The War Measures Act, 1970 (Single lesson)
Timeline
Look for key events relevant to your mission.
March 1963:
Front de Liberation du Québec(FLQ) movement is created. Its goal is to create an independent Québec using propaganda, violence and terror.
September 1964:
Two persons are killed in a FLQ bombing at the International Firearms of Montreal. François Schirm and Edouard Guénette of the FLQ are later sentenced to life in prison.
May 1966:
Bomb explosion at a Montreal shoe factory. One person, Thérèse Morin, is killed in the explosion.
July 1966:
A bomb explosion at the Dominion Textile causes the death of one FLQ perpetrator, Jean Corbo.
April 1968:
Pierre Vallières is sentenced to life in prison for his responsibility in the shoe factory bombing (of May 1966). He is sentenced to life in prison (but will appeal and finally be sentenced to 30 months).
February 1969:
Bomb explosion at the Montreal Stock Exchange. 27 persons are injured.
October 1969:
The Canadian army provides assistance to the city of Montreal during an illegal police strike.
March 1970:
Pierre Vallières publishes his controversial book Nègres blancs d'Amérique (White Niggers of America) that he wrote while he was confined.
October 5, 1970:
Start of the "October Crisis." British Trade Commissioner James Cross kidnapped in Montreal by FLQ "Liberation cell." FLQ demands: 1) $500,000 in gold, 2) broadcast and publication of FLQ manifesto, 3) release of prisoners the FLQ calls "political prisoners" and 4) aircraft to transport FLQ members to Cuba or Algeria.
October 6, 1970:
PM Trudeau announces that federal and Quebec governments will work together regarding the FLQ crisis. FLQ manifesto published in newspapers.
October 7, 1970:
FLQ manifesto read by CKAC radio station.
October 8, 1970:
FLQ manifesto read by Radio-Canada television (SRC).
October 10, 1970:
Minister of Labour/Vice-Premier Pierre Laporte is kidnapped by FLQ "Chernier cell."
October 11, 1970:
FLQ threatens the life of Mr. Laporte if demands are not met. More police raids occur.
October 12, 1970:
PM Trudeau sends Army troops to protect buildings and individuals in Ottawa and Montreal.
October 13, 1970:
PM Trudeau declares Canada must "take every means at it's disposal" in defense of governments. When asked how far he is willing to go, Trudeau famously declares "well, just watch me."
October 14, 1970:
A statement signed by 16 Québec personalities, including René Lévesque and Claude Ryan of Le Devoir, urged the provincial government to negotiate with the FLQ.
October 15, 1970:
Mayor Drapeau demands assistance of Army to prevent "insurrection." Special federal Cabinet meetings to discuss the issue and the WMA. Globe and Mail editorial supports the proclamation of the WMA.
October 16, 1970:
Premier Bourassa also requests assistance of Army to prevent insurrection. PM Trudeau addresses the nation to announce and explain the invocation of War Measures Act (WMA). He declares that the FLQ is now considered an unlawful association.
October 17, 1970:
Mr. Laporte found death in the trunk of a car at St-Hubert airport. Le Devoir newspaper editorial (Claude Ryan) is critical of the proclamation of WMA.
October 19, 1970:
Members of House of Commons vote in favour of the WMA (190 vs. 16).
October 20, 1970:
Funeral of Pierre Laporte in Montreal.
November 2, 1970:
Federal and Quebec governments offer $150,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the kidnappers.
November 6, 1970:
Police raids hideout of "Chenier cell" and arrests Bernard Lortie. Other cell members escaped.
November 26, 1970:
Secret meeting between Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs with British counterpart on the case of Mr. Cross.
December 3, 1970:
Release of Mr. Cross after police discovers where being held. FLQ is given assurance of their safe passage to Cuba. Quebec Minister of Justice provides an assessment of police operations since the proclamation of WMA: 453 persons arrested (403 released and 50 still detained).
December 4, 1970:
Five FLQ members receive passage to Cuba (Jacques Cossette-Trudel, Louise Cossette-Trudel, Jacques Lanctôt, Marc Carbonneau and Yves Langlois). Eventually all returned to Canada and served jail terms for kidnapping.
December 23, 1970:
Prime Minister Trudeau announces that all troops would be withdrawn from Québec by January 4, 1971.
December 28, 1970:
Remaining members Paul Rose, Jacques Rose and Francis Simard are arrested. With Bernard Lortie, they are charged with kidnapping and murder. Rose and Simard later received life sentences for murder. Lortie sentenced to 20 years for kidnapping. Rose, initially acquitted, later convicted to 8 years in prison.