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Topic spans: 1960 - 2007
Quebec Elections, 1960-2007
Quebec elections are never dull because they are full of colourful characters, intrigue and more than a few surprises. Whether it's the Liberals ushering in the Quiet Revolution with their 1960 win, or the emotional 1976 election of René Lévesque and his separatist Parti Québécois, the voting habits of our belle province guarantee to fascinate.
10 television clips
3 radio clips
Quebec's changing political climate
Broadcast Date: May 3, 1970
It's summed up as a Liberal sweep, a shattering defeat for the Union Nationale and an electoral triumph for the Parti Québécois, reports CBC Radio. A rejuvenated Liberal party, led by 36-year-old Robert Bourassa, wins 72 seats. This victory prompts Prime Minster Pierre Trudeau to declare the 1970 election outcome as a victory for federalism. But the PQ makes an impressive debut with its strong separatist mandate.The PQ wins only seven seats but garners 24 per cent of the popular vote. PQ leader René Lévesque says this election represents a victory for his new party and an independent Quebec. "This is the first stage," Lévesque promises, "watch the second."
Quebec's changing political climate
• Fearful of the growing separatist movement, the federal government and big businesses strongly backed the Liberal party.• The separatist movement in Quebec got international endorsement when French President Charles de Gaulle exclaimed, "Vive le Québec libre" to an ecstatic crowd in front of Montreal City Hall on July 24, 1967. De Gaulle's statement caused a political uproar and forced him to end his trip early. De Gaulle had been invited to Expo 67 to help celebrate Canada's 100th birthday.
Quebec's changing political climate
Medium: Radio
Program: Sunday Magazine
Broadcast Date: May 3, 1970
Guest(s): Robert Bourassa, René Lévesque, Charles Neopole, Pierre Trudeau
Host: John O'Leary, Bruce Rogers
Reporter: David Halton
Duration: 19:27
Last updated:
March 5, 2008
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On a cross-Canada train journey in 1967, Jacques Parizeau became an impassioned believer in sovereignty for Quebec. Trained at the London School of Economics, he was working for the Quebec government when he...
Quebec's changing political climate.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: March 5, 2008.
[Page consulted on Feb. 15, 2012.]