National assizes of 1967 (Estates General of French Canada)
The National assizes of 1967, also known as the Estates General of French Canada (French: États généraux du Canada français), was a series of meetings and consultations held throughout the province of Quebec, Canada, during 1966 and 1967. The initiative, conceived and spearheaded by the Fédération des collèges classiques, aimed to broadly assess the state of French-Canadian society and culture in Quebec and Canada, and to propose solutions to perceived issues and challenges.
The Estates General were divided into several commissions, each focusing on a specific area: Education, Constitution, Economy, Social Affairs, and Culture. These commissions held public hearings and solicited briefs from individuals and organizations across Quebec. Thousands of people participated, contributing to a wide-ranging discussion about the future of French Canada.
The primary motivation behind the Estates General was a growing concern about the perceived erosion of French-Canadian culture and language, the economic disparities between French and English Canadians, and the limited political power of French Canadians within the Canadian federation. Many participants felt that Confederation, as it was then structured, did not adequately protect the interests of French Canada.
The conclusions and recommendations of the Estates General were presented in a final report in 1967. While the Estates General did not result in immediate legislative changes, they played a significant role in shaping public opinion and fostering a greater sense of Quebec national identity. The event contributed to the rise of Quebec nationalism and influenced the political discourse that would lead to the Quiet Revolution and subsequent debates about Quebec sovereignty. The Estates General provided a platform for discussing complex issues facing French Canada, offering a space for voicing grievances, articulating aspirations, and proposing concrete actions. They are considered an important milestone in the history of Quebec and Canadian federalism.