Comparing The Quiet Revolution In Quebec Between 1960 And 1966

This essay is about the Quiet Revolution in Quebec that occurred between 1960 and 1966 and the many changes that occurred during this time period.

Throughout these six years, Quebec experienced various changes on a social, economic and political level. This crucial period consisted of Quebec emerging out of the Duplessis era, characterized by traditionalism, conservatism and, generally, a rejection of contemporary ways and values (Claude, Bélanger, 2000). With the election of the Liberal Party led by Jean Lesage in 1960, wanting to improve public services (health), develop new industries, have access to natural resources and more. Shortly after, the government took control of the municipalities and schools administered by the Church previously.

With the creation of the Department of Education in 1964 and CEGEPs, more people had access to an education thus man and women were more educated and their values changed over time. Religion became less present and important, therefore was replaced by liberal attitudes. There were fewer marriages and lower fertility and birth rate with the invention of the contraceptive pill. Women could decide for themselves whether they wanted to go work or go study. A myriad of associations for women was created to defend women's rights and interests: The Fédération des femmes du Québec (FFQ) in 1966. Furthermore, in 1964, three major pieces of legislation were introduced: an extensive revision of the labor code; Bill 16, which abolished a married woman's judicial restriction by which her legal status was that of a minor; and a pension plan (René Durocher, 2013). In 1961, the first women in Quebec Claire Kirkland-Casgrain was a part of the Legislative Assembly of Quebec. Slowly but surely, women were obtaining more freedom and rights. Healthcare is another domain that was adjusted by Lesage: joining

Lesage wanted to adjust this by creating public institutions such as the Société générale de financement in 1961 and the Caisse de dépôt et placement in 1965, creation of the Quebec Pension Plan in 1965 these are corporations owned by Quebec's government, it gave a better control over their own economic situation (decolonization). The slogan "Masters in our own house" perfectly encapsulated this intention. To Lesage and his ministers, the State was the best tool French Canadians had to help them achieve this objective (Mathieu, Pigeon). As a result, companies needed more qualified employees to manage and work it was then a welfare state. The right to strike in the public sector was allowed by the new Labour Code installed by the government due to its prosperity in the economic sector, the ministers could comply with a variety of union demands. This was the rise of a new French middle class. The nationalization of electricity in 1963 was a very important event in Quebec and its economy. Every private hydroelectric company was nationalized, thus all private companies were placed under the corporation of Hydro-Quebec in North America. This establishment is a source of pride to the Quebecois and a part of their success. In the meantime, Quebec was a region that faced the creation of several nationalistic groups,