Timeline of Quebec history (1960–1981)

This timeline outlines significant events in Quebec history between 1960 and 1981, a period marked by profound social, political, and economic transformation known as the Quiet Revolution and its aftermath.

1960:

• June 22: The Liberal Party, led by Jean Lesage, wins the Quebec general election, ending Maurice Duplessis's Union Nationale's long period of dominance and ushering in the Quiet Revolution.
• The Lesage government embarks on a program of modernization, including expanding the role of the state in the economy and social services.
• Establishment of the Quebec Ministry of Education, marking a shift towards secularizing and centralizing the province's education system.

1961:

• Introduction of universal hospital insurance.
• Increased provincial government involvement in economic development through organizations like the Société générale de financement (SGF).

1962:

• November 14: The Liberal Party, under Jean Lesage, is re-elected on a platform of nationalizing private electricity companies, a slogan "Maîtres chez nous" (Masters in our own house).
• The nationalization of Hydro-Québec commences.

1963:

• Creation of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, a public pension fund investment manager.
• Formation of the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), a radical separatist group.

1964:

• Adoption of the new Quebec flag, the fleurdelisé, replacing the Union Jack.
• Labor Code reforms are passed, strengthening workers' rights.

1966:

• June 5: The Union Nationale, led by Daniel Johnson, wins the Quebec general election.
• Johnson continues many of the Quiet Revolution's modernization policies but adopts a more cautious approach regarding federal-provincial relations.

1967:

• Expo 67, the World's Fair, is held in Montreal.
• French President Charles de Gaulle visits Montreal and utters the phrase "Vive le Québec libre!" generating controversy between Canada and France.

1968:

• René Lévesque founds the Parti Québécois (PQ), a political party advocating for Quebec sovereignty.

1969:

• Bill 63, promoting French language instruction, is met with controversy, leading to protests and debate.

1970:

• October Crisis: The FLQ kidnaps British Trade Commissioner James Cross and Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte.
• October 16: Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau invokes the War Measures Act, suspending civil liberties.
• October 17: Pierre Laporte is found murdered.
• James Cross is eventually released.

1973:

• The Liberal Party, led by Robert Bourassa, wins the Quebec general election.

1974:

• Bill 22 is passed, making French the official language of Quebec and restricting access to English-language schools.

1976:

• November 15: The Parti Québécois, led by René Lévesque, wins the Quebec general election for the first time.
• The PQ government introduces legislation aimed at promoting the French language and culture.

1977:

• Bill 101, the Charter of the French Language, is enacted, reinforcing French as the official language of Quebec in all areas of public life.

1980:

• May 20: The Quebec sovereignty referendum is held; the "No" side (against sovereignty-association) wins with approximately 60% of the vote.

1981:

• The Parti Québécois, led by René Lévesque, is re-elected in the Quebec general election.