Introduction to French/English Relations

1. Introduction to French/English Relations La Survivance, Maitre Chez Nous & Vive le Quebec Libre

2. Background • Canada was born in 1867 as a partnership between two major ethnic groups – French & English • However, since the beginning their have been major problems between these two groups • For example: The Manitoba Schools Act & the Conscription Crisis • The root of these conflicts is Quebec’s concern about its ability to maintain its distinction as a French Speaking, Catholic province

3. Maurice Duplessis • Premier of Quebec from 1936-1939 & 1944-1959 • Leader of the Union Nationale Party • La Survivance – “Survival” - promoted traditional values and institutions in Quebec • Under Duplessis, Quebec became backwards • Education was controlled by the Catholic Church, highest dropout rate in Canada, high poverty rates • English businessmen dominated Quebec’s economy while most French held low paying jobs or were farm labourers

4. Jean Lesage • Lesage was the Premier of Quebec through most of the 60s • Introduced “Maitre Chez Nous” – “masters in our own house” • Unhappy with Quebec’s position in Canada – wanted a new deal – Quebec should be able to control its own future within Canada • Began a massive modernization program • Determined to put Quebec’s economy in the hands of French Canadians • One the most important members of his government was the young Rene Levesque

5. The Quiet Revolution • Lesage accidentally started the “Quiet Revolution” in Quebec • A period of social reform throughout Quebec • Quebecois turned away from the Catholic Church and began to express themselves like never before • New Art, Music and Literature dominated French culture • Quebecois became interested in politics and demanded equal rights with the rest of Canada

6. The Effects of the Quiet Rev. • Although most Quebecois wanted a new deal with Canada, they disagreed on how to get it • Federalists: wanted Quebec to participate more in Canadian politics and try to influence Canada from inside the government. e.g. Pierre Trudeau • Nationalists (separatists): wanted Quebec to have fewer ties with Canada. Some even wanted outright separation. • Militants (Terrorists): remove Quebec from Canada through violence and revolution

7. Expo ‘67 • In 1967, Canada turned 100 and created a huge exhibition in Montreal • 62 Nations participated and it had over 50 million visitors • Many leaders and VIPs from around the world came to Montreal • One such man was Charles De Gaulle, the president of France • De Gaulle was given a heroes welcome by French Canadians • Before going to the Expo, De Gaulle made a public speech from Montreal’s city hall. • In the speech he said “Vive Le Quebec Libre” “Long Live Free Quebec”

8. The Impact of “Vive le Quebec Libre” • De Gaulle’s speech hit Canada like a bomb • P.M. Lester Pearson responded by saying "Canadians do not need to be liberated, Canada will remain united and will reject any effort to destroy her unity” • Within Quebec, the separatist movement gained massive popularity • Rene Levesque quits on Lesage and the Liberal Party stating that he could no longer support a government that denies Quebec its right to self-government

9. The Foundation of the Parti Quebecois • In 1968, many separatist groups came together to form the “Parti Quebecois” • Rene Levesque was elected as the first leader of the PQ • By 1970, the PQ had won 23% of the vote in Quebec • The separatist cause was gaining strength

10. Key Points • Maurice Duplessis – La Survivance (Survival)kept Quebec traditional – Quebec fell behind the rest of Canada • Jean Lesage – Maitre Chez Nous (masters in our own house)modernize Quebec, equality with Canada • Quiet Revolution – Quebec becomes less Catholic, less traditional, more modern and politically active • Vive le Quebec Libre – Long live free Quebec – said at Expo 67 by DeGaulle • Rene Levesque starts the Parti Quebecois – dedicated to seperatism