Examples Of Ideological Differences In Canada

Ideological Differences: Exploring the Division Between English and French Canadians in the 20th Century

Though Canada’s English and French populations are united under one nation, the two groups have always had contradicting beliefs and viewpoints-creating a sense of division between the two. Numerous instances throughout the 20th century showcase their differences, and how they impacted French English relations as a whole. The inherent ideological differences between English and French Canadians made the 20th century a time of heightened tensions, as evidenced by instances such as; the Conscription Crisis, the Quiet Revolution, and the Meech Lake Accord.

Tensions between the two first arose during the Conscription Crisis of 1917. Conscription

This was a pivotal period in Quebec history, during which the province transitioned from old traditionalistic ideas to newer and more progressive ones. Under the Lesage government, the province saw the implementation of revolutionary socio-political reforms and the introduction of a ‘Maitres Chez Nous’ (Masters of Our Own House) philosophy. With these changes, a sense of nationalism spread throughout the province, and many Quebecois believed that the only way to continue such progress would be by becoming autonomous from the influence of English Canada altogether. Though the Lesage government was not in favour of separating from Canada as a whole, they did make several moves toward autonomy such as; leaving over 30 inter-provincial cost-sharing programs, and establishing ‘Maisons du Quebec’ in several countries-all of which already featured Canadian embassies (Durocher). The federal government, primarily led by English Canadians, was strongly opposed to this move towards complete autonomy-believing that it would jeopardize the historical relationship between French and English Canadians and national unity as a whole. Throughout the late 1960s-1970s the government made several efforts to ease the separatist movement in Quebec, and better recognize the bilingual and bicultural nature of Canada. Despite this, many Quebecois continued to support separatism for the coming decades. The Quiet Revolution highlighted

The accord was a series of measures proposed by Quebec to bring them back into the ‘constitutional family’, following their refusal to sign during the partition of the Canadian constitution in 1982. The proposed measures served two purposes; the first being to recognize Quebec as a distinct society within Canada, and the second giving provinces more authority in terms of governance in their respective jurisdictions, and in federal matters (Centre of Constitutional Studies, University of Alberta). The proposal would never come to fruition and would fail to be ratified three years after being introduced. Though initially popular, the terms of the accord were faced with severe criticism in the following years. Many English provinces felt that giving Quebec the status of a distinct society would place it on a pedestal, and would suggest that it was of greater importance compared to other provinces, and would differentiate them from the rest of Canada. Quebecois, on the other hand, disagreed with this assessment and felt that the accord would strengthen Quebec’s relationship with the rest of the nation, and mend the damage done by the passing of the Constitution Act. Upon its failure, many Quebecois became in favour of sovereignty, leading to the Quebec Referendum of 1995-nearly leading to the province’s departure from the nation. The Meech Lake Accord was met with mixed reactions from English and French