The Quiet Revolution (1960-1966)
The 1960s were a time of immense changes in Quebec known as the Quiet Revolution. The period represents the rejection of Duplessis and his traditional vision of Quebec in favour of a modern, cosmopolitan and largely socialist vision for the province. This was a coming of age for the 'baby boomer' generation who often did not see the world in the same way as their parents.
The Quiet Revolution is generally understood to be from 1960 - 1966. This is when Jean Lesage and the Liberal Party led the province and implemented a number of policy changes. Two main aspects of these changes were:
The Quiet Revolution is generally understood to be from 1960 - 1966. This is when Jean Lesage and the Liberal Party led the province and implemented a number of policy changes. Two main aspects of these changes were:
- secularization - a secular society can be understood as being the separation of church and state, especially in areas of education, health care, and charity. In other words, the government began to provide services to the public that the church had been responsible for.
- welfare state - public services and social security measures
Secularization of Quebec
The post war period saw an increased level of secularization in many parts of the western world. Quebec, however, remained a largely Catholic based and controlled society. This changed dramatically during the Quiet Revolution.
- Education: The Ministry of Education was created to oversee education in Quebec
- Hospitalization (health) Insurance: ensured everyone had access to health care through the creation of the CLSCs (local health clinics)
- Women were recognized as equal to men
Unions and the Left
Because the government took over many new responsibilities it required many new workers. Unions maintained their important role in society and won new rights for workers in these new government sectors, such as the right to strike and improved working conditions.
Unions, which are understood as being part of the left political spectrum (conservatives being on the right), and their power in society helped lead to changes in the approach to governing the economy. First, government became more active in the economy and worked to prevent social problems caused by unemployment or low wages. It would do this through investment in particular industries or through large scale projects, such as the Montreal Metro (subway) system.
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Second, government actively worked to take control of its resources and promoted local businesses instead of selling off mining rights, for example, to foreign (American, English Canadian etc) companies. Perhaps the best example of this was the nationalization of Hydro-Quebec. The idea was to promote French Canadians participation in the management of the economy so that it would be better shaped to serve French Canadians. This perspective ultimately saw Quebec as a colony that needed to gain its independence from Canadian and American dominance and gave rise to the popular slogan "maîtres chez nous" (masters in our own house).
Union Nationale ... again (1966- 1970)
A big surprise came to many Quebecers in 1966 when the Union Nationale, the party of Duplessis and traditional Catholic values, won the election. Despite the victory, most Quebecers were in favour of the changes that Lesage and the Liberals had made which meant that the Union Nationale had little choice but to continue and even expand these policies. For example, it was the Union Nationale government that created the network of CÉGEPS (1967) and the Université du Québec system (1969).
The Language Question
Language in Quebec has been contentious for many, many years. This friction came to the forefront during the 1960s. Part of the reason for this was due to increased immigration (immigrants tended to adopt English as their language of choice) to Quebec. Immigration was needed because of declining birth rates in Quebec.
The apparent growth of English language, especially in Montreal, led some people to call for French unilingualism in the province (schooling only available in French). Many parents pushed back against this movement and it was up to the government to introduce Bill 63, which allowed parents to choose the language of instruction for their children.
The apparent growth of English language, especially in Montreal, led some people to call for French unilingualism in the province (schooling only available in French). Many parents pushed back against this movement and it was up to the government to introduce Bill 63, which allowed parents to choose the language of instruction for their children.