• First Liberal leader to be appointed Premier: Henri-Gustave Joly de Lotbinière
• Legistlative Council: first abolition attempt

The leader of the Liberal party, Joly de Lotbinière, is appointed Premier by the Lieutenant-Governor, who had dismissed his Conservative predecessor.

To rebalance Québec's budget, Liberal Premier Joly de Lotbinière adopts, amongst other cost-cutting measures, a bill to abolish the Legislative Council, but the Council rejects it. That parliamentary body was not abolished until 90 years later, in 1968.

Henri-Gustave Joly de Lotbinière

First Leader of the Liberal Party (March 9, 1869 to January 18, 1883)

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The "Quebec, Montréal, Ottawa and Occidental" railway, one of Liberal Premier Joly de Lotbinière's priorities, is put into operation. Thanks to a $3 million loan guaranteed by the Québec government and various other measures, the St. Lawrence North Shore finally has its first rail connection.

Henri-Gustave Joly de Lotbinière

First Leader of the Liberal Party (March 9, 1869 to January 18, 1883)

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Joly de Lotbinière founds "L'Électeur de Québec" newspaper with, in particular, Wilfrid Laurier. Following friction with the clergy, this newspaper, a Liberal party vehicle, would become Le Soleil on December 28, 1896. In 1957, Le Soleil became independent of the Liberal party. Over 100 years old, Le Soleil is nowadays one of the Capitale-Nationale's major dailies.

Henri-Gustave Joly de Lotbinière

First Leader of the Liberal Party (March 9, 1869 to January 18, 1883)

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• Railway "Québec and Lac Saint-Jean": completion
• Interprovincial conference: Québec is the host of the first one since the creation of the country in 1867

In his first throne speech, Liberal Premier Honoré Mercier announces a clean-up of the public finances and an economic stimulus package, in particular the completion of the Québec and Lac Saint-Jean railway.

Liberal Premier Honoré Mercier starts a tradition by calling his counterparts in the other provinces to the first conference since 1867. During this interprovincial conference, held in Québec City, a resolution is adopted to strengthen provincial autonomy.

Honoré Mercier

Leader of the Liberal Party (January 18, 1883 - April 26, 1892)

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Mercier's Liberal government creates the Ministry of Agriculture and Colonization. The government also commits to developing a road network essential for the dairy industry and settlement.

Honoré Mercier

Leader of the Liberal Party (January 18, 1883 - April 26, 1892)

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• Northen border of Québec: legislation establishing its delimitation
• Ministry of Public Teaching

Félix-Gabriel Marchand's Liberal government passed a law ratified by the federal government extending Québec's northern border to the Eastmain River. This river is the source of energy for Hydro-Québec's Robert Bourassa Power Station (LG-2).

The Liberal government, led by Félix-Gabriel Marchand, creates the first Ministry of Public Teaching. But this major educational reform sparks an outcry from the clergy, which seeks in vain for the Pope to intervene.  However, the bill, which is designed to standardize education and teach improved agricultural practices, is defeated on January 10, 1898 by the Conservative majority in the Legislative Council. It was not until 1964, under the Liberal government of Jean Lesage, that the first Ministry of Education was finally created.

Félix-Gabriel Marchand

Leader of the Liberal Party (April 25, 1892 - October 3, 1900)

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Through sensible management, Félix-Gabriel Marchand's Liberal government eliminates Québec's $1 million debt.

Félix-Gabriel Marchand

Leader of the Liberal Party (April 25, 1892 - October 3, 1900)

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Ground-breaking for the Québec Bridge, a wonder of the modern world, of which Simon-Napoléon Parent was one of the staunchest promoters.

Simon-Napoléon Parent

Leader of the Liberal Party (October 3, 1900 – March 23, 1905)

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Parent's Liberal government plans to focus on industrial development in urban centres rather than the settlement of the territory with the aid of the railroad.  Accordingly, it abolishes the Ministry of Colonization. At the same time, the government authorizes Montréal Light Heat and Power to go ahead with the electrification of Montréal to promote industrial activity.

Simon-Napoléon Parent

Leader of the Liberal Party (October 3, 1900 – March 23, 1905)

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Premier Simon-Napoléon Parent calls an interprovincial conference, the second since the conference called by the Liberal premier Honoré Mercier in 1887.

Simon-Napoléon Parent

Leader of the Liberal Party (October 3, 1900 – March 23, 1905)

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By raising the minimum age for factory work from 12 to 13, Parent's Liberal government wants to encourage a longer period of schooling. In addition, a new law is passed to secure work premises shaken by numerous strikes.

Simon-Napoléon Parent

Leader of the Liberal Party (October 3, 1900 – March 23, 1905)

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Considering the region located north of the 52nd parallel, Ungava, to be a geographic extension of the Province of Québec, a resolution tabled by Lomer Gouin's Liberal government seeking its annexation is unanimously adopted by the Legislative Assembly.  In 1912, the Canadian Parliament concedes that huge repository of natural resources to Québec. From the colossal LG2 power project inaugurated by Premier Robert Bourassa in 1971 to the Northern Plan unveiled by Jean Charest's Cabinet in 2008, the development of the mining, forestry and hydroelectric potential of Ungava gave concrete expression to the visionary scope of this land claim by Lomer Gouin's Liberal government.

Lomer Gouin

Leader of the Liberal Party (September 5, 1904 - July 8, 1920)

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Concerned about the miserable conditions of textile workers, especially women and children over 14 years of age, Lomer Gouin's Liberal government cuts the work week by 14 hours, from 72 hours to no more than 58.

Lomer Gouin

Leader of the Liberal Party (September 5, 1904 - July 8, 1920)

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Lomer Gouin's Liberal government passes the first language law, recognizing the right of francophones to be served in French by public utilities and services (transportation, communications, energy).

Lomer Gouin

Leader of the Liberal Party (September 5, 1904 - July 8, 1920)

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To oversee the quality of Québec's road network, which is being developed, Lomer Gouin's Liberal government creates a Ministry of Roads, which would become the Ministry of Transport on September 12, 1969.

Lomer Gouin

Leader of the Liberal Party (September 5, 1904 - July 8, 1920)

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The first Minister of Municipal Affairs takes office when that portfolio is created by Lomer Gouin's Liberal government to meet the challenges raised by the increasing urbanization of Québec society.

Lomer Gouin

Leader of the Liberal Party (September 5, 1904 - July 8, 1920)

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• Liquor Commission (predecessor of the SAQ)
• Public Assistance: first legislation

The government, led by Liberal Louis-Alexandre Taschereau, creates the Liquor Commission in order to regulate the quality and sale of alcoholic beverages (wine and spirits). The Liquor Commission is the predecessor of the current Société des alcools du Québec, a new entity created in 1971.

The first Public Assistance Act is adopted under Louis-Alexandre Taschereau's Liberal government. Under this Act, public authorities will now help cover the expenses of the poor and disadvantaged, previously the realm of religious institutions.  Despite the church's hostility, this act comes into force on September 1st, 1921. It is the ancestry of the actual income security program.

Louis-Alexandre Taschereau

Leader of the Liberal Party (July 8, 1920 - June 11, 1936)

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Taschereau's Liberal government adopts the first Act respecting industrial accidents and creates a workmen's compensation board, which is responsible for settling disputes and setting the amount of compensation. In 1980, it becomes the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST).

Louis-Alexandre Taschereau

Leader of the Liberal Party (July 8, 1920 - June 11, 1936)

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Taschereau's Liberal government creates the Dorion Commission on women's rights. The Dorion Commission leads to reforms, such as the adoption by Taschereau's Cabinet of legislation on the salaries of married women, who can henceforth receive their salary directly, whereas it has previously been paid to their husband.

Louis-Alexandre Taschereau

Leader of the Liberal Party (July 8, 1920 - June 11, 1936)

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To mitigate the severe impacts of the Great Depression, which affects one-third of the population, the Liberal government led by Taschereau, passes a "back-to-the land" legislation, offering lands in Abitibi, Gaspésie and Témiscamingue to the unemployed.

Louis-Alexandre Taschereau

Leader of the Liberal Party (July 8, 1920 - June 11, 1936)

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Following the deposit of the Commision of Inquiry on Electricity (Lapointe Commission) report, the Electricity Commission of Québec is created. Its purpose is to regulate the practices of electricity companies, without however advocating the necessity of a nationalisation of the services.

Louis-Alexandre Taschereau

Leader of the Liberal Party (July 8, 1920 - June 11, 1936)

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At the end of a lengthy debate, Godbout’s Liberal government gives women the right to vote and the right to stand for provincial election (Godbout Law). The church and Québec’s more conservative quarters are dissatisfied with the adoption of this law.

Adélard Godbout

Leader of the Liberal Party (June 11, 1936 - July 22, 1949)

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Faced with Hitler’s threat to the values of freedom and democracy in an occupied Europe, Premier Adélard Godbout supports the escalation of the war effort and conscription. Although the Canadian population passes the measure by 64% in a plebiscite, Québec rejects conscription by 72%. This clear-sighted, although unpopular, decision taken by Godbout would cause him to lose the next election.

Adélard Godbout

Leader of the Liberal Party (June 11, 1936 - July 22, 1949)

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• Tuition fees: abolition for primary school and free access to school books

Despite heavy clerical opposition to public schools, Godbout’s Liberal government abolishes tuition fees for primary school and schoolbooks are made available for free. This law satisfies the need expressed by industry for a better educated labour force, the key to Québec’s economic development.

Adélard Godbout

Leader of the Liberal Party (June 11, 1936 - July 22, 1949)

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• Union afflilation: first recognition of the right
• Hydro-Québec

Adélard Godbout’s Liberal government passes an Act respecting labour relations by the Legislative Assembly of Québec. This modernization of the labour code recognizes the right to union affiliation and compels employers to negotiate with any certified union.

Establishment of the Québec Hydroelectric Commission, which would later become Hydro-Québec, by Adélard Godbout’s Liberal government. With the enactment of this law, Hydro-Québec becomes the owner and manager of the assets expropriated from Montreal Light, Heat and Power Company Consolidated (electricity and gas). Adélard Godbout thus takes an important step toward Québec’s nationalization of electricity, begun by Taschereau in 1935 and achieved by the Liberal government of Jean Lesage in 1963.

Adélard Godbout

Leader of the Liberal Party (June 11, 1936 - July 22, 1949)

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Georges C. Marler has been interim leader of the Liberal Party during a short period of time, less than a year. He has occupied the functions of Leader of the Official Opposition during 5 years, during which he defended the liberal values against a Union Nationale government led by Maurice Duplessis, period qualified as "Great Depression".

Georges Carlyle Marler

Interim Leader of the Liberal Party (July 22, 1949 to May 20, 1950)

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In order to promote the political cohesion of the Liberal Party in Quebec and its independance towards federal instances of the party, Georges-Émile Lapalme creates the Fédération libérale du Québec, which becomes later the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP), seperating itself from the Liberal Party of Canada.

Georges-Émile Lapalme

Elected Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (May 20, 1950 to May 31, 1958)

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Georges-Émile Lapalme is the author of "Pour une politique", a plan that the liberal leader, Jean Lesage, and his team took their inspiration from, in order to instaur the "Quiet Revolution". This political program has deeply transformed Quebec and chaired the birth of a modern state.

Georges-Émile Lapalme

Elected Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (May 20, 1950 to May 31, 1958)

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• Quiet Revolution: beginning of Jean Lesage's and his "Équipe du tonnerre" mandate
• Conseil de la trésorerie
• Insurance-hospitalisation

With Jean Lesage's "Équipe du tonnerre" in power starts the most important economic, social and cultural transformation of Quebec's history, the Quiet Revolution.

Little after the "Équipe du tonnerre" took power, a organism controlling the government's financial engagements is created. It is the predecessor of the Conseil du Trésor created in 1970.

Under Lesage's government, the Legislative Assembly passes a law on insurance-hospitalization, gradually removing hospital management from the hands of the religious community.

Jean Lesage

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (May 31, 1958 - August 28, 1969)

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• Education: school attendence mandatory until 16 years old
• Ministry of Cultural Affairs
• Office de la langue française
• Québec Government Office: the first one is opened in Paris
• Claire Kirkland-Casgrain: first woman to be elected in Québec

Children are now obligated to attend school until the age of 16. This measure is adopted at the Legislative Assembly by Paul Gérin-Lajoie, Minister of Youth and responsible for Public Instruction in Jean Lesage's Liberal government.

Jean Lesage's Liberal government creates the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Georges-Émile Lapalme is appointed as its first minister. The Ministry promotes and exposes Québec's cultural projetcs.

The Office de la langue française is created on March 24th, 1961, under Jean Lesage's Liberal governement, in order to promote the use of French in Québec and insure the usage of a high quality French to everyone.

Concerned by Québec's international cultural exposure, Jean Lesage's governement creates a Quebec Governement Office in Paris. Georges-Émile Lapalme will have the opportunity to work with the French Minister of Cultural Affairs and the famous wirter André Malraux, whom he is friends with. La Maison du Québec à Paris inaugurated by Quebec's Prime Minister, Jean Lesage, on October 5th, 1961. London and New York follow in the subsequent years.

Elected with an important majority, Claire Kirkland-Casgrain becomes the first women to sit in the Legislative Assembly of Quebec, after her victory during a partial election in the riding of Jacques-Cartier. Mrs. Kirkland-Casgrain has been Chair of the Fédération des femmes libérales du Québec. She becomes, in 1962, the first woman to occupy the functions of minister.

Jean Lesage

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (May 31, 1958 - August 28, 1969)

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• Société générale de financement (SGF)
• Manifesto "Maîtres chez nous": publication

New mixed public-private organization, the Société générale de financement (SGF) is created on July 6th, 1962. Its mission is to support Québec's economic development.

The "Maintenant ou jamais! Maîtres chez nous" manifesto is published by the Liberals and elections are lauched on the issue of the nationalisation of electricity companies.

Jean Lesage

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (May 31, 1958 - August 28, 1969)

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• Voting right passes from 21 to 18 years old
• Québec Saving Bonds: first issue
• White fleur-de-lis: it becomes Québec's emblem
• Nationalization of electricity companies: Jean Lesage completes Godbout's work

An amendement is brought to the Law on universel voting. The minimum age required to vote is modified, from 21 to 18 years old, by Jean Lesage's Liberal government.

It's in February 1963 that the Lesage governement decides to issue the first Québec Savings Bonds, financing Quebec's development by the population itself (and therefore reduce the implication of foreign loans) and, at the same time, promote saving in all layers of society.

The Lesage governement adopts a law making the white fleur-de-lis Quebec's floral emblem. It is an important historical symbol for Quebecers.

Jean Lesage's Liberal governement nationalizes electricity production and distribution companies. They are merged with Hydro-Québec, created in 1944 by Godbout's Liberal governement, which had inaugurated the first phase of this nationalisation.

Jean Lesage

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (May 31, 1958 - August 28, 1969)

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• Education: implementation of 64 new school boards
• Ministry of Education and Superior Council of Education
• Conseil supérieur de la famille
• Labour Code: entry into force

In the wake of many reforms in education, Minister Gérin-Lajoie, under Jean Lesage's Liberal government, launches the "Operation 55" in September 1964. It will create 55 catholic school boards and 9 protestant ones.

The Law 60 comes into force, creating a Ministry and Superior Council of Education, under Jean Lesage's Liberal governement. This modernisation of the Quebec teaching system facilitates all-access to superior education.

The Conseil supérieur de la famille is put into place by Jean Lesage's governement and advises the Ministère de la famille et du Bien-être Social.

Its on September 1st, 1964 that Jean Lesage's Liberal governement adopts the first Labour Code, which will stay aproximatively the same during the next decades. The Law 54 is groundbreaking in the matter that it now allows hospital, school board and municpal employees to strike. The next year, the right is extendend to teachers and provincial public sector employees.

Jean Lesage

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (May 31, 1958 - August 28, 1969)

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Entry into force of the Régie des rentes du Québec, created by Lesage's governement. The Régie des rentes du Québec will be managed by the Caisse de dépôt et de placement.

Jean Lesage

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (May 31, 1958 - August 28, 1969)

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Instaured by Bourassa's governement, Quebec's Health Insurance program comes into effect and aims to provide free access to health care services to all citizens.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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• Conseil du Trésor
• Local community service centres (CLSC)

Responsible for examining governement spending, the Conseil du Trésor is created on April 1st, 1970. Unlike its predecessor, which had no decisional power, the Conseil du Trésor is now responsible of the elaboration and application of legislation on finance and budget.

On December 15, 1971, Robert Bourassa's Liberal governement adopts the Bill 65 that aims a reorganisation of the health and social services. This will lead to the creation of 33 local community service centres (CLSC), which offer prevention services and basic medical treatments to communities.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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• James Bay: beginning of the works on the world bigget hydroelectric complex
• Environment: adoption of the first law that aims towards protection

Start of the construction works on the giant hydro-electric complex of the James Bay, lauched by Robert Bourassa. It is the biggest construction site of Quebec's history, and the world's most important at the time.

Before the appointment of a minister responsible for the environment, the Québec Liberal Party adopts the first enviromental law, the Loi sur la qualité de l'environnement. This law limits the polluting emissions and introduces the enviromental concept in the Québec mentality.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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• Conseil du statut de la femme
• Legal Aid
• Minister responsible for the Environement: first historical appointement

Two years before Women's International Year, declared by the United Nations in 1975, Robert Bourassa's liberal governement creates the Conseil du Statut de la femme.

The Prime Minister Robert Bourassa puts into place the first Legal Aid program, destined to give the less fortunates access to the justice system.

On November 13th, 1973, Victor Goldbloom becomes the first Minister responsible of the Environement, in Robert Bourassa's Liberal government.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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• Régime des allocations familiales du Québec
• French: it becomes Québec's official language (Law 22)

In 1974, the Liberal governement led by Bourassa substitutes different social allocations programs by the Regime des allocations familiales du Québec. This new program allocates a certain amount of money to mothers of children under 18 years old, without discrimination.

Robert Bourassa adopts the "Loi sur la langue officielle", or Law 22, the first to designate French as the official language in Quebec. It is adopted on July 31st at the National Assembly.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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• Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
• James Bay Agreement: signature of the territorial convention

Bourassa's governement adopts, by the National Assemby, Quebec's Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

Robert Bourassa's Liberal governement and the Inuits and Cris sign the James Bay and Northen Quebec Agreement, regarding James Bay territories.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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Twice, Gérard D. Lévesque occupies the functions of Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) temporary leader. He preserves and leads the party until the election of a new leader, Claude Ryan, in 1979.

Gérard D. Lévesque

Interim Leader of the Québec Liberal Party (January 1, 1977 to April 18, 1978 and August 10, 1982 to October 15, 1983)

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• Livre Beige: publication of the liberal response to the 1980 referendum
• Yvette: 8000 women in favor of the NO get together at the Montreal Forum during the 1980 referendum
• Referendum 1980: Quebecers say NO for the first time

Deposit of the Quebec Liberal Party's consititutional position, titled "Une nouvelle fédération canadienne (le Livre beige)", written by Claude Ryan and establishing the No postion towards the referendum.

The NO side and Quebec Liberal Party leader, Claude Ryan, calls an assembly of the "Yvette" in Montreal. This gathering of federalist women rallies 15 000 people at the Montreal Forum and marks a deciding moment in the campain lauched days before.

Claude Ryan is the victorious leader of the NO at the referendum on sovreignty -association. (59,56% of the votes)

Claude Ryan

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (April 15, 1978 to August 10, 1982)

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Opposition leader, Claude Ryan, positions himself against the unilateral repatriation of the Constitution.

Claude Ryan

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (April 15, 1978 to August 10, 1982)

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Twice, Gérard D. Lévesque occupies the functions of Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) temporary leader. He preserves and leads the party until the election of a new leader, Robert Bourassa, in 1979.

Gérard D. Lévesque

Interim Leader of the Québec Liberal Party (January 1, 1977 to April 18, 1978 and August 10, 1982 to October 15, 1983)

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After fifteen years of claims, Québec's artists finally obtain recongnition of their status by Bourassa's Liberal governement. This recognition ensures better work conditions to those who have an independant worker status.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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Claude Ryan, Minister of Education and Superior Studies in Bourassa's liberal governement, announces a tuition fee increase for universities, which had not been indexed to inflation for more than 20 years. This impopular measure reduces negative effects of the under-financing of Quebec universities.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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Robert Bourassa's Liberal government manages to put and end to the Oka Crisis, which has lasted 2 months. The tension between aboriginal communities and the city of Oka reach a peak when the latter offers a territorial extension permit to a private golf club. This piece of land encroaches a mohwak cemetery which provokes the frustration of the community. The crisis, which will cost a policeman's life, ends peacefully after the intervention of the armed forces, following the demand of the government of Québec.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, Minister of Cultural communities and immigration in Robert Bourassa's Liberal governement, signs a historical agreement symbolizing open federalism. The Canada-Quebec agreement relative to immigration recongnizes full competence of Quebec towards immigration and temporary admission matters, excluding political refugees.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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Robert Bourassa's Liberal governement adopts a Cultural Policy, which aims to secure a vital Quebec culture. The minister, Liza Frulla, wants therefore to put emphasis on Québec's culture, its international recognition and importance in Quebecer's everyday life.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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• Civil code of Québec: entry into force
• SM3: launch of the construction works on the hydroelectric central of the Sainte-Marguerite River
• Saint-Laurent Vision 2000: start of the major works of depollution
• Deficit: launch of an ambition action plan

The Bill 125, which works towards giving Quebec a new Civil Code replacing the Civil Code from Lower-Canada of 1866, comes into force on January 1st, 1994, under Robert Bourassa's Liberal governement.

Preoccupied by stimulating the economy that is starting to slow down, Daniel Johnson's (son) Liberal governement puts ahead the schedule autorizing the construction of the hydroelectric central of Sainte-Marguerite River, the last one to be built in the twenieth century.

According to the agreement with the federal governement, Daniel Johnson's (son) Liberal team puts into place the major action plan Saint-Laurent Vision 2000 in order to follow up the depollution of the Saint-Lawrence River, started in 1988 under Robert Bourassa.

During his speech on the budget, Daniel Johnson's (son) Liberal government suggests a series of measures, compressions and privatisations in order to halt Quebec's deficit.

Robert Bourassa

Leader of the Liberal Party of Québec (1970 - 1976 and 1983 - 1993)

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