Change and Continuity French-English Relations in Canada

Change and Continuity French-English Relations in Canada

Today’s critical questions… What are the roots of Quebec’s concerns? Are there patterns in the history of Quebec – Canada relations ? What should we do?

French-English Conflicts… Manitoba Schools Laurier’s compromises: ○ Boer War ○ Naval Crisis WWI Conscription WWII Conscription again! French Canadians are really feeling like an ignored minority

The Quiet Revolution 1959, Maurice Duplessis dies The “Great Darkness” ends Modernizing reforms under Premier Jean Lesage Government run health care & education More control over industries Develop science and technology “Secularization” “Maitres Chez Nous” or “Masters in our own house”. New QC Premier Jean Lesage- 1960

Pierre Trudeau leaves Lesage’s team and the Quiet Revolution for federal politics He is a FEDERALIST and does not believe in Quebec separation

Trudeau’s Just Society We are all deserving of equality under Canadian law but we should not receive special treatment The Official languages Act (1969) Multicultarism Act (1971)

It all erupts in 1970 The terrorist FLQ kidnaps Pierre Laporte and James Cross Their demands – a free and separate Quebec (among other things) Pierre Trudeau – “the Government does not negotiate with terrorists”. Laporte is assassinated but FLQ is captured. About the FLQ crisis Trudeau: Yes, well there a lot of bleeding hearts around who just don't like to see people with helmets and guns. All I can say is, go on and bleed, but it is more important to keep law and order in the society than to be worried about weak-kneed people who don't like the looks of … Reporter: At any cost? How far would you go with that? How far would you extend that? Trudeau: Well, just watch me.

René Levesque Committed Francophone “common man” Creator and leader of the PQ, an official separatist party in Quebec Becomes QC Premier (1976) René Lévesque

Bill 101 (1977): No English on outdoor signs. Restricted access to English schools.

Quebec: A “Distinct” Society? Parti Quebecois: Canadian federalism could not address and protect the unique French language and culture. To consider: What defines Québecoise culture? "My Quebec is. . . " - All Quebecers don’t even agree! Are a “Distinct” society and a “Just “ society compatible?

The Parti Quebecois • 1980 referendum on Quebec Independence

The Result? The Referendum was held on May 20 th, 1980: The Result? 60% for the Non 40% for the Oui

Constitutional debate, 1981 -2 • Canada gets its own constitution and Charter of Rights. • All provinces had to sign but didn’t like the suggested special status for Quebec • It was removed so … Quebec refused to sign • Trudeau went ahead anyway Two perspectives on what happened… “Night of the Long Knives” vs. “The Kitchen Compromise”

The Constitution Act (1982)

Out with Trudeau in with Mulroney “I’ll get that signature” New Que. Premier Robert Bourassa: “We will only sign the constitution if it is amended with a ‘distinct society’ clause so that Quebec will have the powers to ‘protect and promote its distinct language and culture’ Brian Mulroney and Robert Bourassa

Provinces meet at Meech to get it done (1987) They agree! They all have 3 years for their provincial parliaments to ratify the deal (commit)… Read ‘The Meech Lake Accord’ on pg. 379 -380 What are the main goals and ideas? How is it resolved and why? The Meech Lake Accord

Meech Lake Accord Manitoba MLA Elijah Harper Nfld Premier Clyde Wells Manitoba MLA Elijah Harper The Accord died in June 1990 Nfld Premier Clyde Wells

Growth in Quebec Separatism Support for Quebec Separatism grew Lucien Bouchard resigns from Mulroney’s cabinet and starts federal separatist party, the Bloc Quebecois St Jean Baptiste Parade

Charlottetown Accord Read pg 380 -382 What are the main goals and ideas? What happens at the end?

Red = No, we don’t like it Blue = Yes, adopt it

Separatist victories FEDERAL Elections – 1993 – Bloc Québecois is official opposition 2011 – Bloc Québecois only wins 4 seats But - Quebec Provincial Elections 2012 Parti Québecois wins and Pauline Marois is in charge. So wait how does that make sense … do they want to separate or what?

1993 Federal Election Official Opposition’s primary goal – break up the country.

Referendum again- 1995 1980 - Quebeckers vote Separate? – Oui? 40% Non? 60% 1995 – Quebeckers vote Separate? – Oui? 49. 4% Non? 50. 6%

2011 Federal Election Vs. 2012 Provincial Separatist victory Article – Quebec Language Wars

2013 Minority PQ government suggests some changes

What have you decided? What are the roots of Quebec’s concerns? Are there patterns in the history of Quebec – Canada relations ? What should we do?