Born in Montreal on June 10, 1912
Jean Lesage
A prominent figure in Quebec's political history.
University Education
- Jean Lesage enrolled in the Faculty of Law at Laval University, He graduated with a law degree in 1934.
- In 1965, he received an honorary doctorate from Sir George Williams University, which later became Concordia University
Law Career
- He practised law in Quebec City with Paul Lesage in 1934
- He was made a Crown attorney for the Wartime Prices and Trade Board from 1939 to 1944
Party Affiliation: Quebec Liberal Party
- The Quebec Liberal Party has traditionally supported a form of Quebec federalism that supports Quebec remaining within the Canadian federation while also supporting reforms that would allow Quebec substantial autonomy
- Party leader: May 31, 1958 to August 28, 1969
- Under Jean Lesage, the party won a historic election in 1960
- Premier: July 05, 1960 to June 16, 1966
What was The Quiet Revolution?
- A period of rapid and intense change in Quebec during the 1960's under the Quebec Liberal Party.
- The term 'quiet' refers to change that occurred without much publicity.
- A shift in attitudes and objectives among Quebecors.
Promises made by the Quebec Liberal Party during the Quiet Revolution:
- To improve economic and social standards for the people of Quebec.
- To win greater respect and recognition for all the French people of Canada.
The Quebec government under Lesage undertook several major initiatives, including:
- Elimination of tuition fees for public elementary & secondary schools and creation of the Ministère de l'éducation de Québec
- Secularisation of schools and hospitals
Jean Lesage's goal was the modernization of Quebec, he succeeded.
Jean Lesage died from head and neck cancer on December 12, 1980 in Sillery, Quebec City
Under Jean Lesage's direction, the PLQ sought to modernize Quebec; with relentless drive, they were able to achieve nonviolent, rapid widespread change. Many of the changes implemented by the PLQ over fifty years ago are still being utilized today: the secularization of the school system, the abolishment of a married woman's judicial restrictions, a pension plan, and the establishment of a public hospital network are a few. I support the work of Quiet Revolution for many reasons, one of the reasons being that when I retire, I will have a pension to look forward to.