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Overview of facts and events that led to the sanctioning of the very controversial Bill 63.
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Controversial Bill 63 [host]: In the spring of 1969, the school integration movement once again mobilizes its troops.
This time, the objective is McGill University, a symbol representing the English presence in Quebec. Daniel Johnson has been dead for several months.
Jean-Jacques Bertrand replaces him and quickly attempts to resolve the problem with Saint-Léonard by introducing Bill 85 which, for all practical purposes, sanctions the privileges emjoyed by Anglophones.
This bill greatly angers nationalist elements. The Premier also creates a commission of inquiry into the status of French in Quebec known as the Gendron Commission.
[?]: We asked [...] for an in-depth inquiry.
For a long time there has been talk of the fragile condition of the French language in Quebec.
[host]: The Parti québecois is attacking Bill 85 which, for all intents and purposes, gives parents free rein to choose the language of education of their children.
Several nationalist groups protest in front of Parliament.
Finally, Deputy Premier Jean-Guy Cardinal, in the absence of Premier Bertrand who is seriously ill, withdraws the Bill without the Premier's consent, it will be stated later.
[music: drums]
[host]: in October 1969, Premier Bertrand, who cemented his authority during a leadership convention, introduces his famous Bill 63
This bill grants total freedom of choice to parents in the matter of language of education while ensuring that non-francophone students learn the rudiments of French.
A splinter opposition party formed of Parti québecois leader René Lévesque, Liberal Yves Michaud, who resigns from his party, and two Unionists, Antonio Flamand and Jérôme Proulx, who also resign, will lead the National Assembly into the longest debate ever known during this era in the parliamentary history of Quebec.
Outside, the nationalist and trade union movements unite to form the Front du Québec-français.
The goal of this front is to prevent the National Assembly from sanctioning in a law that privileges the Anglophone minority in Quebec.
It is a new battle of the Plains of Abraham, declares the Front's spokesman, François-Albert Anger.
Bill 63, states René Lévesque, allows foxes into the henhouse to devour the hens one by one.
Jean Lesage's Liberals first rally around Bill 63, then have a change of heart.
This Bill sanctions the status quo declares Jean Lesage.
Finally, on the third reading of the Bill, the Liberals change ideas once again and support the adoption of the Bill sanctioned on November 20, 1969.