CanadianCanadianFrench-English RelationsFrench-English Relations

World War One – 1914 -1918World War One – 1914 -1918

At the outset of World War At the outset of World War One – tremendous One – tremendous disagreement between disagreement between English and French Canada English and French Canada on what role Canada should on what role Canada should play in conflictplay in conflictFrench Canadians did not French Canadians did not think we should get involved think we should get involved in a European / British war in a European / British war Most English-Canadians Most English-Canadians still felt strong loyalty to still felt strong loyalty to Britain and wanted to lend Britain and wanted to lend supportsupport

1917 – Conscription Crisis of WWI1917 – Conscription Crisis of WWIWhen PM Borden introduced When PM Borden introduced Military Service act of 1917 – Military Service act of 1917 – introduced conscriptionintroduced conscriptionDivided Canada along language Divided Canada along language lineslinesEnglish Canada supportive of English Canada supportive of conscription, French Canada conscription, French Canada opposedopposedHenri Bourassa, the premier of Henri Bourassa, the premier of Quebec, appealed to Quebecois Quebec, appealed to Quebecois by saying that the war involved no by saying that the war involved no Canadian interests, and therefore Canadian interests, and therefore Canadians should not be involved.Canadians should not be involved.Québec City Riot (1918) protested Québec City Riot (1918) protested conscription, led to 4 deathsconscription, led to 4 deaths

World War Two 1939 - 1945World War Two 1939 - 1945

Many women in both Many women in both English & French English & French Canada gained Canada gained employment in employment in munitions factories, munitions factories, etc. etc. 1942 – Conscription 1942 – Conscription Crisis againCrisis again Not as severe as 1917, Not as severe as 1917,

but there were still but there were still protests and tensions protests and tensions

1930s - Roots of Quebec Nationalism1930s - Roots of Quebec Nationalism

Premier of Québec from 1936-Premier of Québec from 1936-1939, and again from 1944-1939, and again from 1944-19591959strong Québec nationalist who strong Québec nationalist who was devoted to the idea of was devoted to the idea of Québec as a Québec as a distinctive distinctive societysociety – – a “nation” a “nation” rather rather than just another Canadian than just another Canadian provinceprovinceintroduced flag for Québec introduced flag for Québec bearing the French symbol, bearing the French symbol, the the fleur-de-lisfleur-de-lis – to emphasize – to emphasize province’s difference from province’s difference from English-speaking CanadaEnglish-speaking Canadafiercely opposed growing fiercely opposed growing powers of federal government powers of federal government in post-war yearsin post-war years

1.1. Maurice Duplessis – Union NationaleMaurice Duplessis – Union Nationale

Duplessis – cont’Duplessis – cont’HOWEVER-HOWEVER-

while tried to keep out the while tried to keep out the influence of foreign culture, he influence of foreign culture, he encouraged foreign investmentencouraged foreign investmentbusinesses and industries from businesses and industries from Ontario and USA were attracted Ontario and USA were attracted by what Québec had to offer: by what Québec had to offer: guaranteed cheap labour, since guaranteed cheap labour, since union activity was either union activity was either discouraged or banned, and low discouraged or banned, and low taxestaxesin return for favourable business in return for favourable business conditions, companies were conditions, companies were expected to contribute generously expected to contribute generously to the Union Nationale – to the Union Nationale – ““kickbackskickbacks” / gifts” / giftsbribery and corruption trademarks bribery and corruption trademarks of Duplessis regimeof Duplessis regime

Roman Catholic ChurchRoman Catholic ChurchUnder Duplessis, the Roman Catholic Under Duplessis, the Roman Catholic Church was the main defender of Québec Church was the main defender of Québec cultureculturepriests urged people in Québec to turn priests urged people in Québec to turn their backs on the materialism of English-their backs on the materialism of English-speaking North Americaspeaking North AmericaChurch praised the old Québec traditions Church praised the old Québec traditions of farm, faith, and familyof farm, faith, and familyit ran Québec’s hospitals and schoolsit ran Québec’s hospitals and schoolsreligion played a role in every part of the religion played a role in every part of the curriculum, and the schools taught curriculum, and the schools taught children to accept authoritychildren to accept authoritythose few who attended high school and those few who attended high school and university received a fine education, but university received a fine education, but with an emphasis on traditional subjects with an emphasis on traditional subjects and languages and philosophyand languages and philosophyresult – Québec produced many priests, result – Québec produced many priests, lawyers, and politicians, but few scientists, lawyers, and politicians, but few scientists, engineers, or business peopleengineers, or business people

Quiet Revolution – 1960sQuiet Revolution – 1960s

1960 – Duplessis died – 1960 – Duplessis died – Jean LesageJean Lesage and the and the LiberalsLiberals came to power in came to power in Québec under the slogan, Québec under the slogan, “Time for a Change”“Time for a Change”Lesage – stamped out Lesage – stamped out corruptioncorruption gov. jobs and contracts gov. jobs and contracts

were now awarded were now awarded according to meritaccording to merit

wages and pensions wages and pensions were raisedwere raised

restrictions on trade restrictions on trade unionism removedunionism removed

Quiet Revolution - Quiet Revolution - ModernizationModernizationgovernment began a peaceful government began a peaceful but but dramatic movement to dramatic movement to modernize the province’s modernize the province’s economy, politics, economy, politics, education, and cultureeducation, and culturetook control of social services took control of social services and the education systemand the education systemstudents – required to take students – required to take more science and technology more science and technology courses to prepare them for courses to prepare them for the new Québecthe new QuébecQuebeckers were encouraged Quebeckers were encouraged to think of themselves as to think of themselves as citizens of the 20th centurycitizens of the 20th centuryas as new attitudes took hold, new attitudes took hold, the influence of the church the influence of the church declineddeclined wave of change – known wave of change – known

as the as the Quiet RevolutionQuiet Revolution

Quiet Revolution - Quiet Revolution - ““Maîtres Chez NousMaîtres Chez Nous””

after 1962 election – Liberals after 1962 election – Liberals campaigned, and won, with campaigned, and won, with the motto, “the motto, “maîtres chez maîtres chez nousnous” – “ masters in our own ” – “ masters in our own house”house”aim – to strengthen Québec’s aim – to strengthen Québec’s control of its own economycontrol of its own economyamong other steps – gov. among other steps – gov. nationalized (bought out) nationalized (bought out) several hydro companiesseveral hydro companies and and turned them into a large, turned them into a large, provincially-owned power provincially-owned power monopoly – monopoly – Hydro-Hydro-QuébecQuébec

SeparatismSeparatismresentment towards English-resentment towards English-speaking Canada grewspeaking Canada grewas francophone Quebeckers became as francophone Quebeckers became proud of their achievements – proud of their achievements – became angrier at what they became angrier at what they perceived as injustices by English-perceived as injustices by English-speaking Canadians – i.e.speaking Canadians – i.e. federal government federal government

overwhelmingly English; overwhelmingly English; French rarely held Cabinet posts; French rarely held Cabinet posts;

no French schools in the rest of no French schools in the rest of

Canada; Canada; Francophones expected to speak Francophones expected to speak

English in stores and at workEnglish in stores and at workfor some – only solution was for for some – only solution was for Quebec to be entirely controlled by Quebec to be entirely controlled by Quebeckers – in separation from Quebeckers – in separation from CanadaCanada

Separatism - FLQSeparatism - FLQsome young radicals – joined some young radicals – joined terrorist groups like the terrorist groups like the FLQ FLQ ((front de liberation du front de liberation du QuébecQuébec) and fought in the ) and fought in the name of “name of “Québec libre” Québec libre” – a – a “free” Québec“free” Québecused firebombs and used firebombs and explosives to attack symbols explosives to attack symbols of English-Canadian power in of English-Canadian power in QuébecQuébecmost notably – March 7, 1963 most notably – March 7, 1963 – 3 Canadian army buildings – 3 Canadian army buildings in Montreal were bombed in Montreal were bombed with Molotov cocktails with Molotov cocktails (homemade firebombs) (homemade firebombs) FLQ claimed responsibilityFLQ claimed responsibility

Separatism -Separatism - Lévesque and the PQ Lévesque and the PQ

1967 – influential 1967 – influential Québec cabinet minister Québec cabinet minister René Lévesque René Lévesque left the left the Liberal Party and formed Liberal Party and formed the the Parti Québécois Parti Québécois (PQ)(PQ)Lévesque believed that Lévesque believed that Québec and Canada Québec and Canada would do better to would do better to “divorce peacefully” than “divorce peacefully” than to continue a marriage to continue a marriage that seemed “no loner that seemed “no loner workable”workable”

Ottawa’s ResponseOttawa’s Response - Royal Commission - Royal CommissionLester Pearson – became Lester Pearson – became PM in midst of Quiet PM in midst of Quiet RevolutionRevolutionconvinced that Canada convinced that Canada would face a grave crisis would face a grave crisis unless the French were unless the French were made to feel more at made to feel more at home in Canadahome in Canadaappointed the appointed the Royal Royal Commission on Commission on Bilingualism and Bilingualism and Biculturalism (The “Bi Biculturalism (The “Bi and Bi Commission”) and Bi Commission”) to to investigate some solutionsinvestigate some solutionsMain recommendation: Main recommendation: that Canada should that Canada should become officially become officially bilingualbilingual

Ottawa’s Response - Ottawa’s Response - New Canadian Flag -1965New Canadian Flag -1965

1964 – 1964 – Pearson acted on long-Pearson acted on long-standing complaint in Québec standing complaint in Québec that Canada’s symbols were too that Canada’s symbols were too British – suggested a new British – suggested a new Canadian flag Canadian flag Maple Leaf chosen as symbol for Maple Leaf chosen as symbol for new flag because it seemed to new flag because it seemed to represent all Canadiansrepresent all Canadiansinstead – increased tensions in instead – increased tensions in CanadaCanadamany English Canadians opposed many English Canadians opposed the new flag because they felt the new flag because they felt Pearson was pandering to Pearson was pandering to QuébecQuébec heated debate – split the countryheated debate – split the country

now accepted by English-now accepted by English-Canadians – Quebeckers tend to Canadians – Quebeckers tend to favour favour fleur-de-lisfleur-de-lis

finally, on February 15, finally, on February 15, 1965 – Canada’s new flag 1965 – Canada’s new flag was raised on Parliament was raised on Parliament Hill for the 1st timeHill for the 1st time

Trudeau and QuébecTrudeau and Québec

1968 – Trudeau succeeded 1968 – Trudeau succeeded Pearson as PMPearson as PMdetermined that the federal gov. determined that the federal gov. should do more to persuade people should do more to persuade people from Québec that their future lay from Québec that their future lay with Canadawith Canada1969 – acted n the advice of the “Bi 1969 – acted n the advice of the “Bi and Bi Commission” and passed and Bi Commission” and passed the the Official Languages Official Languages ActAct – making Canada an – making Canada an officially bilingual countryofficially bilingual countryfrom this point on: all federal from this point on: all federal government agencies across government agencies across Canada were required to provide Canada were required to provide services in both languagesservices in both languages

Canada becomes Officially Bilingual in 1969Canada becomes Officially Bilingual in 1969

Official Languages Act - 1969Official Languages Act - 1969

met with mixed results met with mixed results – some embraced the – some embraced the idea – i.e. French idea – i.e. French Immersion classes; Immersion classes; others felt French others felt French being forced on thembeing forced on themWesterners still felt Westerners still felt ignoredignoredFrancophones not Francophones not impressed – wanted impressed – wanted ““special statusspecial status” for ” for Québec in Québec in ConfederationConfederationTrudeau would not Trudeau would not grant them thisgrant them this

October Crisis - 1970October Crisis - 1970On On October 5, 1970 October 5, 1970 members of the members of the FLQ kidnapped James CrossFLQ kidnapped James Cross, a , a British diplomat, from this Montreal British diplomat, from this Montreal homehomeIn exchange for Cross’s safe release – In exchange for Cross’s safe release – FLQ made several demands, including FLQ made several demands, including release of FLQ members serving prison release of FLQ members serving prison sentences for previous criminal actssentences for previous criminal actsFederal and Québec authorities agreed Federal and Québec authorities agreed to most demands – but refused to to most demands – but refused to release any FLQ prisoners from jailrelease any FLQ prisoners from jailthen FLQ kidnapped Québec Labour then FLQ kidnapped Québec Labour Minister Pierre LaporteMinister Pierre LaporteAlarmed that the situation was out of Alarmed that the situation was out of control – control – Trudeau asked Parliament Trudeau asked Parliament to impose the War Measures Actto impose the War Measures Act civil rights suspended; civil rights suspended; anyone could be arrested and anyone could be arrested and

detained without being charged with detained without being charged with an offense; an offense;

membership in FLQ became a membership in FLQ became a crime; crime;

James CrossPierre Laporte

October CrisisOctober CrisisWhen asked how far he would go When asked how far he would go to defeat the FLQ Trudeau said, to defeat the FLQ Trudeau said, “Just watch me.”“Just watch me.”October 16th – federal troops were October 16th – federal troops were sent to patrol the streets of Ottawa sent to patrol the streets of Ottawa and Montrealand MontrealHundreds of pro-separatist Hundreds of pro-separatist Quebeckers were arrested and Quebeckers were arrested and held without chargeheld without chargeOctober 17th – police found the October 17th – police found the body of Pierre Laporte in the trunk body of Pierre Laporte in the trunk of a car – had been strangledof a car – had been strangledTwo months later – Montreal Two months later – Montreal tracked the group holding Cross in tracked the group holding Cross in a Montreal housea Montreal houseIn return for Cross’ safe release – In return for Cross’ safe release – kidnappers were permitted safe kidnappers were permitted safe passage to Cuba, where they passage to Cuba, where they would be granted political asylumwould be granted political asylumThose detained under the War Those detained under the War Measures Act – releasedMeasures Act – releasedOf 450 people held in detention – Of 450 people held in detention – only 25 ever chargedonly 25 ever charged

Dec 3, 1970 - October Crisis OverDec 3, 1970 - October Crisis Over

Trudeau – Just Watch Me – (5:50)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfUq9b1XTa0

PQ in Power - 1976PQ in Power - 19761976 – René Lévesque and Parti 1976 – René Lévesque and Parti QuébécoisQuébécois won provincial election won provincial election during campaign Lévesque assured during campaign Lévesque assured

voters that the PQ voters that the PQ would not would not automatically mean separation - automatically mean separation - promised to hold a province-wide promised to hold a province-wide referendum on issuereferendum on issue

top priority as new gov. – strengthening the top priority as new gov. – strengthening the status of French languagestatus of French languagepassed Bill 101 – “Charter of the French passed Bill 101 – “Charter of the French Language” - Language” - law made French the only official law made French the only official

language of the provincelanguage of the province Québec gov. employees had to Québec gov. employees had to

work in Frenchwork in French Commercial outdoor signs would Commercial outdoor signs would

have to be in French onlyhave to be in French only children of immigrants would be children of immigrants would be

required to attend French rather required to attend French rather than English schoolsthan English schools

Francophone Quebeckers – welcomes the Francophone Quebeckers – welcomes the Lang. law to protect their culture and Lang. law to protect their culture and languagelanguageto non-Francophones – symbol of to non-Francophones – symbol of oppressionoppressionfederal gov. had to find a way to preserve federal gov. had to find a way to preserve Canadian unityCanadian unity

1980 Referendum1980 Referendum1980 – Lévesque gov. called 1980 – Lévesque gov. called a referendum – people asked a referendum – people asked to vote:to vote:““YES” YES” – to give his gov. a – to give his gov. a mandate to negotiate a new mandate to negotiate a new agreement with Canada agreement with Canada based on based on sovereignty-sovereignty-associationassociation proposed that Québec proposed that Québec

become become politically politically independentindependent, yet maintain a , yet maintain a close economic close economic associationassociation with Canada with Canada

Trudeau – made impassioned Trudeau – made impassioned speeches urging the people of speeches urging the people of Quebec to remain part of a Quebec to remain part of a strong, united, and forward-strong, united, and forward-looking Canadalooking CanadaTrudeau promised to Trudeau promised to negotiate a new Constitution negotiate a new Constitution should the “No” side winshould the “No” side win

RESULT – RESULT – 40% voted “YES”40% voted “YES”60% voted “NO”60% voted “NO”

Patriating the ConstitutionPatriating the ConstitutionTrudeau’s intention:Trudeau’s intention:

BNA Act had been BNA Act had been Canada’s constitution Canada’s constitution since 1867 – but fell since 1867 – but fell under British jurisdiction under British jurisdiction – no changes could be – no changes could be made without the British made without the British Parliament’s approvalParliament’s approvalTrudeau wanted to Trudeau wanted to patriatepatriate the Constitution the Constitution (bring it home to (bring it home to Canada), where Canada), where Canadian gov. would Canadian gov. would have the authority to have the authority to make changes; make changes;

also wanted to include a also wanted to include a Charter of Rights and Charter of Rights and Freedoms – but needed Freedoms – but needed approval of provincesapproval of provinces

Negotiations with ProvincesNegotiations with Provinces

1st step – needed to come up 1st step – needed to come up with an with an amending formulaamending formulaBUT – difficult to get all BUT – difficult to get all provinces, with their differing provinces, with their differing opinions and interests, to agreeopinions and interests, to agreeseries of meetings – led to series of meetings – led to frustrationfrustrationfederal Justice Minister, Jean federal Justice Minister, Jean Chrétien, amid justice ministers Chrétien, amid justice ministers from Ont. and Sask. created from Ont. and Sask. created what became known as the what became known as the ““Kitchen CompromiseKitchen Compromise””9/10 premiers awakened in their 9/10 premiers awakened in their hotel rooms to approve the deal hotel rooms to approve the deal – because Lévesque was – because Lévesque was staying at a different hotelstaying at a different hotel

Negotiations with ProvincesNegotiations with Provinces

only would accept Charter if an only would accept Charter if an escape clause was added – escape clause was added – ““notwithstanding clausenotwithstanding clause””allowed the federal gov. or allowed the federal gov. or provincial gov’s to provincial gov’s to opt outopt out of some of some of the clauses of the Charterof the clauses of the Chartermeant that a provincial law that meant that a provincial law that was contrary to a specific Charter was contrary to a specific Charter guarantee would be passed, guarantee would be passed, despite anything the Charter despite anything the Charter containscontains

amending formula reachedamending formula reached – changes to the Constitution – changes to the Constitution would be made only with the would be made only with the agreement of agreement of 7/10 provincial 7/10 provincial legislatures representing 50% legislatures representing 50% of Canada’s populationof Canada’s population

Negotiations with ProvincesNegotiations with Provinces

afterwards – Lévesque afterwards – Lévesque argued against the deal but argued against the deal but Trudeau went ahead – he Trudeau went ahead – he maintained that the federal maintained that the federal gov. had so many members gov. had so many members from Québec that it would from Québec that it would speak for that provincespeak for that provinceLévesque and people of Lévesque and people of Québec felt betrayedQuébec felt betrayedresult – called it the “Night of result – called it the “Night of the Long Knives”the Long Knives”Québec provincial Québec provincial government refused to sign government refused to sign the proposed new the proposed new ConstitutionConstitution

Constitution Act - 1982Constitution Act - 1982

Trudeau went ahead anywayTrudeau went ahead anywayOn On April 17, 1982 April 17, 1982 – the new – the new Constitution Act Constitution Act was was signed into law by Queen signed into law by Queen Elizabeth II and PM Trudeau Elizabeth II and PM Trudeau outside the Parliament outside the Parliament Buildings in OttawaBuildings in Ottawalast step to making Canada last step to making Canada a completely independent a completely independent nationnationas the rest of the country as the rest of the country celebrated – flags flew at celebrated – flags flew at half mast in Québec; half mast in Québec; Lévesque led angry Lévesque led angry demonstration in Québec demonstration in Québec CityCity

Unreconciled Provinces - Trudeau http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIwqlft4DdY&feature=related.&fmt=18

Constitution Debate - MulroneyConstitution Debate - Mulroney1984 - Mulroney became 1984 - Mulroney became PM in part due to his PM in part due to his promise to obtain Quebec’s promise to obtain Quebec’s consent to the Constitution consent to the Constitution “with honour and “with honour and enthusiasm”enthusiasm”At same time, René At same time, René Lévesque retired and pro-Lévesque retired and pro-federalist Liberal Party, led federalist Liberal Party, led by Robert Bourassa, took by Robert Bourassa, took power in Quebecpower in QuebecMulroney began Mulroney began negotiations with Bourassa negotiations with Bourassa – his plan - to reach an – his plan - to reach an agreement Quebec would agreement Quebec would sign – but other provinces sign – but other provinces also had own demandsalso had own demands

PM Mulroney

Examples: Newfoundland Examples: Newfoundland (fisheries) and Alberta (oil) – (fisheries) and Alberta (oil) – wanted more control of their wanted more control of their own resources & wanted own resources & wanted reforms to Senate that would reforms to Senate that would allow their provinces to have a allow their provinces to have a stronger voice in Ottawastronger voice in Ottawa

Western AlienationWestern Alienation

came to a head again over a came to a head again over a contract to repair air force jets – contract to repair air force jets – multibillion $ contract multibillion $ contract awarded to the awarded to the Bombardier Bombardier company of Montrealcompany of Montreal, even , even though though Bristol Aerospace of Bristol Aerospace of Winnipeg Winnipeg had made a better had made a better proposalproposal felt gov. wanted to “buy” felt gov. wanted to “buy”

Conservative votes in QuebecConservative votes in Quebec RESPONSE – Reform Party RESPONSE – Reform Party

formed in 1987 formed in 1987 to be the voice of to be the voice of western Canadawestern Canada

Preston Manning

Meech Lake Accord - 1987Meech Lake Accord - 19871987 1987 – PM Mulroney called – PM Mulroney called the premiers to a conference the premiers to a conference at at Meech LakeMeech Lake proposed a package of proposed a package of

amendments to the amendments to the Constitution Constitution

offered to recognize offered to recognize Quebec as a “distinct Quebec as a “distinct society”society”

proposed giving more proposed giving more power to the other power to the other provinces – ie. All would provinces – ie. All would have power to veto have power to veto Constitutional changeConstitutional change

Special Status for PQ – Trudeauhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLkJbcW33rE&NR=1.&fmt=18

Equality or Independence? Trudeauhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeSZyHiex5k&feature=related.&fmt=18

Meech Lake Accord - 1987Meech Lake Accord - 1987

Response:Response: Quebec Quebec supported Accordsupported Accord many many critics critics – especially – especially

Trudeau Trudeau – said that the – said that the designation of Quebec as a designation of Quebec as a distinct society would create distinct society would create ““two solitudes”two solitudes” in Canada in Canada – it would isolate the – it would isolate the Francophones of QuebecFrancophones of Quebec

other people worried that the other people worried that the clause could be used for clause could be used for Quebec to override the Quebec to override the Charter and deprive specific Charter and deprive specific groups of their rightsgroups of their rights

Meech Lake Accord - 1987Meech Lake Accord - 1987

Aboriginal peoples Aboriginal peoples pointed pointed out that they too had a out that they too had a distinct society that needed to distinct society that needed to be recognized and protectedbe recognized and protectedmany thought Canadian many thought Canadian citizens citizens had not been given had not been given the opportunity for inputthe opportunity for inputManitoba and Manitoba and NewfoundlandNewfoundland – withheld – withheld their support – therefore, their support – therefore, Meech Lake Accord Meech Lake Accord disintegrated in June, 1990disintegrated in June, 1990Quebeckers – saw rejection Quebeckers – saw rejection as a “humiliation” – by late as a “humiliation” – by late 1990, support for 1990, support for separation rose to 64%separation rose to 64% Elijah Harper – MLA in Manitoba

Legislature – withheld support for Meech Lake due to lack of provisions for Aboriginals

Meech Lake Accord - 1987Meech Lake Accord - 1987

Lucien Bouchard Lucien Bouchard – – powerful Quebec powerful Quebec member of Mulroney’s member of Mulroney’s Cabinet Cabinet 1991 - resigned in 1991 - resigned in protest and formed the protest and formed the Bloc QuébécoisBloc Québécois – – political party that political party that would run in federal would run in federal elections to support the elections to support the aim of Quebec aim of Quebec separationseparation

The Charlottetown AccordThe Charlottetown Accord

PM Mulroney – PM Mulroney – continued with continued with Constitution debateConstitution debateto avoid past mistakes, to avoid past mistakes, appointed a special appointed a special “Citizen’s Forum” – a “Citizen’s Forum” – a committee that travelled committee that travelled across the nation to hear across the nation to hear the views of Canadiansthe views of Canadianseventually – Mulroney & eventually – Mulroney & the premiers came up the premiers came up with another package of with another package of proposed Constitutional proposed Constitutional amendments amendments – – the the Charlottetown AccordCharlottetown Accord

Charlottetown AccordCharlottetown Accord1.1. Proposed Senate ReformProposed Senate Reform – making – making

it elected with equal representation it elected with equal representation from all parts of the country (West from all parts of the country (West wanted this)wanted this)

2.2. answered answered Quebec’s concernsQuebec’s concerns3.3. supported Aboriginal self-supported Aboriginal self-

government government put to a put to a national referendumnational referendum in in

October, 1992October, 1992 54.5% of voters rejected it54.5% of voters rejected it problem: so many clauses, each problem: so many clauses, each

designed to please a different designed to please a different group – easy to find faultgroup – easy to find fault

greatest opposition – BC – greatest opposition – BC – 68.3% voted “NO”68.3% voted “NO”

Growing Feelings of SeparatismGrowing Feelings of Separatism

1993 – Bloc Quebecois became the 1993 – Bloc Quebecois became the Official Official OppositionOpposition in Canadian federal government in Canadian federal government

1995 Referendum1995 Referendum

second referendum to ask second referendum to ask voters in Quebec whether voters in Quebec whether Quebec should secede from Quebec should secede from Canada and become an Canada and become an independent state.independent state.1995 referendum differed from 1995 referendum differed from the 1980 referendum on the 1980 referendum on Quebec's sovereignty in that Quebec's sovereignty in that the 1980 question proposed to the 1980 question proposed to negotiate "sovereignty-negotiate "sovereignty-association" with the Canadian association" with the Canadian governmentgovernmentthe 1995 question proposed the 1995 question proposed "sovereignty", along with an "sovereignty", along with an optionaloptional partnership offer to the partnership offer to the rest of Canada.rest of Canada.

1995 Referendum1995 Referendum

The referendum took The referendum took place in Quebec on place in Quebec on October 30, 1995, and October 30, 1995, and the motion to decide the motion to decide whether Quebec should whether Quebec should secede from Canada secede from Canada was defeated by an was defeated by an extremely small margin: extremely small margin: 50.58% "No" 50.58% "No" 49.42% "Yes"49.42% "Yes"

First Nations in QuebecFirst Nations in QuebecIn preparation for a "Yes" In preparation for a "Yes" victory, aboriginal peoples in victory, aboriginal peoples in Quebec strongly affirmed their Quebec strongly affirmed their own right to self determination. own right to self determination. First Nations Chiefs articulated First Nations Chiefs articulated that forcing them to join an that forcing them to join an independent Quebec would independent Quebec would violate international law. violate international law. In the final week of the In the final week of the referendum campaign, they referendum campaign, they would insist on being full would insist on being full participants in any new participants in any new constitutional negotiations constitutional negotiations resulting from the referendum.resulting from the referendum.voted overwhelmingly against voted overwhelmingly against Quebec independence on the Quebec independence on the eve of the referendum.eve of the referendum.

First Nations in QuebecFirst Nations in QuebecOn October 24, 1995 they organized On October 24, 1995 they organized their own referendum asking the their own referendum asking the question: question: "Do you consent, as a "Do you consent, as a people, that the Government of people, that the Government of Quebec separate the James Bay Quebec separate the James Bay Crees and Cree traditional territory Crees and Cree traditional territory from Canada in the event of a Yes from Canada in the event of a Yes vote in the Quebec referendum?"vote in the Quebec referendum?" 96.3% of the 77% of Crees who cast 96.3% of the 77% of Crees who cast ballots voted to stay in Canada. ballots voted to stay in Canada. The Inuit of The Inuit of NunavikNunavik held a similar held a similar local vote asking local vote asking "Do you agree that "Do you agree that Quebec should become Quebec should become sovereign?"sovereign?", with 96% voting No. , with 96% voting No. First Nations communities were an First Nations communities were an important contribution to the tense important contribution to the tense debate on a hypothetical partition of debate on a hypothetical partition of Quebec.Quebec.

1998 Supreme Court Decision1998 Supreme Court Decision

Supreme Court Rules Supreme Court Rules that Quebec did not have that Quebec did not have the right to separate the right to separate unilaterally (to decide by unilaterally (to decide by itself) from Canadaitself) from CanadaQuebec would have to Quebec would have to negotiate with the federal negotiate with the federal government, the 9 other government, the 9 other provinces, and the provinces, and the Aboriginal peoples living Aboriginal peoples living in Quebecin QuebecAlso – any referendums Also – any referendums had to have a “clear had to have a “clear majority” that voted “yes” majority” that voted “yes” to a “clear question”to a “clear question”

1999 - 2000 – 1999 - 2000 – Clarity ActClarity Act

Introduced in 1999 – passed in 2000 Introduced in 1999 – passed in 2000 Law that established the conditions Law that established the conditions under which the Government of under which the Government of Canada would enter into negotiations Canada would enter into negotiations that might lead to secession following that might lead to secession following such a vote by one of the provinces. such a vote by one of the provinces. Basically put Supreme Court ruling Basically put Supreme Court ruling into law: into law: said that in order to lead said that in order to lead to separation negotiations, a to separation negotiations, a referendum on independence in a referendum on independence in a given province would have to have given province would have to have "clearly" (according to the "clearly" (according to the judgment of the Canadian House judgment of the Canadian House of Commons) framed its question of Commons) framed its question to voters in terms of to voters in terms of independence, and that the result independence, and that the result would have to be a "clear would have to be a "clear majority" in favor, rather than majority" in favor, rather than merely, for instance, a 50%+1 merely, for instance, a 50%+1 majority.majority.