social standards of Quebecers Win greater recognition for all French-speaking people and gain more control over their futures These attempts at change became known as the Quiet Revolution
Reforms of the Quiet Revolution Nationalized hydroelectric power companies Modernization of education Control of hospitals Social legislation to improve labour laws
A new pride in Quebec Lesage s reforms resulted in many changes; Professionals returned to Quebec to work in the new economy Education reform trained Quebecers to work in the new economy A rise in French Canadian culture was expressed in plays, music, films, books, art.. Meanwhile, some French Canadians suggested that Quebec was not a province like the others, but a nation with its own culture, language, history, institutions and government.
The Separatist Movement Lesage tried to bring about change within the framework of Confederation. Federalist. Other French Canadians suggested that the only solution to Quebec s problems was separatism. They argued Quebec s interests and the interests of the rest of Canada were not the same. Separatism means the desire of a province to break away from the Canadian union and form its own nation.
Front de Liberation du Quebec - FLQ Created in 1963 with the goal of achieving independence for Quebec by any means necessary, including terrorism. They published a manifesto with the slogan Independence or Death
Refer to Section 8.3 page 328
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Supported the Quiet Revolution in Quebec, but became a strong Federalist after the rise of the Separatist movement. Trudeau attracted supporters both young and old Trudeaumania spread throughout Canada in the 1970s Trudeau argued for a just society and spearheaded the reform of laws on divorce, abortion, homosexuality, and birth control.
October Crisis Trudeau could also be tough, critical of opposition and arrogant. He took a hard stance during the October Crisis, enacting the War Measures Act!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7_a2wa2dd4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mptzeqbtj-0
A new Canada Official Languages Act (1963) gave French and English equal status in the government of Canada Canada survived two plebicites or referendums on Quebec sovereignty (1980 and 1995) Canada moved towards a policy of multiculturalism - where diversity is recognized and respected. Women continued to push for new rights (access to birth control information and abortions, maternity benefits, equal pay, national daycare etc.) Aboriginal Peoples made important breakthroughs, winning important land claims, and rights.