Quebec Nationalism

“The Quiet Revolution”

Jean Lesage – “Time for a Change”

Stamp out corruption Wages and pensions raised

Modernization across the sectors

Decline in influence of Catholic Church

Separatism and the FLQ

Extremist group that committed acts of terror

October Crisis 1970 James Cross and Pierre Laporte kidnapped by FLQ

Trudeau passes the War Measures Act

Hundreds of FLQ associated arrested

Laporte found dead in trunk of car

James Cross released in exchange for FLQ demands

Bi and Bi Commission

Pearson’s committee to investigate solutionsto rising French discontent

Official Languages Act

Trudeau makes French and English the2 official languages in Canada

Parti Quebecois

Separatist party, led by Rene Levesque

Won the 1976 provincial election

Bill 101

In Quebec French would be the only official language

Commercial signs in French only

Immigrants required to attend French schools

Patriating the Constitution - 1982

Canadian gov’t would have sold authority to make changes

Amending Formula

7 out of 10 provinces representing 50% of population

“Kitchen Accord”

Chretien met with 2 justice ministers, creating changesto the deal

Provincial premiers were asked to approve. Levesque refused.

Notwithstanding Clause

allows Parliament or provincial legislatures to override certain portions of the Charter

Meech Lake Accord - 1987

Proposed to recognize Quebec as a “distinct society”

Manitoba and Nfld withheld their support

Multiculturalism Act Passed in 1988

Reinforced cultural and racial equality

Charlottetown Accord - 1992

National referendum was rejected, especially by BC

Referendum of 1995

Quebec Premier Parizeau called for a referendum on theissue of Quebec sovereignty

50.6% 49.4%