Jean Lesage
Lesage, Jean
Jean Lesage, lawyer, premier of Québec (b at Montréal 10 June 1912; d at Québec C 12 Dec 1980). Known as the father of the QUIET REVOLUTION, he led the Québec government during that period of profound change in the organization of the collective life of Québécois. Elected federal MP for Montmagny-L'Islet in 1945, he was re-elected in 1949, 1953, 1957 and 1958. He became, in 1953, minister of resources and development and then of northern affairs and national resources. Upon the defeat of the Louis ST. LAURENT government in 1957, he left federal politics to become leader of the Québec Liberal Party 31 May 1958. He completely reformed the party by attracting dynamic people and by preparing a program of social and political reform.
His party came to power in 1960 and introduced many reforms, including the elimination of patronage and corruption, the creation of ministries of education and of cultural affairs, and the establishment of the Société générale de financement. In 1962 he held an election on the issue of nationalizing the electricity companies and won easily under the slogan of "Maître chez nous," which became the byword of his government. Though his government was defeated in 1966, he remained leader of the Liberal Party until his retirement from political life in 1970.
Lesage, Jean
His party came to power in 1960 and introduced the many reforms collectively called the Quiet Revolution (courtesy "La Presse").
Author DANIEL LATOUCHE
Links to Other Sites
Prelude to Quebec's Quiet Revolution: Liberalism vs Neo-Nationalism, 1945-60
This book review touches briefly on some of the major issues underlying Quebec's Quiet Revolution. From McGill University.
Review of the XXth century
Highlights of 20th century Québec history from the Government of Québec website.
Pensions
Politicians associated with the development of the Canada Pension Plan. From theCanadian Museum of Civilization.
Calling elections is like Goldilocks visiting the three bears – which political stew will turn out to be too soon, too late, or just right...?
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