October Crisis

1. October Crisis Trudeau 1970

2. Small group of radical separatists, the FLQ (Front de Liberation du Quebec) carried out bombings in cities, of symbols associated with British imperialism and the federal government (ie mail boxes) October Crisis

3. October 5, 1970 FLQ kidnapped James Cross, a British diplomat. Demanded $500,000 T.V and radio broadcast time Safe passage out of Canada release of imprisoned FLQ members October Crisis continued

4. October Crisis • FLQ expected other Quebecers to support them • Instead, Quebecers were numb with sock, having never expected terrorism in Canada, and did NOT support them

5. October Crisis continued – Oct 10 • 5 days later, Pierre Laporte, Quebec Minister of Justice was kidnapped • Quebec went into a near panic • Quebec Premier, Robert Bourassa asked the federal government for help – Oct 15. • Pierre Trudeau (Prime Minister) asked parliament to proclaim the War Measures Act • War Measures Act –Implemented Oct 16, 1970

6. FLQ announces Pierre Laporte has been executed. Pierre Laporte’s body was found in an abandoned car, Oct 17 One of his kidnappers / murders was caught on Nov 6th The remainder were caught on December 28 James Cross was released on Dec 3rd The kidnappers were flown to Cuba October Crisis continued - October 17 Bernard Lortie (charged with kidnapping and Murder of Laporte) leaving the court building

7. James Cross is released (60 days hostage) after negotiations with FLQ, on Dec 3rd 5 known FLQ members given safe passage to Cuba on Dec 3rd Remaining members are arrested on Dec 28 October Crisis wrap-up FLQ cell responsible for the kidnappings, and murder of Pierre Laporte

8. FLQ had failed Terrorist approach was too radical and unacceptable to Quebecers The Separatist movement would use the legal democratic process Rene Levesque Founder of the Parti Quebecois Quebec Response