CBC Archives

Record on the board several major events in recent Canadian history, including the October Crisis of 1970, the election of a PQ government in Quebec, and the sovereignty referenda of 1980 and 1995. Ask students which events were related to Canadian unity and why. Challenge students to name some of the key figures in these events (for example, René Lévesque, Jacques Parizeau, Pierre Trudeau, Jean Chrétien) and explain what they know about how those political figures were involved with the issue of Canadian unity.

Direct students to the topic Robert Bourassa: Political Survivor on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Working in pairs or small groups, students will prepare a timeline from 1966 to 1996 of what they consider the most important events in the life and political career of Robert Bourassa. Students should highlight the main events of Bourassa’s life and political career, and their timelines should be illustrated with appropriate materials, including visuals that are copied with appropriate permission.

Have each group present its timeline to the class while you create a class timeline on chart paper. Display the timelines in the classroom. Lead a discussion on the significance of the main events in Bourassa’s political career, how they affected Quebec and the rest of Canada, and what their historical significance was.

Students can research one of the main events in Bourassa’s political career, and prepare and present a short report about it and its significance for Canadian history and politics.