Background

- As the minorities to the English dominated society, French-Canadians became the

second class workers.

- Changes were brought after the rule of Maurice Duplessis and the Union
Nationale. Secularization was changes brought to Quebec after years of
conservative policies.

- Great social, political and economic changes occurred which changed the way of
life for Quebec.

- Schools became secular institutions but still maintained Catholic and Protestant
character.

- The nationalization of Hydro-Quebec and strategies to lessen the exploitation of

Quebecs resources were done during this time.

- New labour codes came in and improved the rights of workers.

- The new civil code was made to establish the legal equality of spouses.

- The social and economic changes empowered Quebecers and lead to the rise of
Quebec Nationalism.

- Left-wing separatist group the Front de liberation du Quebec arranges its first
attacks on March 7th, 1963.

- On February 13th, 1969 the FLQ bomb the Montreal stock exchange. This has a
great effect on the economic status in Canada for then and in its future.

- Other targets like the home of the Montreal mayor are bombed in continuing
attacks.

- The crises begin with the kidnapping of British Trade Commissioner James Cross
on October 5th, 1970.

- Messages were sent the Quebec media outlets outlining the demands of the FLQ.

- Quebecs minister of labour Pierre Laporte was kidnapped on October 10th, while
on his front lawn.
- The Quebec government asks for the aid of the Canadian army 10 days into the
crisis.

- Pierre Laporte is executed on October 17th. His body is found a few miles away
from Montreal.

- Armed soldiers can be found in the streets of Montreal.

- Negotiations continue throughout this time.

- James Cross is released as the kidnappers ask for safe passage to Cuba.

- The last of the FLQ are found and arrested a few weeks after the arrest.

- The events greatly effected Quebec and Canada.