ipl-logo

Why Is The War Measures Act Justified

1367 Words6 Pages

The War Measures Act was declared for the third time in Canadian history (but for the first time for domestic use in the country) for the October Crisis in 1970. The terrorist group Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ) kidnapped the British trade commissioner James Cross and The Quebec Labour Minister, Pierre Laporte and the group also murdered Pierre Laporte. This crisis shocked everyone and it led to the command of the War Measures Act. Pierre Trudeau’s decision to pass the War Measures Act was a very necessary and a strong step due to the acts of terrorism. I agree that his decision was right and the act was justified because of three reasons which are that the act dealt with the greatest terrorist attack in Canadian history, the majority …show more content…

The FLQ group wanted Quebec to have its own freedom and they gave the country this message in a violent manner by kidnapping and murdering government officials. They demanded the release of 23 political prisoners being held for bombings and terrorist activities. The terrorist group demanded transportation to Cuba or Algeria, five hundred thousand dollars in gold bars and publication of the FLQ manifesto (statement of beliefs) (Cruxton, Wilson 368). The group kidnapped James Cross, the government had 48 hours to accept their demands or James Cross would be killed. The government refused to follow the demands and the FLQ group kidnapped Pierre Laporte, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Labour of the province of Quebec. The government began to take the crisis very seriously and then the War Measures Act was proclaimed by Pierre Trudeau. People began to share their opinions and they created a lot of chaos because not all opinions were the same. A lot of people thought that Pierre Trudeau's decision of declaring the War Measure Act was justified, but many people thought that a big action like that was not necessary at all. It divided the English speaking Canadians and the French speaking Canadians once again. During the crisis the English speaking Canadians were terrified by these terrorists while some of the French population supported the actions that the FLQ took. I believe that Pierre …show more content…

There were many severe terms of the War Measures Act, but Trudeau didn’t use any of the difficult ones and he handled the crisis very well which to he received many compliments for. He began to realize that his decision is appropriate because he knew that kidnappings were the start of a plan to overthrow the government (Cruxton, Wilson 369). When a reporter asked Trudeau “how far will the government go”, Trudeau replied by saying “just watch me”. Trudeau’s son Justin Trudeau also used this famous quote. The act gave a lot of power to the police and they arrested a total of four hundred and sixty-five people. The War Measures Act gave the Canadian government a lot of power to quickly and productively make useful decisions and to take all actions that are necessary to make everyone feel safe. The public was scared because they weren't used to seeing the army with such strong force and power. But everyone was relieved to know that the country was ready to take any action that would result in a safe and peaceful environment. The people were feeling very proud because their government had the capability and power to put down a violent separatist group. Trudeau made a capable move even though it was severe, and he was a strong man and he knew what was right for his country. Under the War Measures Act the FLQ

Show More
Related
548 Words | 3 Pages

This essay will talk about the negative and positive effects of the treaty on Canada. Canada's military underwent massive changes not only after but before the treaty as well. One of the most notable changes was the Canadian military’s shift towards an independent military stance. Evidence of this can be seen in world war I with Canada's contributions to the war effort during the war. Both the battle of the Somme and Vimy ridge were great examples of this.

Read More
1550 Words | 7 Pages

Aiden Jajo Mr. Kennedy CHC 2D May 1, 2015 Vimy Ridge: Was the Battle at Vimy Ridge Truly a Turning Point in Canadian History? Neil Armstrong, an American Astronaut, and first person to land on the moon, once said these notorious words, “This is one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” These words were said as he landed on the moon, and forever changed history. This was a milestone and a turning point in space exploration for both the United States of America, and for Canada as well.

Read More
174 Words | 1 Pages

I believe that this was the case because Harper wanted to strengthen ties with the United States, and war was a common ground. Strong ties with the United States would allow for Canada to grow its economy.

Read More
1810 Words | 8 Pages

When the Pontiacs war came to an end, the British found that they had to do much more in order to fulfill the needs of the French Canadians. As had been mentioned earlier, there are those Canadians who had close relations with the French at the time that the latter had seceded and left the land in the jurisdiction of the British. In order to satisfy this population, the British came up with the Quebec act of 1774. This document contained among other things, the parts of the French civil law that would remain place. Additionally, the document allowed for the extension of Quebec’s boundaries, which would now extend to the south of the Ohio River.

Read More
462 Words | 2 Pages

On July 28th,1914 the First World War and ended on November 11, 1918, what we know now as Remembrance Day. Numerous people died because of countless countries fighting over land. The Battle of Vimy was one of the most important battles that Canada won in four days. Before 1914 Canada did not appear as a proper country, although it got its independence thanks to John A. MacDonald. Britain kept Canada under its feet although we were an independent nation.

Read More
1064 Words | 5 Pages

Was the enactment of the War Measures Act during the October Crisis Justified? When one thinks of a terrorist attack, Canada is not usually the first one to come to mind. Canada is usually regarded as a very peaceful country. But Canada was not always peaceful internally; in fact it had raging internal battles with the French wanting independence.

Read More
1421 Words | 6 Pages

Canada is now known to be a diverse, multicultural, bilingual and inclusive nation largely as a result of his work. Pierre Elliott Trudeau also believed in an equal Canada for all, he is primarily the one to introduce rights and freedoms to the citizens of Canada. While some view Pierre Trudeau as impulsive, for enforcing the War Measures Act, Trudeau enacted this for the protection of Canadian citizens against radical extremist and his actions were more rational than impulsive for the situation that had suddenly occurred. Pierre Trudeau was one of Canada’s greatest Prime Minister’s, who’s impact fundamentally changed the course of the nation by introducing multiculturalism, for introducing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and for paradoxically upholding democracy by strong action during the October Crisis.

Read More
1182 Words | 5 Pages

The tension between provincial and federal government is a continual struggle for power in Canadian politics. On April 16th, 1981, the highly debated April Accord was signed by the Gang of 8 and proposed to Trudeau as an amending formula for the Constitution. On the surface, it appeared to demonstrate a united front within the provinces in the Gang of 8. However, there is much controversy over whether the accord was an authentic solution to the amending formula or a way to stall negotiations since Trudeau would not approve it. Thus, the April Accord represents the political tension between the Gang of 8 and Prime Minister Trudeau.

Read More
1259 Words | 6 Pages

Today, Canada is seen as a multicultural and peaceful nation that has evolved over the course of history. This great nation would never have been possible without the impact that former Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson left on this country. His achievements and insights profoundly affected and shaped Canada’s nation. First, peacekeeping is an important part of Canada’s heritage and a reflection of its fundamental beliefs that Pearson implemented after dealing with world changing situations and winning a Nobel Prize. Also, his contributions as a liberal leader as well as the flaws and controversy with Diefenbaker did in fact define this country.

Read More
425 Words | 2 Pages

The FLQ went far enough to kill for separation. A drastically different side to Separatism compared to the quiet revolution. Got the government to become very serious on this matter. At this point, just self determination was not enough for many Quebecois. The Referendums (1980 and 1995) -

Read More
1081 Words | 5 Pages

“Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind” (John F. Kennedy). War represents some of the worst periods throughout the history of mankind. There have been two major wars in history and over 80 million people have lost their lives in these wars. With all these deaths and losses, we question the necessity of war, and the impacts of war. Canada participated in both World Wars and this had a significant impact on the country.

Read More
1518 Words | 7 Pages

Pierre Elliott Trudeau was Canada’s 15th Prime Minister and a man that changed Canada. Trudeau was prime minister of Canada during 1968-79 and 1980–84, politician, writer and constitutional lawyer. He had accomplished many things throughout his years in office as he was responsible for introducing new laws and acts like the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Trudeau also brought in the Official Languages Act in 1969. This person is a significant impact towards Canadian history since some of his achievements include the 1980 defeat of Québec separatism, official bilingualism, the patriated Constitution, and the manifestation of the Charter of Rights.

Read More
963 Words | 4 Pages

Canada has been defined by its contributions at home and abroad in WWI, WWII, and peacekeeping. World War I played an important role in Canada’s history. It shaped Canada by giving women suffrage and by the war creating a greater divide between French and English Canadians. By the end of WWI, the Canadian government

Read More
276 Words | 2 Pages

Justifying the FLQ by enforcing the War Measures Act was not necessary because the basic rights of people were violated in the process, as it gave law enforcement the right to search, seize, and arrest anybody without sound reasoning, doing more harm than good. Yes, the FLQ was unpredictable, dangerous, and uncontrollable, but the situation did not needed to be handled the way it was, as it invaded the privacy of citizens, and took away their basic rights. The Front de Libération du Québec kidnapped two government officials, carried out many bombings, and caused incidents resulting in injuries or even death, showing terrorist-like characteristics, put lots of pressure on Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. He introduced the War Measures Act to

Read More
269 Words | 2 Pages

Money is the number one controlling factor of the world so, an economy is really important and in Quebec was doing poorly. Even before the FLQ and referendum, Quebec has been suffering;“In their own province, French Canadians as a group occupied the lowest rungs of the economic ladder. Their average incomes were lower, and unemployment remained a serious problem, with a much higher rate than that of the Anglo-Canadians, who controlled approximately 80% of Quebec industry. There were very few French-speaking people heading large corporations... All offices functioned in English.

Read More

More about Why Is The War Measures Act Justified

Related Topics

Open Document