The Question of Quebec: Language and Sovereignty

The Question of Quebec:

Language and Sovereignty

By: Ginny Goldstein and Aynsley Hamilton

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

1) The Official Languages Act

2) The rise of Rene Levesque and the

Parti Quebecois

3) The FLQ Crisis

4) Bill 22 and Bill 101: Quebec’s

Language Legislation

One Canada, Two One Canada, Two LanguagesLanguages

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The Official Languages ActThe Official Languages Act

The Official Languages Act acknowledged English and The Official Languages Act acknowledged English and French as the two languages in Canada.French as the two languages in Canada.

In 1988, it implemented 3 basic goals which included:In 1988, it implemented 3 basic goals which included:

1) To uphold value for English and French and guarantee1) To uphold value for English and French and guaranteeequality and equal rights/privileges for their use in equality and equal rights/privileges for their use in InstitutionsInstitutions2) To set out the influence, function, and purpose of2) To set out the influence, function, and purpose ofofficial languages official languages 3) To encourage maturity of English and French3) To encourage maturity of English and Frenchminority communities and equality of the two languages in minority communities and equality of the two languages in CanadaCanada

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Quebec

Continued…Continued…- This legal framework integrates the rights set out- This legal framework integrates the rights set out

earlier in the Constitution of 1867 and theearlier in the Constitution of 1867 and the

Canadian Charter of Rights and FreedomsCanadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. .

- It gives a lawmaking foundation to the policies- It gives a lawmaking foundation to the policies

implemented in federal establishments, concerningimplemented in federal establishments, concerning

the use of official languages used in federalthe use of official languages used in federal

government. government.



Continued…Continued…- Quebecers were frustrated as English dominated- Quebecers were frustrated as English dominatedin the world of business/financein the world of business/finance

- Leaders tried to bring equality but changes were too slow- Leaders tried to bring equality but changes were too slow- With the Quiet Revolution, hopes were raised for students- With the Quiet Revolution, hopes were raised for studentsat university and collegeat university and college

- Even with qualifications, Quebecers did not get the jobs - Even with qualifications, Quebecers did not get the jobs because of their only French speaking statusbecause of their only French speaking status

- Separation from Canada was seen as the best way to - Separation from Canada was seen as the best way to make the French-speaking majority the “masters of our make the French-speaking majority the “masters of our own house”own house”


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Continued…Continued…- The purpose of the Official Languages Act of - The purpose of the Official Languages Act of 1969 was to reduce tensions caused over French-1969 was to reduce tensions caused over French-English language rights. English language rights.

- Prime Minister Trudeau’s goal was to make - Prime Minister Trudeau’s goal was to make Quebec a better, richer society by giving eachQuebec a better, richer society by giving eachlanguage equal ranking, allowing Frenchlanguage equal ranking, allowing FrenchCanadians to live among English Canadians andCanadians to live among English Canadians andvice versa without losing culture or heritage. vice versa without losing culture or heritage.



Continued…Continued…The four main components of the act The four main components of the act include:include:

Either English or French can be used within parliament, Either English or French can be used within parliament, federal courts, and federal government officesfederal courts, and federal government offices

In areas of large minorities of English or French known as In areas of large minorities of English or French known as “bilingual districts”, both languages should be recognized“bilingual districts”, both languages should be recognized

All schools in Ottawa (a bilingual district) must offer courses All schools in Ottawa (a bilingual district) must offer courses in both French and English in both French and English

Specific sections of the federal civil service should speak Specific sections of the federal civil service should speak both official languages and promote people based on both official languages and promote people based on bilingualismbilingualism



Continued…Continued…

- The Act quickly had mixed reaction among - The Act quickly had mixed reaction among the public the public

- Some shared the vision while others - Some shared the vision while others questioned the price of educating civil questioned the price of educating civil servants to become bilingualservants to become bilingual

- Trudeau was also displeased, as it did not - Trudeau was also displeased, as it did not meet the ultimate goal of bringing meet the ultimate goal of bringing language and individual rights.language and individual rights.

- To do this, the Constitution or BNA Act - To do this, the Constitution or BNA Act would be needed from Britain to gain full would be needed from Britain to gain full governing authority of Canada governing authority of Canada

- This would take 13 years to achieve - This would take 13 years to achieve - Independence was a new solution proposed - Independence was a new solution proposed

by a new leader- Rene Levesque in 1969, by a new leader- Rene Levesque in 1969, threatening Canadian unitythreatening Canadian unity

Rene LevesqueRene Levesque

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The Rise of Rene Levesque and The Rise of Rene Levesque and the Parti Quebecoisthe Parti Quebecois

- Rene Levesque started off as a reporter and Rene Levesque started off as a reporter and minister of the government of Quebecminister of the government of Quebec

- He became the founder of the Parti Quebecois and He became the founder of the Parti Quebecois and 2323rdrd Premier of Quebec Premier of Quebec

- He gained fame by hosting the weekly news show He gained fame by hosting the weekly news show called Point de Mire from 1956-1959called Point de Mire from 1956-1959

- He was involved in the 1958 strike with support He was involved in the 1958 strike with support from Trudeau, and was arrested for involvement from Trudeau, and was arrested for involvement

- He entered politics in 1960, when elected to the He entered politics in 1960, when elected to the Legislative Assembly as a Liberal memberLegislative Assembly as a Liberal member

- He worked as Minister of hydroelectric resources He worked as Minister of hydroelectric resources and Natural resources and greatly expanded the and Natural resources and greatly expanded the Hydro-QuebecHydro-Quebec

- Once the Liberals lost in the 1966 election to the Union Once the Liberals lost in the 1966 election to the Union Nationale, Rene Levesque maintained his own seat Nationale, Rene Levesque maintained his own seat

- On October 14, 1967, he left the Liberal Party once members On October 14, 1967, he left the Liberal Party once members refused the idea of a sovereign Quebecrefused the idea of a sovereign Quebec

- Remaining an independent representative, he left the Remaining an independent representative, he left the Liberals to found the Movement for Sovereignty Association Liberals to found the Movement for Sovereignty Association

- This helped encourage the idea of independence for Quebec This helped encourage the idea of independence for Quebec from the rest of the countryfrom the rest of the country

- This group later merged with the Ralliement National, to form This group later merged with the Ralliement National, to form the Parti Quebecois in 1968 the Parti Quebecois in 1968

- Levesque’s preposition completely opposed Trudeau’s, one Levesque’s preposition completely opposed Trudeau’s, one promising to unite Canada, the other tearing it in two.promising to unite Canada, the other tearing it in two.

Continued…Continued…- The new party opposed Trudeau’s Anglophone ways The new party opposed Trudeau’s Anglophone ways

with a second option.with a second option.- Levesque, with a background in journalism and media Levesque, with a background in journalism and media

personality reputation, communicate clearly and with personality reputation, communicate clearly and with passion.passion.

- He attempted to remove Quebec from Confederation in a He attempted to remove Quebec from Confederation in a democratic fashion.democratic fashion.

- Levesque and Pierre Trudeau dominated over the fight Levesque and Pierre Trudeau dominated over the fight for Quebec’s future.for Quebec’s future.

Continued…Continued…- After the October Crisis, the Parti Quebecois grew to 30% popularity After the October Crisis, the Parti Quebecois grew to 30% popularity

of the vote in the 1973 Quebec election. of the vote in the 1973 Quebec election. - The Single-member plurality system only granted them 6 seats The Single-member plurality system only granted them 6 seats

howeverhowever- This was quite a disappointment to the PQ and its followers but This was quite a disappointment to the PQ and its followers but

Levesque remained optimistic Levesque remained optimistic - ““This is a defeat that feels like a victory,” This is a defeat that feels like a victory,” - In the November 15, 1976 provincial election, the PQ increased its In the November 15, 1976 provincial election, the PQ increased its

popularity to 41% winning the electionpopularity to 41% winning the election- It formed the new government with 71 seats over 26 for the Liberals, It formed the new government with 71 seats over 26 for the Liberals,

11 for the Union Nationale, and 2 others. 11 for the Union Nationale, and 2 others. - This victory lead to fear of a potential separation of Canada, This victory lead to fear of a potential separation of Canada,

however the separation was only used as a threat for bargaininghowever the separation was only used as a threat for bargaining- The PQ promised to hold a referendum on the sovereignty-The PQ promised to hold a referendum on the sovereignty-

association, and insist on the use of Frenchassociation, and insist on the use of French



Rene LevesqueRene Levesque



October CrisisOctober Crisis

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The FLQ CrisisThe FLQ Crisis- The FLQ was a terrorist group in Canada The FLQ was a terrorist group in Canada

accountable for 200 bombings and five deaths in accountable for 200 bombings and five deaths in 1970 during the FLQ Crisis.1970 during the FLQ Crisis.

- It was founded in the early 1960’s by supporters It was founded in the early 1960’s by supporters of the Quebec sovereignty movement, aiming for of the Quebec sovereignty movement, aiming for independence of Quebec. independence of Quebec.

- Independence of a sovereign state hoped to Independence of a sovereign state hoped to help citizens economically, socially, and help citizens economically, socially, and culturally with a government reformed to satisfy culturally with a government reformed to satisfy the needs of Quebecers.the needs of Quebecers.

Continued…Continued…- FLQ members practiced a terrorism concept against political enemies to FLQ members practiced a terrorism concept against political enemies to

help motivate the people and instigate revolution.help motivate the people and instigate revolution.

- The anarchist movement was violent, starting with the bombing of mail The anarchist movement was violent, starting with the bombing of mail boxes but ending in numerous assassinations. boxes but ending in numerous assassinations.

- The group believed English speaking people were the tyrantsThe group believed English speaking people were the tyrants

- Overthrow of Quebec’s government, independence, and the establishment Overthrow of Quebec’s government, independence, and the establishment of a French-Canadian workers’ society was needed. of a French-Canadian workers’ society was needed.

Continued…Continued…– October 5 - October 5 - FLQ kidnapped British Trade Commissioner FLQ kidnapped British Trade Commissioner

James Cross. A tape to authorities contained the kidnappers' James Cross. A tape to authorities contained the kidnappers' demands was sentdemands was sent

– October 8 - October 8 - Broadcast of the FLQ Manifesto was made public Broadcast of the FLQ Manifesto was made public to French- and English media outletsto French- and English media outlets

– October 10 - October 10 - members of the “Chenier cell” of the FLQ members of the “Chenier cell” of the FLQ kidnap Pierre Laporte.kidnap Pierre Laporte.

– October 13 - October 13 - An interview based on military presence with An interview based on military presence with Pierre Trudeau was made public. When asked how far he would Pierre Trudeau was made public. When asked how far he would go, he replied "Just watch me".go, he replied "Just watch me".

– October 17 - October 17 - The FLQ announced that Pierre Laporte has The FLQ announced that Pierre Laporte has been executed, strangled with his own rosary chain and stuffed been executed, strangled with his own rosary chain and stuffed in a trunk abandoned a few miles from Montreal.in a trunk abandoned a few miles from Montreal.

October CrisisOctober Crisis



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Continued..Continued..- - For James Richard Cross’s release, they offered a list of demands which For James Richard Cross’s release, they offered a list of demands which

included: included: The release of 23 "political prisoners" or members imprisoned to serve The release of 23 "political prisoners" or members imprisoned to serve sentences for robbery, manslaughter, murder, and other crimes.sentences for robbery, manslaughter, murder, and other crimes.The 3 FLQ members out on bail during the kidnappings, would be allowed The 3 FLQ members out on bail during the kidnappings, would be allowed to leave Quebec if wanted.to leave Quebec if wanted.All family members of "political prisoners" and those out on bail would be All family members of "political prisoners" and those out on bail would be able to join them outside of Quebec.able to join them outside of Quebec.$500,000 in gold$500,000 in goldThe broadcast and publication of the FLQ ManifestoThe broadcast and publication of the FLQ ManifestoMaking the names of police informants for terrorist activities publicMaking the names of police informants for terrorist activities publicAir transportation for kidnappers to Cuba or Algeria with lawyers presentAir transportation for kidnappers to Cuba or Algeria with lawyers presentThe rehiring of about 450 postal workers laid off for their The rehiring of about 450 postal workers laid off for their support of the FLQsupport of the FLQTo end of all police searches relating to the caseTo end of all police searches relating to the case

Continued…Continued…- On October 16On October 16thth, the War Measures Act was put in place, the War Measures Act was put in place- This gave the government power to arrest or jail anyone This gave the government power to arrest or jail anyone

suspected of associating with the FLQ. suspected of associating with the FLQ. - This Act had high disregard for individual rights, which This Act had high disregard for individual rights, which

was reason for Trudeau’s hesitation was reason for Trudeau’s hesitation - After put in place, Trudeau would not back down and After put in place, Trudeau would not back down and

within hours, police raids swept the province within hours, police raids swept the province - They ended with 465 arrested or detained suspects.They ended with 465 arrested or detained suspects.- 59 days passed before James Cross was rescued and 59 days passed before James Cross was rescued and

kidnappers were escorted by plane to Cuba residing for kidnappers were escorted by plane to Cuba residing for

years before returning to Canada to face charges.years before returning to Canada to face charges.

Bill 101Bill 101



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Bill 22 and 101: The Bill 22 and 101: The Language LegislationLanguage Legislation

- Robert Bourassa helped to implement policies to help Robert Bourassa helped to implement policies to help protect the status of the French language in Quebec. protect the status of the French language in Quebec.

- This policy called Bill 22 became the first legislation This policy called Bill 22 became the first legislation created to toughen the position of French in Quebec. created to toughen the position of French in Quebec.

- It made it the official language of public administration It made it the official language of public administration and restricted English-Language schooling and restricted English-Language schooling

- French was encouraged in the workplace by forcing French was encouraged in the workplace by forcing contracts with the government to be in French. contracts with the government to be in French.

- Bill 22 angered both Anglophones and Francophone's, Bill 22 angered both Anglophones and Francophone's, going too far for the English and not far enough for the going too far for the English and not far enough for the French.French.

- For this Robert Bourassa, he was disliked by both For this Robert Bourassa, he was disliked by both groups and lost the 1976 election hugely.groups and lost the 1976 election hugely.

Continued…Continued…- This legislation was soon outdated by the Charter of the This legislation was soon outdated by the Charter of the

French Language, or Bill 101French Language, or Bill 101- It was introduced in 1976 by the Parti Quebecois It was introduced in 1976 by the Parti Quebecois - The bill was proposed by Camille Laurin- the Minister of The bill was proposed by Camille Laurin- the Minister of

Cultural Development Cultural Development - It expanded on Bill 22 which defined the status of French in It expanded on Bill 22 which defined the status of French in

legislature, the courts, civil administration, public agencies, legislature, the courts, civil administration, public agencies, labor relations, commerce, business, and language of labor relations, commerce, business, and language of instruction. instruction.

Continued…Continued…

Bill 22 stated the following:Bill 22 stated the following:1)1) The right for people to have all government branches, The right for people to have all government branches,

corporations, employee associations, and enterprises in corporations, employee associations, and enterprises in Quebec communicate in French.Quebec communicate in French.

2)2) The right of people to speak French in planned The right of people to speak French in planned assemblies.assemblies.

3)3) The right of workers to perform activities in French.The right of workers to perform activities in French.4)4) The right of consumers to be educated and served in The right of consumers to be educated and served in

French.French.5)5) The right of people requiring instruction to be taught in The right of people requiring instruction to be taught in

French.French.

Continued…Continued…-- Even though all children were forced to be taught in French, Even though all children were forced to be taught in French,

exceptions were made for the English speaking minority only exceptions were made for the English speaking minority only permitted if strict limitations were met such as:permitted if strict limitations were met such as:

- A parent was educated at an English school in QuebecA parent was educated at an English school in Quebec- A parent had been educated in English outside Quebec but had A parent had been educated in English outside Quebec but had

lived in the province before August 1977lived in the province before August 1977- The siblings of the child were attending English schoolThe siblings of the child were attending English school-- If the parent was educated in English in another province, territory, If the parent was educated in English in another province, territory,

or country, the child must attend a French schoolor country, the child must attend a French school

Continued…Continued…- This legislation was seriously enforced and punishable by a fine of $25-$500 This legislation was seriously enforced and punishable by a fine of $25-$500

or $50-$1000 for a corporate body. or $50-$1000 for a corporate body. - Businesses that ignored this were responsible to pay $100-2000 a day. Businesses that ignored this were responsible to pay $100-2000 a day. - I.E: a shipment of Dunkin’ Donuts was found to have English only packaging I.E: a shipment of Dunkin’ Donuts was found to have English only packaging

and as a punishment, the whole shipment was burned. and as a punishment, the whole shipment was burned. - Response to this Act was not positive, being looked at as authoritarian and Response to this Act was not positive, being looked at as authoritarian and

a violation of individual rights. a violation of individual rights. - 50,000 people left Quebec within 6 months and businesses that couldn’t use 50,000 people left Quebec within 6 months and businesses that couldn’t use

English threatened to leave. English threatened to leave. - In February, 1977, 100 head corporate jobs from the Royal Bank transferred In February, 1977, 100 head corporate jobs from the Royal Bank transferred

to Toronto with many head offices. Because it posed a threat to individual to Toronto with many head offices. Because it posed a threat to individual rights, the Bill faced challenges rights, the Bill faced challenges

- TheThe “Quebec clause” was struck down on July 26 “Quebec clause” was struck down on July 26thth 1984. 1984. - This clause required at least one parent to have a primary education in This clause required at least one parent to have a primary education in

English in Quebec for the child to attend an English-language school. English in Quebec for the child to attend an English-language school. - The section that required signs to be only in French was struck down as The section that required signs to be only in French was struck down as

well. well.

Bill 101Bill 101



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The Question of Quebec: Language and Sovereignty