October Crisis

Trudeau 1970

October Crisis

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 continued

October 5, 1970 FLQ kidnapped James Cross, a British diplomat.

Demanded

1. $500,000

2. T.V and radio broadcast time

3. Safe passage out of Canada

4. release of imprisoned FLQ members

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

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

October Crisis continued - October 17

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

Bernard Lortie (charged with kidnapping and Murder of Laporte) leaving the court building

October Crisis wrap-up

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

FLQ cell responsible for the kidnappings,and murder of Pierre Laporte

Quebec Response

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