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Maurice Duplessis as Premier
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Period: to
The Duplessis Era
The Cold War had two major results; the growth of the US military and the growth of Canadian exports of raw materials that were shipped to USA. The Federal government intervened in the economy to regulate the economic cycle, redistribute the money, and to reduce the inequalities. Maurice Duplessis' party, the Union Nationale, was in support of provincial autonomy (independence), economic liberalism, moderization of farming, social conservation, and the close relations with the Catholic Church. -
Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (Québec’s Flag)
Maurice Duplessis wanted provincial autonomy, he was committed to defending Quebec's independence by keeping the federal government out of Quebecs jurisdictions. Which meant that he refused to give up the powers from the BNA Act in exchange for participation in the federal programs. In 1948, the new provincial flag was created to show the world that they had autonomy. -
Refus Global Manifesto Published
Duplessis had very traditional, conservative, and close ties with the Church, people began to oppose him. 15 artists signed a manifesto called the Rufus Global which limited the Churchs power over society; they wanted the state to be in charge of education and health. They wanted secularism, which is the seperation of the state and church. -
Asbestos Strike
The people of Quebec did not always agree with Duplessis and his government, hence the Asbestos Strike in 1949. Miners wanted safer working conditions and more money. The police brutally tried to keep the strikes down, Duplessis supported the employers, not the employees, and declared striking illegal. -
Arrival of Television in Québec
There was a big societal change due to the protest movements and Duplessis' government. The start of the consumer society consisted of mass consumption of goods, easy credit, and advertisments that encouraged people to buy a TV. Quebecers now had exposure to American culture through the television, radio, and movies. Americanism was a culture of freedom, material comfort, and success. -
Introduction of Provincial Income Tax (Fiscal Autonomy)
Duplessis' governments policies focused on foreign investment and regional development. They wanted to attract American businesses, and in doing so, they lowered their taxes and fees. And then in 1954, they introduced their own provincial income tax, which increased Quebec's economy. They wanted private businesses to lead instead of the government, this was called economic liberalism.