Quebec as a Nation

Quiet Revolution

Jul 22, 1960

~ A time of Social and Political change in Quebec; many nationalists pushed for the independence of Quebec.

Rassemblement pour l'Indépendance Nationale (RIN) established

Sep 10, 1960

~ Formed during the Quiet Revolution
~ One of the first political organizations to support the Quebec sovereignty movement

Front de libération du Québec formed (TURNING POINT #1)

Jun 14, 1963

~ Radical strand of French Canadian nationalism produced the FLQ, a violent Quebec separatist group
~ Regarded as a terrorist organization for its violent methods of action; responsible for more than 160 violent incidents throughout Quebec

Expo 67

Apr 27, 1967

~ One of the most successful world fairs; 60 participating nations
~ Celebrated Canada's 100th birthday
~ President Charles de Gaulle of France used the phrase "Vive le Québec libre" which is now used by several Quebec nationalists

Formation of Parti Québécois

Oct 11, 1968

~ Political party in Quebec; formed due to the 1968 merger between former Quebec Liberal party cabinet minister, René Lévesque, and the Ralliement national
~ The PQ advocates national sovereignty for Quebec

Official Languages Act

Sep 9, 1969

~ Made English and French the official languages of Canada
~ Increased the role of French-speaking citizens in Canada

October Crisis

Oct 5, 1970

~ FLQ kidnapped British Trade Commissioner, James Cross and Quebec Cabinet Minister, Pierre Laporte

~ War Measures Act was enforced to maintain safety in Quebec
~ Pierre Laporte was assassinated; government freed FLQ members in exchange for James Cross

Parti Québécois enforced Bill 101 (TURNING POINT #2)

Aug 26, 1977

~ Put French as the official language of Quebec
~ French was now the primary language of workplaces, of instruction, of communications, of commerce and of business

First Quebec Referendum

May 20, 1980

~ People of Quebec were asked whether “Quebec should pursue a path toward sovereignty”
~ Result: 40.44% yes, 59.56% no

Meech Lake Accord

Oct 23, 1987

~ All ten provincial premiers agreed to the accord which recognized Quebec as a "distinct society" and increased provincial powers
~ Opposition rose; many felt that the agreement would weaken the federal government; Elijah Harper argued it did not guarantee rights for First Nations
~ Political support for the Accord decreased and it was never put into effect

Bloc Québécois formed

Jun 15, 1991

~ Federal political party devoted to the protection of Quebec’s interests in the House of Commons of Canada and the promotion of Quebec sovereignty

Charlottetown Accord

Aug 28, 1992

~ Joint attempt by the PM and all 10 premiers to amend the constitution and hopefully gain Quebec's approval
~ Once again, the accord was a failure and never put into effect

Second Quebec Referendum

Oct 30, 1995

~ The people of Quebec were once again asked whether Quebec should proclaim national sovereignty
~ Result: 49.42% yes, 50.58% no

Québécois Nation Motion (TURNING POINT #3)

Nov 22, 2006

~ PM Harper declares that Quebec is a nation within the United Canada