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Canadian Identity

Canadian Identity. One, Two or Many Nations?. REBEL. LATE 1960s ~1980s. Little Rock, Arkansas. Prague Spring . Black Panthers. Soweto Uprising, SA. Katherine Switzer Boston Marathon, 1968. How had the other Prime Minister’s BEGUN to address these issues? . Setting the Scene… .

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Canadian Identity

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  1. Canadian Identity One, Two or Many Nations?

  2. REBEL LATE 1960s ~1980s

  3. Little Rock, Arkansas

  4. Prague Spring

  5. Black Panthers

  6. Soweto Uprising, SA

  7. Katherine SwitzerBoston Marathon, 1968

  8. How had the other Prime Minister’s BEGUN to address these issues?

  9. Setting the Scene… • 1960: Canadian BILL OF RIGHTS • 1960- Aboriginals can vote in federal elections • 1962- MOST racial discrimination is eliminated from Canada’s immigration policies • 1967- Medicare and Canada Pension Plan • 1967- Royal Commission on the Status of Women.. • Get right to abortion and access to contraception

  10. Then, in comes Trudeau..

  11. TRUDEAU’S CHALLENGES • The 1960 & 1970s were an awakening for human rights in Canada, and around the world • Trudeau had great aspiration of a ‘just society’ – but many people had issues they wanted resolved • WOMENS MOVEMENT • ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT • LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY • MULTICULTURALISM & INCLUSION • ABORIGINAL ISSUES • FRENCH CANADIANS NATIONALISM

  12. Scenario • People have suggested at different points in history that British Columbia would be better off joining with Washington, Oregon and Northern California to form their own country ~ based on the Pacific Northwest. • Why would they believe that BC would do better off in this alliance than the nation of Canada?

  13. Why Quebec • Why have some Quebecois believed that they would be better off on their own? • It’s not because they believe that it would benefit them economically… or trigger employment growth… so why would they take such a giant risk?

  14. Separatist Issues • History of discrimination and oppression of French Canadians by English • Discrimination of jobs, etc • Lack of recognition of the French role in developing Canada • Rise in the movement called separatism – people fighting for an independent nation for French people living in Canada • Desire to be recognized as a “distinct society”

  15. History of Separatist Rebellion

  16. Duplessis Era – 1936-59 • Union Nationale party led by Maurice Duplessis • Strong Quebec nationalist who was devoted to the idea of Quebec as a distinct society • Introduced a new flag – “fleur-de-lis” & was linked to the idea of “Je me souviens” • Linked very closely to the Catholic church – seen as the defender of French culture – religion was a part of all authority including education, etc • ‘La Grande Noiresse’ – orphanages scandal • Bribery and corruption was rampant – businesses were expected to give “kick-backs” • Famous for the Padlock Law – banning newspapers, publications he didn’t like

  17. The Quiet Revolution~1960s • “Time for Change” – the Liberal party came to power • Lesage (leader) tried to eliminate corruption, wages and pensions were removed, unions embraced • Province became much more modern – education, culture, etc – push to become citizens of the 20th century • “Maitres chez nous” – “Masters in OUR own house” French nationalism increased and standards of living improved greatly • Quebec economy was greatly strengthened as they nationalized businesses and corporations – Hydro Quebec - $$$$

  18. Anger and Resentment • During the 1960s, massive resentment and anger grew amongst the French population • How come everyone in Ottawa was English speaking? • How come French Canadians were rarely chosen for Cabinet positions? • How come French-Canadians didn’t have schools and hospitals in other parts of Canada while English speaking Canadians had them in Quebec • How come Quebec’s French majority was forced to speak English in stores and at work in Quebec? • NOTE: Quebec makes up 30% of Canada’s population

  19. Rise of Radicalism - FLQ • FLQ – Front de liberation du Quebec – fought for a Quebec Libre! (Free Quebec) • Used firebombs, explosives and other extremist tactics to raise awareness of their cause – bombing mailboxes

  20. Canada’s Response Lester Pearson – • appointed a commission on Bilingualism – recommended that Canada should become officially bilingual • Changed the flag to make it less British; ironically the French still hang on to the fleur-de-lis Trudeau – • Acted on the recommendation of the commission and made Canada officially bilingual – 1969; Official Languages Act • Called on young people to increase their knowledge of French culture – ex. French immersion

  21. October Crisis • October 5, 1970 – FLQ kidnapped James Cross, a British diplomat, from his Montreal home • FLQ demanded that in return for his release, FLQ prisoners be released from jail – federal and Quebec authorities refused to listen • FLQ then kidnapped Pierre Laporte – Quebec Labour Minister – Trudeau decided to take action • Laporte found dead in a trunk - Trudeau instigates War Measures Actand curfew, police put in place • Terrorists negotiated release of Cross, escape to Cuba

  22. Laporte is found..

  23. Bill 101: Strengthening French Language • 1976 – Rene Levesque formed the Parti Quebecois (PQ) – believed that Quebec and Canada should ‘divorce’ ~ very popular leader He developed the welfare state system in Quebec • Social Services – daycare, left-wing ideology 2. Strengthening the status of French language • Major fear that French culture will die out – lowest birth rate in Canada • Law made French the only official language of Quebec – all employees must speak French in order to work, all signs in French, • Main use of not-withstanding clause – ability to break the Charter in certain specific cases

  24. Rene Levesque

  25. To separate or not to separate? • Quebecois politicians have tried to convince the people to separate on two different occasions • 1980 Referendum – Sovereignty-Association “maitres chez nous” • Pierre Trudeau made strong speeches against • Results – 40% yes, 60% no • 1982 – Canada patriates the Constitution (gives total control to Canada)– many controversies regarding the amending formula – how do we change the constitution in future? • Kitchen Compromise – 7/10 provinces required to make changes – 50% of the population – Quebec furious, wanted revenge • MULRONEY ~Meech Lake Accord – Is Quebec a “distinct society” in Canada, or are there many distinct societies? Accord is rejected by Canada – major protest from First Nations • Referendum #2 – 1994 – 49% Yes; 51% No

  26. What Now? • After the two referendums, new legislation was put forward that says that any province would need a clear majority to leave the country • After losing a lot of popularity, the Parti Quebecois got a recent resurgence of popularity in the last 2 years in Quebec • Recently had an election a few months ago– PQ leader raised issue of referendum and Charter of Values (religious symbols banned) • Strong vote against PQ – kicked out of power, Liberals now have majority gov’t – sovereignty issue is dead

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