The Rise of Separatism

1. The Rise of Separatism The Royal Commission, The Flag Debate, Bilingualism and the October Crisis

2. Lester Pearson • When Lester Pearson became Prime Minister in 1963, French/English relations was the most important political issue in Canada • After a CN Rail scandal (where it was revealed that these was almost no French senior management in the Canadian Government), Pearson started the “Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism” • In 1964, Pearson granted Quebec the right to opt out of Federal Programs while receiving full compensation (Quebec could say no to a Canadian program but still receive the money for it)

3. The Flag Debate • In 1965, Pearson attempted to introduce a new Flag • Pearson believed the “Red Ensign” only represented British Canada and that we needed a new symbol that every Canadian could identify with • Thousands of proposals were sent to Pearson • What followed was a furious debate in the House of Commons • In the End, the “Red Maple Leaf” design was adopted • However, the loss of the Red Ensign was heartbreaking for many English Canadians – many felt Pearson had gone too far

7. Pierre Trudeau • After Pearson steps down, Trudeau becomes Canada’s Prime Minister • Trudeau is young, well spoken and energetic • He gains enormous popularity (Trudeau Mania) • Trudeau works for a “Just Society” in Canada • This means that all Canadians should be equal – no special status for anyone • His policies create immediate conflict with most of Quebec • However, Trudeau does make Canada officially Bilingual to ensure the preservation of the French language

8. The FLQ • Meanwhile, in Quebec, the situation became more desperate • A group calling themselves the “Front de Liberation du Quebec” (FLQ) started to blow up mailboxes in English neighborhoods in Montreal • Within Quebec, the FLQ gained support and were seen as freedom fighters

9. The October Crisis • On October 5, 1970 four men from the FLQ abducted a British politician (James Cross) • They demanded $500,000 ransom and a declaration of beliefs read over the radio • On Oct. 10th, Pierre LaPort (A French Canadian politician) was also abducted • Trudeau reacted by sending in the military to guard Canadian politicians and landmarks Just watch me!

11. The October Crisis part 2 • The FLQ popularity soared during the Crisis and rallies filled arenas as FLQ lawyer Robert Lemieux promised to “overcome and conquer” • Seeing a possible revolution, Trudeau steps in a declares the “War Measures Act” • This allowed arrests and searches without warrant and imprisonment without arrest • The FLQ panic and kill Laport • Jams Cross was released in exchange for asylum in Cuba

12. The October Crisis part 3 • After the death of Laport, the FLQ lost its popularity • After the October Crisis, the FLQ was basically dead • However, Trudeau’s introduction of the War Measures Act was seen as an over-reaction and further proof of English Canada’s domination of Quebec • Although the violence was gone, separatist feelings were stronger than ever

13. Key points • Pearson tries to solve the French English Problem through the “Royal Commission for Bilingualism and Biculturalism,” and the new Flag • Trudeau makes Canada Bilingual but angers Quebec with his “Just Society” idea • The FLQ is a French Canadian Terrorist Group • They Kidnap politicians in the October Crisis • Trudeau uses the war measures act to stop them • The FLQ is dead but separatism lives on