Brian Mulroney (1984–1993): Free Trade and Constitutional Challenges
- Brian Mulroney became Prime Minister in 1984 as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, promising closer U.S. relations and national unity.
- His key policy was free trade, which led to the Canada–U.S. Free Trade Agreement (1988) and later NAFTA (1994).
- These agreements boosted exports and investment but caused job losses in some industries and criticism for increasing U.S. influence over Canada.
- Mulroney also introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 1991, which was unpopular but increased government revenue.
- He faced two failed attempts to reform the constitution (the Meech Lake Accord (1987) and Charlottetown Accord (1992)) which aimed to give Quebec “distinct society” status but failed to gain full approval.
- Public anger over the economy, corruption, and constitutional failures led to the collapse of the Progressive Conservative Party in the 1993 election, when it was reduced to only two seats.
Definition
Free Trade
- Trade between countries without tariffs or restrictions, intended to increase economic growth.
Jean Chrétien (1993–2003): Economic Recovery and National Unity
- Jean Chrétien, leader of the Liberal Party, won a landslide victory in 1993 after the fall of Mulroney’s Conservatives.
- His government focused on balancing the federal budget, cutting spending, and encouraging private sector growth.
- By the late 1990s, Canada achieved its first budget surplus in decades and experienced strong economic growth.
- Chrétien faced a renewed Quebec separatist threat after the 1995 referendum, where Quebec voted narrowly (50.6% to 49.4%) to remain part of Canada.
- To strengthen national unity, Chrétien passed the Clarity Act (2000), stating that any future independence referendum must have a clear question and majority.
- His government also expanded multiculturalism and bilingualism, reflecting Canada’s diversity.
Definition
Multiculturalism
- A policy encouraging respect and inclusion of diverse cultural backgrounds within a single nation.
Definition
Referendum
- A public vote on a specific political question, such as independence or policy change.
Quebec Separatism and National Identity
- Quebec’s desire for greater autonomy had deep historical roots tied to its French language and culture.
- The Parti Québécois, led by Lucien Bouchard, argued that Quebec could thrive as an independent nation while maintaining economic ties to Canada.
- Federal governments since the 1970s tried to address these concerns through constitutional negotiations and symbolic recognition of Quebec’s unique identity.
- The close result of the 1995 referendum showed the deep divide between Quebec nationalists and federalists.
- Despite tensions, Canada remained united and continued promoting a multicultural national identity emphasizing both English and French heritage.
Case study
Quebec Separatism (1960s–2000s)
Background and Origins
- Quebec’s separatist movement grew out of the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s, when the province modernized its economy and education system and demanded more control over its future.
- Many French-speaking Quebecers felt alienated in a country dominated by English-speaking institutions and wanted recognition as a distinct society.
- The Parti Québécois (PQ), founded by René Lévesque in 1968, became the main political party advocating for Quebec’s independence.
- The PQ argued that Quebec could be politically independent while maintaining economic ties with the rest of Canada.
- The federal government tried to address Quebec’s demands through official bilingualism (1969) and constitutional reform, but tensions persisted.
The 1980 and 1995 Referendums
- The first referendum on Quebec sovereignty took place in 1980, led by the PQ government under Lévesque.
- Voters were asked if they supported negotiating sovereignty-association with Canada.
- About 60 percent voted “No”, rejecting independence.
- The issue resurfaced in the 1990s, fueled by the failure of the Meech Lake Accord (1987) and Charlottetown Accord (1992), both attempts to recognize Quebec as a distinct society.
- The second referendum (1995) under Premier Jacques Parizeau was extremely close: 50.6 percent voted “No”and 49.4 percent “Yes.”
- The narrow result deeply divided Quebec and Canada, showing that almost half the province wanted to separate.
Aftermath and Legacy
- After the 1995 referendum, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien passed the Clarity Act (2000), which required any future referendum on independence to have a clear question and clear majority.
- The separatist cause weakened in the 2000s as Quebec’s economy became more integrated with the rest of Canada and younger generations focused on global issues instead of nationalism.
- However, the movement still shaped Canadian identity by reinforcing bilingualism, multiculturalism, and federalism as core national values.
- Quebec gained more autonomy in cultural and immigration policies but remained part of Canada.
Definition
Federalism
- A system that divides power between national and state governments.
Definition
Separatism
- The movement of a group seeking independence from a larger political entity to form its own nation.
Common Mistake
- Confusing Mulroney’s Conservative free trade policies with Chrétien’s Liberal economic management. They had different goals and contexts.
- Ignoring Quebec’s ongoing importance. It was central to Canadian politics throughout this period.
- Overlooking the economic success of Chrétien’s government, which reversed years of federal deficit.
Exam technique
- Use both political (constitutional) and economic (trade, deficit) reforms to show change over time.
- Mention key events and agreements by name i.e. NAFTA, GST, Meech Lake, Clarity Act to show detailed knowledge.
- Compare how each leader handled national unity and federalism.
Theory of Knowledge
- Identity and Power: How can national unity exist in a multicultural and bilingual country?
- Ethics and Governance: When does economic reform justify public hardship or political unpopularity?
- Knowledge and Democracy: How do governments define what counts as a “clear question” in a referendum?
Self review
- To what extent did Mulroney’s domestic policies contribute to the collapse of the Progressive Conservative Party?
- Assess the success of Jean Chrétien’s government in balancing national unity and economic growth.
- Examine how far Quebec separatism shaped Canadian domestic policy between 1984 and 2003.
