1960s: a Time of Great Change in Quebec

Quebec 1960-1980• American influence

through mass-media… changes values.

• Many call for change from the conservatism of Maurice Duplessis.

• 1959 – Duplessis dies.

• 1960 – LIBERALS (Jean Lesage) voted in

• CHANGE in society, government, etc…

Government Changes under Liberals

• Quebec Government becomes interventionist.

• Welfare State – looks after those in need.

• Government takes over Health, Education, and Social programs.

• Secularized society – reduced religious influence.

• Government nationalizes certain industries – ie: State takes ownership.

• Creates Crown Corporations – businesses owned by government (ex: Hydro Quebec).

Changes in Education

• DEMOCRATIZES education.

• Catholic Church no longer in charge.

• “Great Charter of Education” (1961)– School mandatory until

age 15– Education is FREE

• “Parent Report” (1963) recommends reforms.

• 1964 – Ministry of Education founded.

• 1967 – CEGEP is created

• 1968 – Université de Québec offers higher education of different regions of Quebec.

Question:Is Religion Still Important in

Quebec?

Why or why not?

Changes in Quebec Society

Religion• Secularization makes

the Church less influential in society.

• Attendance at masses in Montreal drops from 61% to 30% between 1961-1971.

• Change in attitudes.– More Divorce– Fewer Marriages

Question:Do women have the same rights and opportunities as

men?

Feminism and Women’s Rights• In the 1960s, Feminists

demand better rights… equal status.– Women become more

educated– Increased numbers in the

work-force.

• Contraceptive Pill gives women the choice to have children = smaller families.

Unions

• More workers in public sector join unions.

• Many demonstrations.• Union Movement

becomes powerful in Quebec.

• 1965 Labour Code allows government workers to strike.