Quebec Moves Towards the 21st Century

Concept sheet | History

​Towards the end of the 20th century, Quebec underwent significant modernization in several areas of society. Due to the changes and challenges that emerged at the turn of the century, the province continued to evolve.

In the wake of the Quiet Revolution, Quebec sought to assert its identity within a Canada that was also changing. As a result, Québécois nationalism and Canadian nationalism emerged as two distinct ideologies. This transformed the relationship between the provincial and federal governments. Alongside these two conflicting nationalisms, Indigenous peoples also sought greater recognition within the Canadian federation.

The end of the 20th century was also marked by the appearance of a new economic and political phenomenon: globalization. Contrary to neo-liberalism, the social economy grew in significance while denouncing the negative impacts of globalization and calling for social initiatives.

As Quebec asserted its identity, the government led initiatives to promote the cultural industry among its population and the rest of the world.

Finally, a new global challenge emerged: the climate crisis, characterized by rapid environmental degradation.​

Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau orchestrated the patriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982.

Protests during the 1995 referendum.

Several civil society protests took place in Quebec to call for social reform.