Robert Bourassa (1933-1996)

Video previously available here


My name is Robert Bourassa. I was head of the Liberal Party and Premier of Quebec from 1970 to 1976. This period, following the Quiet Revolution, was full of dramatic and spectacular events such as the October Crisis in October 1970, the common front strike in 1972 and the Olympic games in 1976.

See French video at http://primaire.recitus.qc.ca/sujets/13/personnages-marquants/3965

Accomplishments

In order to stimulate the Quebec economy, I put a priority on several hydroelectric projects. I was also active on the social front pursuing some policies started during the Quiet Revolution. In 1970, my government first established health insurance that provided free access to all health care for all Quebeckers. In 1975, it adopted the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to protect the rights of all Quebeckers.

Pitfalls

I also faced difficult situations during my years as prime minister. In October 1970, I had to deal with the crisis triggered by the kidnapping of Pierre Laporte and diplomat Richard Cross by the Front de Liberation du Quebec. Then, throughout the 1970s, I conducted tough negotiations with public sector employees in order to adopt the collective agreements.

Author:  Alexandre Lanoix

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