October Crisis Necessary or Not
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The aim of this research essay is to reflect upon the events and actions leading up to the October Crisis. From this an attempt is to made to try and conclude if former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau was justified in implementing the War Measures Act as a necessary response to interrupt the terrorism of the Front de Liberation de Quebecois (FLQ). To begin this evaluation the events leading up to the implementation of the act will be examined, as well as, the pressures faced by Trudeau which resulted in his decision.
A federal cabinet committee convened in December 1969 to face issues of public security in response to the seven years of terror bombings that had taken place in Quebec, including one resulting in a direct death. The conclusion of this meeting was an informal order by Trudeau for the Quebec police to increase their awareness of the rising social discontent within their province due to the gaining popularity of the separatist movement. Following close upon this meeting in January, and again in June of 1970, police were tipped off to alleged plans of the FLQ to kidnap both the Israeli and American Consuls in Montreal. These two events illustrate that the government was aware of possible escalated violence and did not, at that time take formal actions that might inhibit future incidence.
Additional possible factors that are being considered for the lack of formal preemptive action on the part of the government are the differing ideas, policy, and public opinion campaigns on multiculturalism as put forth by Pearson and Trudeau. Also being researched are the possible links and implication of the proceeding medical strikes in Quebec and the view of the role of the Quebec provincial government in maintaining societal "control". In addition the possible complications to the situation due to the newly elected liberal Robert Bourassa in the Quebec and the political events surrounding this election may have contributed to lack of earlier action...