The end of every year is an opportunity to take a look back at the months that have just passed. It is also the perfect time to look forward to the new year starting.
In this regard, and from a historical point of view, some noteworthy anniversaries in Quebec in 2024 will be highlighted. The following is a non-exhaustive overview.
The 250H From Quebec law
On June 22, we will celebrate the 250th anniversaryH The anniversary of this law which constitutes one of the first great moments in the constitutional history of Quebec. Fourteen years after the fall of New France to the British and eleven years after the Royal Proclamation, which aimed to assimilate the French-Canadian population, the Quebec Act of 1774 embodied a temporary abandonment of assimilation goals among the British authorities. It should be placed in the context of the revolutionary movement in the American colonies. London then wanted to attract the sympathy of the French-speaking population, especially the elites, by abolishing the probationary oath and specifically recognizing the Catholic religion, the French civil laws, and thus the feudal system: three important institutional and cultural characteristics of France. The population of Canada at that time.
The 50thH From the Official Language Law
The Official Language Act, or Act No. 22, adopted and passed by the National Assembly on July 31, 1974, declared French to be the sole official language of Quebec for the first time. It is this last aspect that gives all its importance to this law, which will not last long…
It was proposed by the government of Robert Bourassa to put an end to the linguistic crisis that Quebec has been experiencing since the end of the sixties, but it was met with unanimous opposition. French speakers find it tasteless while English speakers find it discriminatory. It will be replaced by Bill 101, which was passed by the Parti Québécois in 1977.
50 years of Superfrancofête
Also in the linguistic field, the year 1974 was the scene of an important cultural event that demonstrated the excitement of the time and the momentum of the assertiveness of Quebecois youth. It was the Superfrancofête, held in Quebec from August 13 to 24, 1974, and was attended by representatives of several French-speaking countries. The opening act brought together on stage none other than Felix Leclerc, Gilles Vigneault and Robert Charlebois for a concert in the Plains of Abraham. That's when they put on a now special show titled I saw a wolf, a fox and a lionIn the presence of more than 100,000 spectators!
After the looting of a construction site in James Bay by FTQ agents, the government of Robert Bourassa established the Cliche Commission on 27 March 1974. It was responsible for investigating freedom of association in construction. Judge Robert Klish chairs the panel, and is assisted by Brian Mulroney and Guy Chevret.
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Some other important birthdays in 2024
- March 21 will be the 50th anniversary of the looting of James Bay by an FTQ agent. This coup would be the reason, during the same year, for the establishment of the famous vulgar Commission on Freedom of Association in Construction.
- August 19 marks the 250th birth anniversary of Montreal nationalist and political leader, Denis-Benjamin Viger.
- The 150H On the birth of journalist Olivars Asselin, on November 8.
- three hundred fiftyH Anniversary of Pointe-Aux-Trembles.
On November 8, we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the fiery journalist Olívar Asselin.
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In short, there are a lot of great projects waiting to be revisited by historians in the coming year. By the same token, there are great opportunities to remember and better understand these events and people who have shaped our collective history.
In the meantime, I wish everyone a Happy New Year 2024!
