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2024-09-22 08:20:01

Quiet Revolution

Socio-political transformation in French Canada
Socio-political transformation in French Canada

The Quiet Revolution in Quebec led to secularization, welfare state, and political realignment. It brought changes in healthcare, education, and economy, shaping Quebecois identity.

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1944
Establishment of Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec was established in 1944 and became a significant entity following the nationalization of private electricity companies in Quebec. It grew to become one of the largest Crown Corporations in North America.

1955-03-01
Quiet Revolution Begins

The Quiet Revolution in Quebec started on March 1, 1955, marking a period of significant social and political change in the province.

1955-03-17
Richard Riot

During a hockey game between the Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings, a riot broke out as hundreds of Habs fans protested the suspension of Maurice Richard by Clarence Campbell, the English Manager. This event highlighted Quebec's nationalism.

1958
Jean Lesage becomes leader of Quebec Liberal Party

In 1958, Jean Lesage became the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, adopting a new political platform that combined elements from both neonationalist and neoliberal platforms.

1959
Death of Maurice Duplessis

Maurice Duplessis, the conservative leader of the Union Nationale party, passed away in 1959. His death, followed by the sudden passing of his successor Paul Sauvé, played a significant role in triggering the Quiet Revolution in Quebec.

1960-06-22
Election of June 22, 1960 in Quebec

In this election, the Liberals broke the hold of the Union Nationale party in Quebec, marking the beginning of the Quiet Revolution. The Liberals under Jean Lesage had a reform platform focused on bringing change to the province.

1961
Changes in Electoral System and Voting Age

In 1961, the government under Lesage made significant changes to the electoral system, including attacking political patronage, altering the electoral map for better urban representation, and lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.

1962-11-14
Nationalization of Private Electricity Companies in Quebec

In 1962, the government under René Lévesque nationalized private electricity companies in Quebec, leading to the nationalization of all private hydroelectric companies in 1963. This decision resulted in the establishment of Hydro-Québec as one of the largest Crown Corporations in North America.

1963
Creation of Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism

Minister Lester B. Pearson established the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism to address language and cultural issues in Canada.

1964
Maîtres chez nous: Economic Nationalism

The concept of 'Maîtres chez nous' (Masters of our own house) represented Quebec's economic nationalism during the Quiet Revolution, emphasizing the desire for greater control over the province's economic resources and decision-making.

1965
Creation of Caisse de dépot et placement du Québec

In 1965, the Caisse de dépot et placement du Québec was established to manage the assets of the Québec Pension Plan, which experienced significant growth to several billion dollars.

1966
Defeat of the Jean Lesage Government

Jean Lesage and his allies faced defeat as they were no longer in power by this time, marking the end of their political influence.

1968-06-25
Pierre Trudeau Elected

On June 25, 1968, Pierre Trudeau was elected as the Prime Minister of Canada, playing a key role in shaping the country's political landscape.

1969-03-28
Operation McGill français Protest

On March 28, 1969, a significant street demonstration known as Operation McGill français took place in Montreal. The protest aimed to advocate for McGill University to become a French-speaking educational institution, reflecting the linguistic and cultural aspirations of Quebecois during the Quiet Revolution.

1969-09-09
Official Languages Act Passed

The Official Languages Act was passed on September 9, 1969, recognizing English and French as the official languages of Canada, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the country.

1970-04-30
War Measures Act Enacted

On April 30, 1970, the War Measures Act was invoked in response to the October Crisis, granting the government sweeping powers to maintain order and security.

1970-10-05
James Cross Kidnapped by FLQ

On October 5, 1970, James Cross, a British Trade Commissioner, was kidnapped by the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ), highlighting the aggressive actions of the separatist group.

1971-03
James Bay Hydro-Electro Project

In March 1971, Premier Bourassa initiated Quebec's James Bay Hydro-Electro Project, showcasing the province's move towards self-sufficiency in hydro and electrical power generation.

1974
Bill 22 declares French as the official language of Quebec

In 1974, Bill 22 was enacted under Robert Bourassa's government, establishing French as the official language of Quebec and mandating that immigrants attend French language schools upon arrival.

1975-06-27
Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedom

The Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedom was established on June 27, 1975, emphasizing the importance of human rights and freedoms in the province.

1976-11-15
Parti Quebequois Election

In the election held on November 15, 1976, the Parti Québécois, led by René Lévesque, won over the Quebec Liberal Party. This victory stirred debates and concerns about Quebec's separation from Canada.

1977
Enactment of the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101)

In 1977, the Parti Québécois enacted the Charter of the French Language, also known as Bill 101, with the aim of protecting the French language in Québec by making it the language of business and restricting the use of English on signs. The bill also imposed restrictions on eligibility for English education based on parental and grandparental education history.

1978
National Assembly debates broadcasted on television for the first time

In 1978, the debates in the National Assembly of Quebec were televised for the first time, allowing the public to witness political discussions and decisions in real-time.

1979
The Montreal Star ceases production

In 1979, the influential English newspaper 'The Montreal Star' stopped its production, impacting the media landscape in Quebec.

1980-05-20
PQ calls a referendum on Quebec sovereignty

On May 20, 1980, the Parti Québécois initiated a referendum on Quebec sovereignty, leading to a significant political event in the province's history.

1981
Re-election of Parti Québecois in Quebec

In 1981, the Parti Québécois was re-elected in Quebec, reflecting the ongoing political landscape and support for the party in the province.

1982
Canada Act of 1982 and Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Canada Act of 1982, augmented by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, provided Canada with a new constitution, renewing the federation.

1983-12
Quiet Revolution Struggle for the Democratic Party & Shaping of Post-Reform Politics

The book 'Quiet Revolution Struggle for the Democratic Party & Shaping of Post-Reform Politics' by Byron Shafer was published in December 1983. It delves into the struggle within the Democratic Party and the shaping of politics after reforms.

1984
Parti-Québécois crisis under René Lévesque

In 1984, the Parti Québécois faced internal turmoil as René Lévesque shifted focus from sovereignty to governance, leading to his resignation and tensions within the party.

1985-06
Creation of Ministry of Health and Social Services in Quebec

In June 1985, the Ministry of Social Affairs in Quebec was transformed into the Ministry of Health and Social Services. This ministry became responsible for the administration of health and social services in the province.

1986
Continued emigration of English-speaking Quebecers

From 1981 to 1986, approximately 50,000 English-speaking Quebecers left the province, contributing to demographic changes and cultural dynamics in Quebec.

1987
Meech Lake Accord and René Lévesque's death

In 1987, the Meech Lake Accord was reached but not ratified, and the passing of René Lévesque marked a significant moment in Quebec's political history.

1988
Supreme Court ruling on language laws in Quebec

In 1988, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on language laws in Quebec, emphasizing the predominance of French on public signs and highlighting linguistic tensions in the province.

1989
Re-election of Liberals in Quebec general election

In 1989, the Liberal Party was re-elected in the Quebec general election, shaping the political landscape and policies in the province.

1991
Formation of Bloc Québécois

The Bloc Québécois, a sovereigntist political party representing Quebec on the federal level, was founded in 1991 by Lucien Bouchard. It played a key role in advocating for Quebec's interests within the Canadian political landscape.

1992
Rejection of Charlottetown Accord

The Charlottetown Accord was rejected in Canada and Quebec in 1992, reflecting challenges in constitutional negotiations and differing views on national unity.

1993
Resignation of Brian Mulroney and succession by Jean Chrétien

In 1993, Brian Mulroney resigned as Prime Minister, and Jean Chrétien succeeded him, marking a transition in Canadian federal politics.

1994
Re-election of Parti-Québécois under Jacques Parizeau

In 1994, the Parti Québécois, led by Jacques Parizeau, was re-elected in Quebec, leading to continued debates on sovereignty and language policies.

1995
1995 Quebec Sovereignty Referendum

The 1995 Quebec sovereignty referendum was another significant event in Quebec's history, where the province narrowly voted to remain part of Canada. It highlighted the continued debate and push for sovereignty within Quebec.

1996
Death of Robert Bourassa and succession by Lucien Bouchard

In 1996, Robert Bourassa passed away, and Lucien Bouchard became the Premier of Quebec, marking a transition in provincial leadership.

1997
Amendment to allow linguistic school boards in Quebec

In 1997, an amendment to the Constitution permitted linguistic school boards in Quebec, reflecting efforts to accommodate diverse language communities in the province.

1998
Lucien Bouchard reelected as Parti Québécois leader

In 1998, Lucien Bouchard was reelected as the leader of Parti Québécois, pledging to promote Quebec's independence with renewed vigor.

2003
Liberal Party ousts Parti Québécois from office

In 2003, the Liberal Party and its leader Jean Charest ousted Parti Québécois and Bernard Landry from office, promising to restore the health care system and lower taxes.

2005
Resignation of Bernard Landry and closure of Alliance Quebec

In 2005, Bernard Landry resigned as leader of Parti Québécois, and Alliance Quebec disbanded, impacting the political landscape for English-speaking Quebecers.

2011
Formation of Conservative majority government under Stephen Harper

In 2011, the Conservative Party formed a majority government in Canada under Stephen Harper's leadership, influencing federal policies and governance.

2012
Major student mobilization in Quebec

In 2012, Quebec experienced one of the greatest student mobilizations in the country's history in response to a major increase in university tuition fees proposed by the Liberal Party.

2013
Proposal of Bill 14 and English-language population

In 2013, the Parti Québécois proposed Bill 14, causing controversy by aiming to revoke bilingual status from businesses and municipalities with declining English-language populations, leading to protests and tensions in Quebec.

2021-07-07
Publication of Quiet Revolution Plain-Language Summary

An article summarizing the Quiet Revolution was published in The Canadian Encyclopedia in plain language on July 7, 2021.

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Quiet Revolution
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