Chapter 8: The Canadian Chapter 8: The Canadian IdentityIdentity

The Roots of Quebec The Roots of Quebec NationalismNationalism Maurice Duplessis 1936-1939 and 1944-Maurice Duplessis 1936-1939 and 1944-

1959 (Union Nationale)1959 (Union Nationale)– Quebec is distinct society or “nation”Quebec is distinct society or “nation”– Padlock LawPadlock Law– Avoid English influence at all costsAvoid English influence at all costs– Refused money from federal govtRefused money from federal govt– ““la grande noirceur” = the Great Darknessla grande noirceur” = the Great Darkness

Bad working conditionsBad working conditions Unions discouraged and strong armed tactics Unions discouraged and strong armed tactics

against themagainst them

Jean Lesage (Liberal) 1960-1966Jean Lesage (Liberal) 1960-1966– ““Maitre chez nous” = masters of our own houseMaitre chez nous” = masters of our own house– Not independence, but more control over decisions affecting Not independence, but more control over decisions affecting

its futureits future– New and equal partnership with English-CanadaNew and equal partnership with English-Canada

Quiet Revolution (la revolution tranquille)Quiet Revolution (la revolution tranquille)– Rapid reform and modernizationRapid reform and modernization– Secularization, invest in public education, strengthen the Secularization, invest in public education, strengthen the

welfare state, unionize civil service, control of economy, welfare state, unionize civil service, control of economy, nationalization of hydroelectricitynationalization of hydroelectricity

– Lesage wanted “special status” for Quebec to protect French Lesage wanted “special status” for Quebec to protect French language and culturelanguage and culture

– Federal govt allows Quebec to run its own pension plan and Federal govt allows Quebec to run its own pension plan and medical insurancemedical insurance

– French-Canadians become “Quebecois”French-Canadians become “Quebecois”

Expo 67Expo 67– MontrealMontreal– French president Charles DeGaulleFrench president Charles DeGaulle– ““Vive le Quebec Libre”Vive le Quebec Libre”– Encourages French nationalismEncourages French nationalism– Enrages English-CanadiansEnrages English-Canadians

Daniel Johnson (Union Nationale) 1966Daniel Johnson (Union Nationale) 1966– Quebec must get absolute equality with rest of Quebec must get absolute equality with rest of

CanadaCanada– If not separatists will win (Levesque and Parti If not separatists will win (Levesque and Parti

Quebecois)Quebecois)

Rene Levesque, Liberal cabinet minister in Rene Levesque, Liberal cabinet minister in Quebec leaves party to form Parti Quebecois (PQ) Quebec leaves party to form Parti Quebecois (PQ) in 1967in 1967

Front de Liberation du QuebecFront de Liberation du Quebec– Terrorist organization Terrorist organization – Marxist objectives and separatistsMarxist objectives and separatists– Members trained by revolutionaries who were Members trained by revolutionaries who were

supporters of the Cuban revolutionarysupporters of the Cuban revolutionary– Also receive guerrilla training in selective assassination Also receive guerrilla training in selective assassination

from Palestinian commandos in Jordanfrom Palestinian commandos in Jordan– 1963-1970 over 200 political actions ie. bombings of 1963-1970 over 200 political actions ie. bombings of

mail boxes, public monuments, English owned mail boxes, public monuments, English owned businesses, banks, McGill University and homes of businesses, banks, McGill University and homes of prominent English-Canadiansprominent English-Canadians

1964 new flag (Pearson Pennant)1964 new flag (Pearson Pennant) Quebec uses fleur-de-lisQuebec uses fleur-de-lis Ottawa appoints Royal Commission on Ottawa appoints Royal Commission on

Bilingualism and Biculturalism (Bi and Bi Bilingualism and Biculturalism (Bi and Bi Commission)Commission)– Recommendations include making Canada bilingualRecommendations include making Canada bilingual

Official Languages Act (1969)Official Languages Act (1969)– Canadians have legal right and ability to deal with Canadians have legal right and ability to deal with

federal govt in either French or Englishfederal govt in either French or English– All products sold in Canada must be in both All products sold in Canada must be in both

languageslanguages– French immersion programs across CanadaFrench immersion programs across Canada

October Crisis (1970)October Crisis (1970) Trudeau PM in 1968 is a federalist and rejects Trudeau PM in 1968 is a federalist and rejects

special status for Quebecspecial status for Quebec The October Crisis/FLQ Crisis (1970)The October Crisis/FLQ Crisis (1970)

– Oct 5Oct 5 James Cross (British Trade Commissioner) kidnapped James Cross (British Trade Commissioner) kidnapped

by Liberation cellby Liberation cell Want ransom of $500 000, transport to Cuba, want Want ransom of $500 000, transport to Cuba, want

FLQ Manifesto read to public and release of FLQ FLQ Manifesto read to public and release of FLQ “political prisoners”“political prisoners”

Bourassa agrees to reading of Manifesto on radio and Bourassa agrees to reading of Manifesto on radio and transport to Cuba onlytransport to Cuba only

– Oct 10 Oct 10 Pierre Laporte (Quebec labour minister and depute Pierre Laporte (Quebec labour minister and depute

premier) kidnapped by Chenier cellpremier) kidnapped by Chenier cell

– Oct 16Oct 16 Bourassa asks Trudeau for help (federal troops), additional Bourassa asks Trudeau for help (federal troops), additional

search and arrest powers for policesearch and arrest powers for police Trudeau sees an “apprehended insurrection” ie. revolutionTrudeau sees an “apprehended insurrection” ie. revolution War Measures Act invokedWar Measures Act invoked

– Oct 17Oct 17 Laporte’s dead body foundLaporte’s dead body found

– By December discovered Cross still aliveBy December discovered Cross still alive Govt negotiated release in return for safe passage to CubaGovt negotiated release in return for safe passage to Cuba

– JanuaryJanuary Kidnappers of Laporte found, tried, convicted, sentenced Kidnappers of Laporte found, tried, convicted, sentenced

(light sentences of FLQ members)(light sentences of FLQ members) Affects on Canada? Quebec?Affects on Canada? Quebec?

War Measures ActWar Measures Act– Gave govt power to take away certain civil rightsGave govt power to take away certain civil rights– Thousands of searches and over 400 arrestsThousands of searches and over 400 arrests– Membership is FLQ became criminal and political Membership is FLQ became criminal and political

rallies bannedrallies banned– Govt can arrest, questions, detain suspects Govt can arrest, questions, detain suspects

without charge for up to 90 dayswithout charge for up to 90 days Trudeau – justified because widespread Trudeau – justified because widespread

conspiracy to overthrow govtconspiracy to overthrow govt– Trudeau questioned by reporter how far he would Trudeau questioned by reporter how far he would

go: “Just watch me” “There’s a lot of bleeding go: “Just watch me” “There’s a lot of bleeding hearts around – go on and bleed.”hearts around – go on and bleed.”

Bill 22 (1974)Bill 22 (1974)– Under Liberals R. BourassaUnder Liberals R. Bourassa– Fr is official language of QuebecFr is official language of Quebec– Children had to pass English proficiency Children had to pass English proficiency

test to be allowed to register at English test to be allowed to register at English schoolsschools

– Fear that French language will disappear Fear that French language will disappear with declining birthrate and increasing with declining birthrate and increasing immigrationimmigration

Levesque, PQ elected in 1976Levesque, PQ elected in 1976 Bill 101 (1977) replaced Bill 22Bill 101 (1977) replaced Bill 22

– Charter of French Language billCharter of French Language bill– Fr is language used by govt, courts and business Fr is language used by govt, courts and business

in Quebecin Quebec– Commercial signs are to be displayed in Fr onlyCommercial signs are to be displayed in Fr only– Restricted access to English schools – at least Restricted access to English schools – at least

one parent had to have attended an English one parent had to have attended an English school in Quebecschool in Quebec

– English businesses left QuebecEnglish businesses left Quebec

1980 Referendum on sovereignty-1980 Referendum on sovereignty-associationassociation– 90% voter turn out90% voter turn out– 60% NO60% NO

Constitution Act 1982 Constitution Act 1982 – November 4, 1981 Kitchen CompromiseNovember 4, 1981 Kitchen Compromise

9 provinces reached an agreement, Quebec 9 provinces reached an agreement, Quebec (Levesque) felt betrayed and did not sign (Levesque) felt betrayed and did not sign constitutionconstitution

– New amending formula and Charter of Rights New amending formula and Charter of Rights and Freedomsand Freedoms

Meech Lake, 1987Meech Lake, 1987 PM Mulroney met with all 10 premiers PM Mulroney met with all 10 premiers

(Bourassa is premier of QC) to change (Bourassa is premier of QC) to change constitution to include Quebecconstitution to include Quebec

Reached tentative agreement, but need Reached tentative agreement, but need unanimous consent from Ottawa and the unanimous consent from Ottawa and the provincesprovinces– Quebec is “distinct society”Quebec is “distinct society”– 3 of 9 Supreme Court were to come from QC3 of 9 Supreme Court were to come from QC– Amendments to new constitution would require Amendments to new constitution would require

agreement from all provincesagreement from all provinces– Provinces could choose to opt out of federal fundingProvinces could choose to opt out of federal funding– QC able to control its own immigrationQC able to control its own immigration

Concerns over Quebec referred to as Concerns over Quebec referred to as “distinct society”“distinct society”

Aboriginal peoples felt Quebec should Aboriginal peoples felt Quebec should not have special consideration because not have special consideration because no consideration for them or for womenno consideration for them or for women

Enfold, NB, MB didn’t ratify Enfold, NB, MB didn’t ratify 1990 Lucien Bouchard resigned in 1990 Lucien Bouchard resigned in

protest from Mulroney’s Cabinet and protest from Mulroney’s Cabinet and formed Bloc Quebecoisformed Bloc Quebecois

Charlottetown Accord, 1992Charlottetown Accord, 1992 Made provisions for Aboriginal self-govt, Senate Made provisions for Aboriginal self-govt, Senate

reform, universal health care, workers’ rights, and reform, universal health care, workers’ rights, and environmental protectionenvironmental protection– Negotiations were called the Canada RoundNegotiations were called the Canada Round

Canada ClauseCanada Clause– ““distinct society” for QC, outlined values and distinct society” for QC, outlined values and

characteristics that define all Cdns, including a characteristics that define all Cdns, including a commitment to equality of men and womencommitment to equality of men and women

Goes to referendum, only 4 of 10 provinces approvedGoes to referendum, only 4 of 10 provinces approved– Provisions too large and dauntingProvisions too large and daunting– Aboriginal peoples and women opposed the accord as well Aboriginal peoples and women opposed the accord as well

as the Reform partyas the Reform party

1993 Bloc Quebecois become official opposition 1993 Bloc Quebecois become official opposition led by Lucien Bouchard led by Lucien Bouchard

1995 Referendum1995 Referendum– Rejection of Charlottetown left Fr-Cdns feeling like Rejection of Charlottetown left Fr-Cdns feeling like

Canada was indifferent to QCCanada was indifferent to QC– 1995 premier Jacque Parizeau (PQ) held another 1995 premier Jacque Parizeau (PQ) held another

referendumreferendum– 50.6% NO50.6% NO– PQ Parizeau resigns…Bouchard switches to PQ Parizeau resigns…Bouchard switches to

provincial politics and wants to call another provincial politics and wants to call another sovereignty referendum but “under winning sovereignty referendum but “under winning conditions”conditions”

Calgary Declaration, 1997Calgary Declaration, 1997– Gesture of goodwill = Cdns govt declared QC to be a Gesture of goodwill = Cdns govt declared QC to be a

“unique society” “unique society” – BQ leader Bouchard did not attend BQ leader Bouchard did not attend

Supreme Court decision, 1998Supreme Court decision, 1998– Ruled QC did not have right to separate unilaterally Ruled QC did not have right to separate unilaterally

from Canadafrom Canada– To achieve independence QC has to negotiate with To achieve independence QC has to negotiate with

federal govt and other provinces, the Aboriginal federal govt and other provinces, the Aboriginal nations living in QC and other minorities living therenations living in QC and other minorities living there

– Negotiations could begin after a referendum where a Negotiations could begin after a referendum where a “clear majority” voted “yes” to a “clear question”“clear majority” voted “yes” to a “clear question”

Clarity Act, 1999Clarity Act, 1999– States that in any future referenda, QC States that in any future referenda, QC

must ask a clear questions, win a clear must ask a clear questions, win a clear majoritymajority

– Makes it next to impossible for QC to Makes it next to impossible for QC to gain independence from Canada gain independence from Canada through a referendumthrough a referendum

Potential impact of separation for Potential impact of separation for QuebecQuebec Forced to negotiate international trade deals such as NAFTAForced to negotiate international trade deals such as NAFTA QC no longer receive federal grants or assistanceQC no longer receive federal grants or assistance Anglophone population and big business may move to other Anglophone population and big business may move to other

provincesprovinces Foreign and domestic investment might dropForeign and domestic investment might drop Economic or social problems such as unemployment or poverty Economic or social problems such as unemployment or poverty

might worsenmight worsen QC may be asked to repay its portion of Canada’s national debtQC may be asked to repay its portion of Canada’s national debt QC may lost land to Aboriginal groupsQC may lost land to Aboriginal groups QC would be forced to re-negotiate its status in North American QC would be forced to re-negotiate its status in North American

Trade AgreementTrade Agreement QC may not receive ownership of federal property owned by QC may not receive ownership of federal property owned by

OttawaOttawa

Potential impact of separation for Potential impact of separation for CanadaCanada

Canada would lose 15.5% of its land areaCanada would lose 15.5% of its land area Canada would lose up to 25% of its populationCanada would lose up to 25% of its population Canada may lose up to 23% of its GNPCanada may lose up to 23% of its GNP Canada would lose 15% of its fresh water and 14% of Canada would lose 15% of its fresh water and 14% of

its mineral production capabilityits mineral production capability Atlantic Canada would be physically severed and Atlantic Canada would be physically severed and

isolated from the rest of Canadaisolated from the rest of Canada Canadian defence would become more difficultCanadian defence would become more difficult QC’s separation may cause other provinces to QC’s separation may cause other provinces to

consider separating from Confederationconsider separating from Confederation Francophones in other provinces would be left without Francophones in other provinces would be left without

one of their most powerful alliesone of their most powerful allies

Aboriginal peoples in Aboriginal peoples in CanadaCanada Status Indian: have legal rights under Status Indian: have legal rights under

Indian Act, have rights under treaties Indian Act, have rights under treaties or where no treaties have been signed, or where no treaties have been signed, rights as Registered Indiansrights as Registered Indians

Non-status Indian: have given up their Non-status Indian: have given up their legal status as Indians while still legal status as Indians while still keeping their cultural identitykeeping their cultural identity

First Nation: used in 1990s in place of First Nation: used in 1990s in place of “Indian band” or “Indian nation”“Indian band” or “Indian nation”

Royal Proclamation, 1763 Royal Proclamation, 1763 – Prevented further settlement across Prevented further settlement across

North America until treaties had been North America until treaties had been negotiatednegotiated

– Recognized that Aboriginal peoples lived Recognized that Aboriginal peoples lived as nations on their own landsas nations on their own lands

Between 1864 and 1867Between 1864 and 1867– Assimilation of Aboriginal nations into Assimilation of Aboriginal nations into

Canadian mainstreamCanadian mainstream

The Reserve System, 1830The Reserve System, 1830– Aboriginal peoples were seen as blocking settlement Aboriginal peoples were seen as blocking settlement

of BNAof BNA– Pushed onto reservation managed by agents of govtPushed onto reservation managed by agents of govt– 0.4% of Cdn land is set-aside for Indian reserves0.4% of Cdn land is set-aside for Indian reserves– Limiting of Aboriginals from fully participating in Limiting of Aboriginals from fully participating in

economy and generating wealth ie. Leverage land for economy and generating wealth ie. Leverage land for loans and wealth creationloans and wealth creation

– Land is federal govt’sLand is federal govt’s– Living conditions are lower than rest of CanadaLiving conditions are lower than rest of Canada– Life expectancy is lower, suicide rates are over 8 Life expectancy is lower, suicide rates are over 8

times highertimes higher

Indian Act, 1876Indian Act, 1876

Encourage Aboriginal peoples to give Encourage Aboriginal peoples to give up their own culture and traditions – up their own culture and traditions – assimilation into mainstreamassimilation into mainstream

BenefitsBenefits– Schools, medical care, hunting and fishing Schools, medical care, hunting and fishing

rights, annual treaty payments providedrights, annual treaty payments provided– Exempt from paying income and sales taxExempt from paying income and sales tax– ““special status” to Aboriginalsspecial status” to Aboriginals

DisadvantagesDisadvantages– Colonial mind set – treats Aboriginals as Colonial mind set – treats Aboriginals as

children and wards of statechildren and wards of state– Denied right to take up land as othersDenied right to take up land as others– Denied right to vote in provincial electionsDenied right to vote in provincial elections– Viewed as incompatible with being a Canadian Viewed as incompatible with being a Canadian

citizencitizen– If they want voteIf they want votemust give up “Indian status” must give up “Indian status” – Lose status is move off reserves, join military, Lose status is move off reserves, join military,

obtain higher education, or marry a non-Indianobtain higher education, or marry a non-Indian

Residential SchoolsResidential Schools– Federal govt assumed responsibility for education of Federal govt assumed responsibility for education of

Aboriginal childrenAboriginal children– Taken from their homes and forced to abandon their own Taken from their homes and forced to abandon their own

language and culturelanguage and culture– Administered by Protestant and Catholic missionaries Administered by Protestant and Catholic missionaries

By 1930 only 3% of native students go beyond grade 6By 1930 only 3% of native students go beyond grade 6 By 1950 only 1/3 go beyond grade 3By 1950 only 1/3 go beyond grade 3 Not until 1951 that Aboriginal children were allowed to Not until 1951 that Aboriginal children were allowed to

attend public school systemattend public school system– 1990s United Church and Catholic orders accept 1990s United Church and Catholic orders accept

responsibility for abuse and harmful practices responsibility for abuse and harmful practices – Some awarded compensation…lawsuits ongoingSome awarded compensation…lawsuits ongoing

1960: Aboriginal peoples given the 1960: Aboriginal peoples given the right to vote in federal electionsright to vote in federal elections

White Paper, 1969White Paper, 1969– Proposed abolition of reserves and end to Proposed abolition of reserves and end to

special status for treaty Indiansspecial status for treaty Indians– Equality was necessary for solution to the Equality was necessary for solution to the

problems of Indians and special status problems of Indians and special status has been the major cause of difficultieshas been the major cause of difficulties

– Hostile response to White PaperHostile response to White Paper

National Indian Brotherhood formed to National Indian Brotherhood formed to represent Status Indians and Native represent Status Indians and Native Council of Canada created to represent Council of Canada created to represent non-Status Indians and Metisnon-Status Indians and Metis

They presented “Red Paper”They presented “Red Paper”– Demand self-govt and control over their Demand self-govt and control over their

own affairsown affairs Trudeau’s govt withdrew White Paper Trudeau’s govt withdrew White Paper

in 1971in 1971

Land ClaimsLand Claims

NIB renamed Assembly of First NIB renamed Assembly of First Nations to demand better conditions Nations to demand better conditions for Aboriginal peoplesfor Aboriginal peoples– Office of Native land Claims dealt with Office of Native land Claims dealt with

both specific land claims and both specific land claims and comprehensive land claimscomprehensive land claims

Declaration of the First NationsDeclaration of the First Nations– Adopted in 1975 which included the Adopted in 1975 which included the

rights of nationhood and self-govtrights of nationhood and self-govt

Oka Standoff, 1990Oka Standoff, 1990– Want to extend golf course on land that Want to extend golf course on land that

Mohawks claimed that belonged to themMohawks claimed that belonged to them– Mohawks set up blockades of major roadsMohawks set up blockades of major roads– Police stormed barricade and one officer Police stormed barricade and one officer

was killedwas killed– Army was called inArmy was called intense standofftense standoff– Solution: federal govt bought the disputed Solution: federal govt bought the disputed

land and negotiated its transfer to land and negotiated its transfer to Kanesatake First NationKanesatake First Nation

Gustafsen Lake in BCGustafsen Lake in BC– Aboriginal people re-occupied land they Aboriginal people re-occupied land they

claimed was sacred groundclaimed was sacred ground Ipperwash in ONIpperwash in ON

– Aboriginal people occupied land on former Aboriginal people occupied land on former army base that was taken during WWII and army base that was taken during WWII and never returnednever returned

Meech Lake AccordMeech Lake Accord– Did not recognize distinct status of Did not recognize distinct status of

AboriginalsAboriginals

Self-governmentSelf-government Aboriginals believe they have inherent right to Aboriginals believe they have inherent right to

self-govtself-govt– Self-govt would recognize right to make decisions Self-govt would recognize right to make decisions

about matters internal to their communities, integral to about matters internal to their communities, integral to their unique cultures, traditions and languages and their unique cultures, traditions and languages and connected with their relationship to land and resourcesconnected with their relationship to land and resources

Constitution of 1982 guaranteed existing rights Constitution of 1982 guaranteed existing rights would be recognized and affirmedwould be recognized and affirmed– Self-govt would be similar to provincial govtSelf-govt would be similar to provincial govt– Responsible for own policing, health care, education Responsible for own policing, health care, education

and equal access to institutions and benefits provided and equal access to institutions and benefits provided by fed govtby fed govt

Self-govt in MBSelf-govt in MB– 1990s Aboriginal people took over 1990s Aboriginal people took over

responsibilities of the Dept of Indian responsibilities of the Dept of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in MB Affairs and Northern Development in MB and assumed self-govtand assumed self-govt

Nisga’a TreatyNisga’a Treaty– 1998 in BC signed treaty with both provincial and 1998 in BC signed treaty with both provincial and

federal govtfederal govt– Nisga’a given wide powers of self-govt pertaining to Nisga’a given wide powers of self-govt pertaining to

issues of culture, language and family lifeissues of culture, language and family life– Nisga’a given ownership of 1,922 square km of land, Nisga’a given ownership of 1,922 square km of land,

including all resources, fishing and hunting rights including all resources, fishing and hunting rights and $190 million and $190 million

– No non-Aboriginal settlers were forced from the No non-Aboriginal settlers were forced from the territory that the Nisga’a controlterritory that the Nisga’a control

– Non-Aboriginal settlers do not have the right to vote Non-Aboriginal settlers do not have the right to vote for the councils that govern the regionfor the councils that govern the region

Creation of Nunavut territory in 1999Creation of Nunavut territory in 1999– Aboriginal peoples were given the right to self-Aboriginal peoples were given the right to self-

govt over natural resources, education and govt over natural resources, education and justice systemsjustice systems

– No political parties – people run as individuals No political parties – people run as individuals and elected members vote for the member who and elected members vote for the member who they want to lead the govtthey want to lead the govt

Statement of Reconciliation, 1998Statement of Reconciliation, 1998– Cdn govt recognized that policies which sought Cdn govt recognized that policies which sought

to assimilate Aboriginals were not conducive to to assimilate Aboriginals were not conducive to building a strong countrybuilding a strong country

Today--inequalityToday--inequality

500 000 face worse living conditions than rest of 500 000 face worse living conditions than rest of CdnsCdns

Average income is half of national averageAverage income is half of national average 50% of reserve families live below poverty line50% of reserve families live below poverty line 66% are either unemployed or on welfare66% are either unemployed or on welfare Less than 55% Aboriginal houses are served Less than 55% Aboriginal houses are served

with sewer and water connections (national rate with sewer and water connections (national rate in 90%)in 90%)

Suicide 6 times national rate – exceeds rates for Suicide 6 times national rate – exceeds rates for all other racial and ethnic groups in the worldall other racial and ethnic groups in the world