1. Canadian French-English Relations

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

3. 1917 – Conscription Crisis of WWI
When PM Borden introduced Military Service act of 1917 – introduced conscription
Divided Canada along language lines
English Canada supportive of conscription, French Canada opposed
Henri Bourassa, the premier of Quebec, appealed to Quebecois by saying that the war involved no Canadian interests, and therefore Canadians should not be involved.
Québec City Riot (1918) protested conscription, led to 4 deaths

4. World War Two
Many women in both English & French Canada gained employment in munitions factories, etc.
1942 – Conscription Crisis again
Not as severe as 1917, but there were still protests and tensions

5. 1930s - Roots of Quebec Nationalism
1. Maurice Duplessis – Union Nationale
Premier of Québec from , and again from
strong Québec nationalist who was devoted to the idea of Québec as a distinctive society – a “nation” rather than just another Canadian province
introduced flag for Québec bearing the French symbol, the fleur-de-lis – to emphasize province’s difference from English-speaking Canada
fiercely opposed growing powers of federal government in post-war years

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

7. Roman Catholic Church
Under Duplessis, the Roman Catholic Church was the main defender of Québec culture
priests urged people in Québec to turn their backs on the materialism of English-speaking North America
Church praised the old Québec traditions of farm, faith, and family
it ran Québec’s hospitals and schools
religion played a role in every part of the curriculum, and the schools taught children to accept authority
those few who attended high school and university received a fine education, but with an emphasis on traditional subjects and languages and philosophy
result – Québec produced many priests, lawyers, and politicians, but few scientists, engineers, or business people

8. Quiet Revolution – 1960s
1960 – Duplessis died – Jean Lesage and the Liberals came to power in Québec under the slogan, “Time for a Change”
Lesage – stamped out corruption
gov. jobs and contracts were now awarded according to merit
wages and pensions were raised
restrictions on trade unionism removed

9. Quiet Revolution - Modernization
government began a peaceful but dramatic movement to modernize the province’s economy, politics, education, and culture
took control of social services and the education system
students – required to take more science and technology courses to prepare them for the new Québec
Quebeckers were encouraged to think of themselves as citizens of the 20th century
as new attitudes took hold, the influence of the church declined
wave of change – known as the Quiet Revolution

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

11. Separatism resentment towards English-speaking Canada grew
as francophone Quebeckers became proud of their achievements – became angrier at what they perceived as injustices by English-speaking Canadians – i.e.
federal government overwhelmingly English;
French rarely held Cabinet posts;
no French schools in the rest of Canada;
Francophones expected to speak English in stores and at work
for some – only solution was for Quebec to be entirely controlled by Quebeckers – in separation from Canada

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

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

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

15. Ottawa’s Response - New Canadian Flag -1965
1964 – Pearson acted on long-standing complaint in Québec that Canada’s symbols were too British – suggested a new Canadian flag
Maple Leaf chosen as symbol for new flag because it seemed to represent all Canadians
instead – increased tensions in Canada
many English Canadians opposed the new flag because they felt Pearson was pandering to Québec
heated debate – split the country
now accepted by English-Canadians – Quebeckers tend to favour fleur-de-lis
finally, on February 15, 1965 – Canada’s new flag was raised on Parliament Hill for the 1st time

16. Trudeau and Québec Canada becomes Officially Bilingual in 1969
1968 – Trudeau succeeded Pearson as PM
determined that the federal gov. should do more to persuade people from Québec that their future lay with Canada
1969 – acted n the advice of the “Bi and Bi Commission” and passed the Official Languages Act – making Canada an officially bilingual country
from this point on: all federal government agencies across Canada were required to provide services in both languages

17. Official Languages Act - 1969
met with mixed results – some embraced the idea – i.e. French Immersion classes; others felt French being forced on them
Westerners still felt ignored
Francophones not impressed – wanted “special status” for Québec in Confederation
Trudeau would not grant them this

18. October Crisis
On October 5, members of the FLQ kidnapped James Cross, a British diplomat, from this Montreal home
In exchange for Cross’s safe release – FLQ made several demands, including release of FLQ members serving prison sentences for previous criminal acts
Federal and Québec authorities agreed to most demands – but refused to release any FLQ prisoners from jail
then FLQ kidnapped Québec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte
Alarmed that the situation was out of control – Trudeau asked Parliament to impose the War Measures Act
civil rights suspended;
anyone could be arrested and detained without being charged with an offense;
membership in FLQ became a crime;
James Cross
Pierre Laporte

19. When asked how far he would go to defeat the FLQ Trudeau said, “Just watch me.”
October 16th – federal troops were sent to patrol the streets of Ottawa and Montreal
Hundreds of pro-separatist Quebeckers were arrested and held without charge
October 17th – police found the body of Pierre Laporte in the trunk of a car – had been strangled
Two months later – Montreal tracked the group holding Cross in a Montreal house
In return for Cross’ safe release – kidnappers were permitted safe passage to Cuba, where they would be granted political asylum
Those detained under the War Measures Act – released
Of 450 people held in detention – only 25 ever charged
October Crisis
Dec 3, October Crisis Over
Trudeau – Just Watch Me – (5:50)

20. PQ in Power
1976 – René Lévesque and Parti Québécois won provincial election
during campaign Lévesque assured voters that the PQ would not automatically mean separation - promised to hold a province-wide referendum on issue
top priority as new gov. – strengthening the status of French language
passed Bill 101 – “Charter of the French Language” -
law made French the only official language of the province
Québec gov. employees had to work in French
Commercial outdoor signs would have to be in French only
children of immigrants would be required to attend French rather than English schools
Francophone Quebeckers – welcomes the Lang. law to protect their culture and language
to non-Francophones – symbol of oppression
federal gov. had to find a way to preserve Canadian unity

21. 1980 Referendum RESULT – 40% voted “YES” 60% voted “NO”
1980 – Lévesque gov. called a referendum – people asked to vote:
“YES” – to give his gov. a mandate to negotiate a new agreement with Canada based on sovereignty-association
proposed that Québec become politically independent, yet maintain a close economic association with Canada
Trudeau – made impassioned speeches urging the people of Quebec to remain part of a strong, united, and forward-looking Canada
Trudeau promised to negotiate a new Constitution should the “No” side win
RESULT –
40% voted “YES”
60% voted “NO”

22. Patriating the Constitution
Trudeau’s intention:
BNA Act had been Canada’s constitution since 1867 – but fell under British jurisdiction – no changes could be made without the British Parliament’s approval
Trudeau wanted to patriate the Constitution (bring it home to Canada), where Canadian gov. would have the authority to make changes;
also wanted to include a Charter of Rights and Freedoms – but needed approval of provinces

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

24. Negotiations with Provinces7
out of
only would accept Charter if an escape clause was added – “notwithstanding clause”
allowed the federal gov. or provincial gov’s to opt out of some of the clauses of the Charter
meant that a provincial law that was contrary to a specific Charter guarantee would be passed, despite anything the Charter contains
amending formula reached – changes to the Constitution would be made only with the agreement of 7/10 provincial legislatures representing 50%
of Canada’s population 10 +
50%
of the population

25. Negotiations with Provinces
afterwards – Lévesque argued against the deal but Trudeau went ahead – he maintained that the federal gov. had so many members from Québec that it would speak for that province
Lévesque and people of Québec felt betrayed
result – called it the “Night of the Long Knives”
Québec provincial government refused to sign the proposed new Constitution

26. Constitution Act - 1982 Trudeau went ahead anyway
On April 17, 1982 – the new Constitution Act was signed into law by Queen Elizabeth II and PM Trudeau outside the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa
last step to making Canada a completely independent nation
as the rest of the country celebrated – flags flew at half mast in Québec; Lévesque led angry demonstration in Québec City
Unreconciled Provinces - Trudeau

27. Constitution Debate - Mulroney
Mulroney became PM in part due to his promise to obtain Quebec’s consent to the Constitution “with honour and enthusiasm”
At same time, René Lévesque retired and pro-federalist Liberal Party, led by Robert Bourassa, took power in Quebec
Mulroney began negotiations with Bourassa – his plan - to reach an agreement Quebec would sign – but other provinces also had own demands
PM Mulroney
Examples: Newfoundland (fisheries) and Alberta (oil) – wanted more control of their own resources & wanted reforms to Senate that would allow their provinces to have a stronger voice in Ottawa

28. Western Alienation
came to a head again over a contract to repair air force jets – multibillion $ contract
awarded to the Bombardier company of Montreal, even though Bristol Aerospace of Winnipeg had made a better proposal
felt gov. wanted to “buy” Conservative votes in Quebec
RESPONSE – Reform Party formed in 1987 to be the voice of western Canada
Preston Manning

29. Meech Lake Accord
1987 – PM Mulroney called the premiers to a conference at Meech Lake
proposed a package of amendments to the Constitution
offered to recognize Quebec as a “distinct society”
proposed giving more power to the other provinces – ie. All would have power to veto Constitutional change
Equality or Independence? Trudeau
Special Status for PQ – Trudeau

30. Meech Lake Accord - 1987 Response: Quebec supported Accord
many critics – especially Trudeau – said that the designation of Quebec as a distinct society would create “two solitudes” in Canada – it would isolate the Francophones of Quebec
other people worried that the clause could be used for Quebec to override the Charter and deprive specific groups of their rights

31. Meech Lake Accord
Aboriginal peoples pointed out that they too had a distinct society that needed to be recognized and protected
many thought Canadian citizens had not been given the opportunity for input
Manitoba and Newfoundland – withheld their support – therefore, Meech Lake Accord disintegrated in June, 1990
Quebeckers – saw rejection as a “humiliation” – by late 1990, support for separation rose to 64%
Elijah Harper – MLA in Manitoba Legislature – withheld support for Meech Lake due to lack of provisions for Aboriginals

32. Meech Lake Accord
Lucien Bouchard – powerful Quebec member of Mulroney’s Cabinet
resigned in protest and formed the Bloc Québécois – political party that would run in federal elections to support the aim of Quebec separation

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

34. Charlottetown Accord
1. Proposed Senate Reform – making it elected with equal representation from all parts of the country (West wanted this)
2. answered Quebec’s concerns
3. supported Aboriginal self-government
put to a national referendum in October, 1992
54.5% of voters rejected it
problem: so many clauses, each designed to please a different group – easy to find fault
greatest opposition – BC – 68.3% voted “NO”

35. Growing Feelings of Separatism
1993 – Bloc Quebecois became the Official Opposition in Canadian federal government

36. 1995 Referendum
second referendum to ask voters in Quebec whether Quebec should secede from Canada and become an independent state.
1995 referendum differed from the 1980 referendum on Quebec's sovereignty in that the 1980 question proposed to negotiate "sovereignty-association" with the Canadian government
the 1995 question proposed "sovereignty", along with an optional partnership offer to the rest of Canada.

37. 1995 Referendum
The referendum took place in Quebec on October 30, 1995, and the motion to decide whether Quebec should secede from Canada was defeated by an extremely small margin: 50.58% "No"
49.42% "Yes"

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

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

40. 1998 Supreme Court Decision
Supreme Court Rules that Quebec did not have the right to separate unilaterally (to decide by itself) from Canada
Quebec would have to negotiate with the federal government, the 9 other provinces, and the Aboriginal peoples living in Quebec
Also – any referendums had to have a “clear majority” that voted “yes” to a “clear question”

41. 1999 - 2000 – Clarity Act Introduced in 1999 – passed in 2000
Law that established the conditions under which the Government of Canada would enter into negotiations that might lead to secession following such a vote by one of the provinces.
Basically put Supreme Court ruling into law: said that in order to lead to separation negotiations, a referendum on independence in a given province would have to have "clearly" (according to the judgment of the Canadian House of Commons) framed its question to voters in terms of independence, and that the result would have to be a "clear majority" in favor, rather than merely, for instance, a 50%+1 majority.