Grade 10 - Chapter 7 PDF

7 Québec  7 Québec Québec - Introduction Lesson 1: Overview (pg. 213-220): Québec occupies a unique place within Canada and North America. It makes up 23% of Canada’s population and 2% of the population in North America. The province’s leadership and people throughout history have demonstr...

7 Québec  7 Québec Québec - Introduction Lesson 1: Overview (pg. 213-220): Québec occupies a unique place within Canada and North America. It makes up 23% of Canada’s population and 2% of the population in North America. The province’s leadership and people throughout history have demonstrated a strong interest in preserving the French language and its culture amidst the ongoing challenges of globalization and English-language dominance. This lesson we will focus on: 1. Québec’s Place Within Canada 2. Québec’s Culture, Identity, and Language 3. Québec’s Physical Geography Québec - Introduction Québec has a dominant francophone culture. A French-speaking region making up 23% of Canada’s population. Preservation of the French language and province’s culture are critical political elements within Québec society. Québec - Introduction Its geography (rivers and topography) makes it uniquely suitable for hydroelectric production. This provides relatively low-cost energy which keeps the economy strong. Québec has taken the first steps towards a knowledge-based economy. Its three main economic spearheads are Bombardier (business jet manufacturer), SNC-Lavalin (engineering and construction services), and Hydro-Québec (providing hydroelectricity). Québec’s Place within Canada Québec’s population and economy is growing, albeit slower than Ontario, Western Canada, and British Columbia. Despite the slow growth, it is still second in terms of population and size of economy. Québec’s political influence will decline in the federal House of Commons if its population growth continues to be slower than the other provinces. Hence, the province has turned to immigration as a solution. However, immigration might also create its own issues for the province including challenges to political and social unity. Québec’s Culture, Identity, and Language Settlers came from France to the St. Lawrence Valley beginning in the 17th century. They shaped a homeland for French-speaking people. Collective memory recalls humiliations (eventually, the French were defeated by the British in North America) as well as hard-fought victories (resistance to assimilation). Fear of loss of Québec’s culture, identity, and language has encourage feelings of separatism but also Confederation (with a special role for Québec). Québec’s Culture, Identity, and Language Québécois culture and identity form the basis of ethnic pride and loyalty. This sometimes fuels the desire for an independent political state. Most Québécois have a sense of dual loyalty. Francophones have, throughout history, struggled to survive in predominantly English-speaking North America. Québec is also home to many anglophones and allophones. However, this is still a minority compared to the francophone majority, and they are found mostly in Montreal and Gatineau. The resolution of occasional differences between French- and English-speaking Canada has led to a complex concept of compromise. This concept of “compromising” federalism continues to evolve and survive. Reading -Read and highlight article, “Bill 101” from the Canadian Encyclopedia. Québec’s Physical Geography It is the largest province in Canada. It has great variation in natural conditions (i.e. climate and landscape). Four physiographic regions: Great Lakes-St Lawrence Lowlands Appalachian Uplands Canadian Shield (largest) Hudson Bay Lowlands (smallest) Québec’s Physical Geography Great Lakes-St Lawrence Lowland Best agricultural land in Québec. It’s where the first settlers from France chose to begin their farming roughly 400 years ago. Historically and even today, it remains the cultural and economic core of Québec. Québec’s Physical Geography Appalachian Uplands Subdued topography of rugged hills and rolling plains. Tourism here is fueled by its spectacular scenery. The most arable land in this region is in Estrie (bordering Vermont), where dairy farming prevails. Other activities include mining and forestry. Lake Champlain gap become an important north-south transportation link. Québec’s Physical Geography Canadian Shield Occupies nearly 90% of the province’s territory. Noted for forestry and hydroelectric production. Beyond the commercial forest zone (roughly half-way through Québec), it is home to Cree and Inuit communities. Québec’s Physical Geography Hudson Bay Lowlands Extends from Ontario along southeast edge of James Bay. Sparsely populated with a number of Inuit settlements along the coasts. Québec’s Physical Geography Almost 90% of Québec’s bedrock is composed of Precambrian rocks belonging to the Canadian Shield (north of the Saint Lawrence River). The remainder consists essentially of Paleozoic rocks: the St. Lawrence Platform surrounding the Saint Lawrence River and the Appalachians to the south of the river. These geological environments offer significant discovery potential for mineral deposits. For easier classification, Québec is divided into seven main geological provinces: Superior, Nain, Churchill, Grenville, Appalachian, St. Lawrence Platform, and Hudson Bay Platform. For additional information regarding these provinces visit: https://mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/en/mines/geology/geological-overview/ Québec’s Physical Geography Four climatic zones Arctic Subarctic Atlantic Great Lakes–St Lawrence Weather falls within predictable range for each zone with occasional extreme events E.g., devastating flood in the Saguenay region (1996) Québec - Environmental Challenges and History Lesson 2: Overview (pg. 220-228): Québec occupies a unique place within Canada and North America. It makes up 23% of Canada’s population and 2% of the population in North America. The province’s leadership and people throughout history have demonstrated a strong interest in preserving the French language and its culture amidst the ongoing challenges of globalization and English-language dominance. This lesson we will focus on: 1. Environmental Challenges 2. Québec’s Historical Geography Québec’s Environmental Challenges Bone defines Québec is an old industrial region Agricultural, industrial and mining operations contribute to pollution. Each sector generates its own wastes that can pollute the atmosphere, waters, and soil. Asbestos mining ended in 2012, but in the years preceding, it represented a major health concern to the workers of those regions. The North is littered with abandoned machinery, chemicals, and oil barrels. Many oil exploration companies have failed to clean up their sites. Québec’s Environmental Challenges In the 2010’s, attention was focused on the National Energy Board hearings for the proposed Energy East pipeline. It would have delivered diluted bitumen from Western Canada and North Western United States to Eastern Canada, from receipt points in Alberta, Saskatchewan and North Dakota. However, the project was cancelled on October 5, 2017 by TransCanada. Many communities and environmentalists were concerned about a potential bitumen spill in the St. Lawrence River. Québec’s Environmental Challenges The St. Lawrence River holds a special place for Québecers, both historically and culturally. Both the provincial and federal government launched the St. Lawrence Action Plan in 2011 aimed at conserving biodiversity, ensuring sustainable use, and improving water quality. Québec’s Historical Geography New France (1608–1760) 1608: first permanent French settlement established with Samuel de Champlain’s fur-trading post at site of Québec City. Its core was the St. Lawrence Valley from which a vast fur-trading empire was developed. France eventually lost their North American colony. Left cultural legacy in form of French language and Catholic religion. Québec’s Historical Geography New France (1608–1760), cont’d By early 18th century, inhabitants turned to farming. Jean Talon imposed French feudal system of land ownership (seigneurial system): Land granted to nobility, religious institutions, and military officers (seigneurs). Peasant farmers (habitants) worked the land and paid the lords. By 1760, 200 seigneuries were well adapted to St. Lawrence Valley The system was abolished by the legislature of the Province of Canada in 1854. Québec’s Historical Geography British Colony (1760–1867) British conquest of 1760 led to over 100 years of British rule Fur trade continued to flourish and agricultural economy went unchanged Land hunger caused French Canadians to migrate, mostly to US Vast majority retained language and Catholic religion Québec’s Historical Geography British Colony (1760–1867), cont’d Rebellions broke out in 1837 and were crushed by the British army. Lord Durham’s Report English to be sole language of the new province of Canada English-speaking settlers to create English majority in Lower Canada French Canadians to be integrated into English majority Lord Durham believed that French- Canadians were a “people with no literature and no history”. Québec’s Historical Geography Act of Union (1841) united two colonies of Upper and Lower Canada into Province of Canada and created single elected assembly. Québec’s Historical Geography Confederation to the Quiet Revolution Confederation sought to unite English and French cultures within British parliamentary system. Benefits for Québec: Economic union with Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick Protection of language and religion Provincial control over education and language Expansion of geographic size Québec’s Historical Geography Quiet Revolution (1960s) Transformed Québec’s image of rural, inward-looking, Church-dominated society. Began with the election of the Liberal government of Jean Lesage. Provincial government replaced Catholic Church as protector of French culture/language. Reforms hinged on: State intervention in economy Expansion of French-speaking provincial civil service. Instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment among Québecers. Québec’s Historical Geography Government’s principal achievements during the Quiet Revolution: Nationalization of private electrical companies under Hydro-Québec. Modernization and secularization of education. Stimulation of francophone business sector by investment of Québec Pension Plan funds in Québec firms. Establishment of Maisons du Québec (quasi-embassies in places such as Paris, London, and New York), thus signalling to Ottawa that the Québec government wanted to represent Québec interests to the rest of the world. The Quiet Revolution increased feelings of Québec nationalism and separatism. Lesage’s campaign slogan was, “Maitres chez nous” (Masters in our own house). Read bottom of page 226 (after Government’s principal achievements during the Quiet Revolution). Québec - Technical Spearheads, Core, and Hinterland Lesson 3: Overview (pg. 228-243): Québec occupies a unique place within Canada and North America. It makes up 23% of Canada’s population and 2% of the population in North America. The province’s leadership and people throughout history have demonstrated a strong interest in preserving the French language and its culture amidst the ongoing challenges of globalization and English-language dominance. This lesson we will focus on: 1. Québec Today (226-229) a. Economy b. Industrial Structure 2. Québec’s Technical Spearheads (229-235) a. Bombardier b. SNC-Lavalin c. Hydro-Quebec 3. Québec’s Core (235-238) 4. Québec’s Northern Hinterland (238-243) Québec Today Québec’s economy ranks third in Canada, comprising 19.4% of the national GDP. Much like Ontario, it has long served as the manufacturing core within Canada. And like Ontario, Québec’s manufacturing sector has experienced setbacks in recent years due to its stagnant economic growth and the expansion of free trade globalization. It, too, is looking to make shifts towards a knowledge-based economy where automation and a digitized system prevail. Québec Today Globalization particularly hurt Québec’s clothing and textile industry, as the gradual elimination of import quotas and tariffs allowed for competitors in places such as China to attract more jobs and investments. These changes were brought about by the World Trade Organization after its establishment in 1995, but the major impact on Quebec’s textile industry was felt after China joined the WTO in 2001. Québec Today Economists have pointed to the following signs of a weak economy in Québec: Receives the largest share of equalization payments. Unemployment rate is above the national average. Its per capita debt is the highest in the country. Québec Today Many experts predict a continuation of weak annual economic growth for Québec. However, some economists are more optimistic, as Québec’s unique culture and connections to the francophone world could support its economy. For example, Québec’s film industry has a worldwide reputation and its music community ranks highly within Canada and North America. Québec Today Some economists are also optimistic due to the fact that exports from Québec account for a large share of Canada’s high-tech exports: aerospace industry, high-tech, metal refining, printing, and transportation. Québec Today In general, Québec’s industrial structure and economy are similar to Ontario’s: Manufacturing is the leading activity. It is shifting towards a knowledge-based economy. Look at the table below. What similarities can you draw between Québec and Ontario? Québec Today To note: as we have seen in Ontario, the application of technology to primary and secondary activities has dampened the percentages in these categories from 2005-2016 by replacing workers with machines, including robotics. Based on these changes, how might the move towards a knowledge-based economy be considered both advantageous and disadvantageous? And for whom? Québec Today Quebec’s knowledge-based economy: Montréal, like Toronto, has the advantage of a creative class. It is the most important centre for the new economy in Canada due to the number of high-tech companies, universities, and strong provincial support. Government often intervenes in the marketplace to support local firms. Spearhead industries provide hope for Québec’s economic future. Québec Today Quebec’s knowledge-based economy cont’d: Unlike Toronto, Montréal may have difficulties in recruiting non-French speakers from the global pool of creative people. The demand for highly skilled workers is increasing (due to the shift towards a knowledge-based economy), creating labour shortages and a search for skilled immigrants. The demand for highly skilled workers from the international pool who have a command of both French and English narrows the selection process. Québec Today Additional notes about Québec’s knowledge-based economy: Except for large corporations, research and development is too risky (the investment costs are usually too high and the prospects of success are not guaranteed). This demonstrates the importance of Québec’s well-established major technical spearheads such as Bombardier and SNC-Lavalin. Likewise, without research and development, long-term success is unlikely. Hence, governments (both federal and provincial) have invested heavily in research and development at universities and public research institutions. They have also given tax incentives to private research firms. As a result, Québec currently excels in engineering/construction, aerospace, biotechnology, fibre optics, and computers (both hardware and software). Québec’s Technical Spearheads Bombardier Founded in 1942 Today, aircraft and aircraft parts are Québec’s leading export Bombardier rail systems are found around the world SNC-Lavalin Leading construction and engineering group Specializes in engineering in four key sectors: oil and gas, mining and metallurgy, infrastructure, hydro power Best known for its engineering projects in foreign countries Québec’s Technical Spearheads Québec’s Economic Anchor: Hydro-Québec Hydro-Québec is central to the province’s industrial economy and energy export strategy. $900 million in profits from exports to US (2015) Institut de recherche d’Hydro-Québec involved in numerous research initiatives: Developed robots to inspect live transmission lines and inspect underwater structures. Developing high-performance lithium-ion batteries (for electric vehicles). Québec’s Economic Anchor: Hydro-Québec The James Bay Project Was a massive hydroelectric project, announced in 1971 that called for harnessing power from three separate river basins that flow into James Bay from Québec. Québec’s Economic Anchor: Hydro-Québec The James Bay Project The scope of the project was huge. It involved an area one-fifth the size of Québec., but that area also serves as the homeland for the Cree and Inuit. This was a major complicating factor. Legal conflicts ensued, but the first phase of construction was allowed to proceed after successful negotiations. That is, the 1975 James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement ensured the Cree and Inuit of certain benefits and land rights. Québec’s Economic Anchor: Hydro-Québec The James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (1975) A watershed event for Indigenous land claims in Canada. The Cree and the Inuit joined to take legal action to halt construction until land claims were addressed. Result: both federal and provincial governments became responsible for providing “treaty” benefits. Provided land, cash, and self-administrative powers. Québec’s Economic Anchor: Hydro-Québec The James Bay Project Phase 2 In 1985, the second phase, known as the Great Whale River Project, was announced. Little was accomplished, however, due to a combination of fierce opposition from the Québec Cree, environmental organizations, and the arrival of a natural gas pipeline to New England (decreasing overall demand for energy). Hence, the government decided to cancel the Great Whale River Project. Québec’s Core Economic and political core of Québec extends from Montréal to Québec City. Three demographic features: Most population growth occurs in the larger cities found in the core. Most newcomers migrate to Montréal. The majority of anglophones and allophones who reside in Québec live in Montréal. Québec’s Core Québec’s Core The Manufacturing Core: Montréal to Québec City Aerospace industry and biotechnology are important. Home to numerous international organizations. Montréal The industrial, commercial, and cultural focus of Québec. Largest CMA in province. One of Canada’s oldest cities. Rich history, but poor infrastructure. Québec’s Core Québec City Only walled city in North America Economic base revolves around three functions: Administrative Manufacturing Tourism Québec’s Northern Hinterland Three principal economic activities: Forestry Hydroelectric generation Mining Troubled by declining forest economy, waning population, and high unemployment. Resource-based economy based on foreign markets. Québec’s Northern Hinterland New Political Realities Traditional homelands of Cree and Inuit Currently represent the majority of the population Makivik Corporation and Kativik Regional Governments Have allowed the Inuit to manage their own affairs and thus gain administrative experience in different areas for over 30 years Dream of a regional government emerged within Makivik Québec’s Northern Hinterland Forest Industry Maple syrup production and hardwood for furniture-making Strength lies in pulp and paper production Demand for these products has been declining Mining Industry Metallic mineral production was close to $7.7 billion (2015) Many northern Québec communities are single-industry towns and rely on mining for their existence. E.g., Malartic residents relocating because large gold deposit exists under the town. Summary Francophone culture and language remain distinguishing features of Québec. Position within Confederation weakening with declining share of population and economic output. Two signs of turnaround: Recognition of importance of knowledge-based economy Expansion of Hydro-Québec Québec - Introduction Lesson 1: Overview (pg. 213-220): Québec occupies a unique place within Canada and North America. It makes up 23% of Canada’s population and 2% of the population in North America. The province’s leadership and people throughout history have demonstrated a strong interest in preserving the French language and its culture amidst the ongoing challenges of globalization and English-language dominance. This lesson we will focus on: 1. Québec’s Place Within Canada 2. Québec’s Culture, Identity, and Language 3. Québec’s Physical Geography Québec - Introduction Québec has a dominant francophone culture. A French-speaking region making up 23% of Canada’s population. Preservation of the French language and province’s culture are critical political elements within Québec society. Québec - Introduction Its geography (rivers and topography) makes it uniquely suitable for hydroelectric production. This provides relatively low-cost energy which keeps the economy strong. Québec has taken the first steps towards a knowledge-based economy. Its three main economic spearheads are Bombardier (business jet manufacturer), SNC-Lavalin (engineering and construction services), and Hydro-Québec (providing hydroelectricity). Québec’s Place within Canada Québec’s population and economy is growing, albeit slower than Ontario, Western Canada, and British Columbia. Despite the slow growth, it is still second in terms of population and size of economy. Québec’s political influence will decline in the federal House of Commons if its population growth continues to be slower than the other provinces. Hence, the province has turned to immigration as a solution. However, immigration might also create its own issues for the province including challenges to political and social unity. Québec’s Culture, Identity, and Language Settlers came from France to the St. Lawrence Valley beginning in the 17th century. They shaped a homeland for French-speaking people. Collective memory recalls humiliations (eventually, the French were defeated by the British in North America) as well as hard-fought victories (resistance to assimilation). Fear of loss of Québec’s culture, identity, and language has encourage feelings of separatism but also Confederation (with a special role for Québec). Québec’s Culture, Identity, and Language Québécois culture and identity form the basis of ethnic pride and loyalty. This sometimes fuels the desire for an independent political state. Most Québécois have a sense of dual loyalty. Francophones have, throughout history, struggled to survive in predominantly English-speaking North America. Québec is also home to many anglophones and allophones. However, this is still a minority compared to the francophone majority, and they are found mostly in Montreal and Gatineau. The resolution of occasional differences between French- and English-speaking Canada has led to a complex concept of compromise. This concept of “compromising” federalism continues to evolve and survive. Reading -Read and highlight article, “Bill 101” from the Canadian Encyclopedia. Québec’s Physical Geography It is the largest province in Canada. It has great variation in natural conditions (i.e. climate and landscape). Four physiographic regions: Great Lakes-St Lawrence Lowlands Appalachian Uplands Canadian Shield (largest) Hudson Bay Lowlands (smallest) Québec’s Physical Geography Great Lakes-St Lawrence Lowland Best agricultural land in Québec. It’s where the first settlers from France chose to begin their farming roughly 400 years ago. Historically and even today, it remains the cultural and economic core of Québec. Québec’s Physical Geography Appalachian Uplands Subdued topography of rugged hills and rolling plains. Tourism here is fueled by its spectacular scenery. The most arable land in this region is in Estrie (bordering Vermont), where dairy farming prevails. Other activities include mining and forestry. Lake Champlain gap become an important north-south transportation link. Québec’s Physical Geography Canadian Shield Occupies nearly 90% of the province’s territory. Noted for forestry and hydroelectric production. Beyond the commercial forest zone (roughly half-way through Québec), it is home to Cree and Inuit communities. Québec’s Physical Geography Hudson Bay Lowlands Extends from Ontario along southeast edge of James Bay. Sparsely populated with a number of Inuit settlements along the coasts. Québec’s Physical Geography Almost 90% of Québec’s bedrock is composed of Precambrian rocks belonging to the Canadian Shield (north of the Saint Lawrence River). The remainder consists essentially of Paleozoic rocks: the St. Lawrence Platform surrounding the Saint Lawrence River and the Appalachians to the south of the river. These geological environments offer significant discovery potential for mineral deposits. For easier classification, Québec is divided into seven main geological provinces: Superior, Nain, Churchill, Grenville, Appalachian, St. Lawrence Platform, and Hudson Bay Platform. For additional information regarding these provinces visit: https://mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/en/mines/geology/geological-overview/ Québec’s Physical Geography Four climatic zones Arctic Subarctic Atlantic Great Lakes–St Lawrence Weather falls within predictable range for each zone with occasional extreme events E.g., devastating flood in the Saguenay region (1996) Québec - Environmental Challenges and History Lesson 2: Overview (pg. 220-228): Québec occupies a unique place within Canada and North America. It makes up 23% of Canada’s population and 2% of the population in North America. The province’s leadership and people throughout history have demonstrated a strong interest in preserving the French language and its culture amidst the ongoing challenges of globalization and English-language dominance. This lesson we will focus on: 1. Environmental Challenges 2. Québec’s Historical Geography Québec’s Environmental Challenges Bone defines Québec is an old industrial region Agricultural, industrial and mining operations contribute to pollution. Each sector generates its own wastes that can pollute the atmosphere, waters, and soil. Asbestos mining ended in 2012, but in the years preceding, it represented a major health concern to the workers of those regions. The North is littered with abandoned machinery, chemicals, and oil barrels. Many oil exploration companies have failed to clean up their sites. Québec’s Environmental Challenges In the 2010’s, attention was focused on the National Energy Board hearings for the proposed Energy East pipeline. It would have delivered diluted bitumen from Western Canada and North Western United States to Eastern Canada, from receipt points in Alberta, Saskatchewan and North Dakota. However, the project was cancelled on October 5, 2017 by TransCanada. Many communities and environmentalists were concerned about a potential bitumen spill in the St. Lawrence River. Québec’s Environmental Challenges The St. Lawrence River holds a special place for Québecers, both historically and culturally. Both the provincial and federal government launched the St. Lawrence Action Plan in 2011 aimed at conserving biodiversity, ensuring sustainable use, and improving water quality. Québec’s Historical Geography New France (1608–1760) 1608: first permanent French settlement established with Samuel de Champlain’s fur-trading post at site of Québec City. Its core was the St. Lawrence Valley from which a vast fur-trading empire was developed. France eventually lost their North American colony. Left cultural legacy in form of French language and Catholic religion. Québec’s Historical Geography New France (1608–1760), cont’d By early 18th century, inhabitants turned to farming. Jean Talon imposed French feudal system of land ownership (seigneurial system): Land granted to nobility, religious institutions, and military officers (seigneurs). Peasant farmers (habitants) worked the land and paid the lords. By 1760, 200 seigneuries were well adapted to St. Lawrence Valley The system was abolished by the legislature of the Province of Canada in 1854. Québec’s Historical Geography British Colony (1760–1867) British conquest of 1760 led to over 100 years of British rule Fur trade continued to flourish and agricultural economy went unchanged Land hunger caused French Canadians to migrate, mostly to US Vast majority retained language and Catholic religion Québec’s Historical Geography British Colony (1760–1867), cont’d Rebellions broke out in 1837 and were crushed by the British army. Lord Durham’s Report English to be sole language of the new province of Canada English-speaking settlers to create English majority in Lower Canada French Canadians to be integrated into English majority Lord Durham believed that French- Canadians were a “people with no literature and no history”. Québec’s Historical Geography Act of Union (1841) united two colonies of Upper and Lower Canada into Province of Canada and created single elected assembly. Québec’s Historical Geography Confederation to the Quiet Revolution Confederation sought to unite English and French cultures within British parliamentary system. Benefits for Québec: Economic union with Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick Protection of language and religion Provincial control over education and language Expansion of geographic size Québec’s Historical Geography Quiet Revolution (1960s) Transformed Québec’s image of rural, inward-looking, Church-dominated society. Began with the election of the Liberal government of Jean Lesage. Provincial government replaced Catholic Church as protector of French culture/language. Reforms hinged on: State intervention in economy Expansion of French-speaking provincial civil service. Instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment among Québecers. Québec’s Historical Geography Government’s principal achievements during the Quiet Revolution: Nationalization of private electrical companies under Hydro-Québec. Modernization and secularization of education. Stimulation of francophone business sector by investment of Québec Pension Plan funds in Québec firms. Establishment of Maisons du Québec (quasi-embassies in places such as Paris, London, and New York), thus signalling to Ottawa that the Québec government wanted to represent Québec interests to the rest of the world. The Quiet Revolution increased feelings of Québec nationalism and separatism. Lesage’s campaign slogan was, “Maitres chez nous” (Masters in our own house). Read bottom of page 226 (after Government’s principal achievements during the Quiet Revolution). Québec - Technical Spearheads, Core, and Hinterland Lesson 3: Overview (pg. 228-243): Québec occupies a unique place within Canada and North America. It makes up 23% of Canada’s population and 2% of the population in North America. The province’s leadership and people throughout history have demonstrated a strong interest in preserving the French language and its culture amidst the ongoing challenges of globalization and English-language dominance. This lesson we will focus on: 1. Québec Today (226-229) a. Economy b. Industrial Structure 2. Québec’s Technical Spearheads (229-235) a. Bombardier b. SNC-Lavalin c. Hydro-Quebec 3. Québec’s Core (235-238) 4. Québec’s Northern Hinterland (238-243) Québec Today Québec’s economy ranks third in Canada, comprising 19.4% of the national GDP. Much like Ontario, it has long served as the manufacturing core within Canada. And like Ontario, Québec’s manufacturing sector has experienced setbacks in recent years due to its stagnant economic growth and the expansion of free trade globalization. It, too, is looking to make shifts towards a knowledge-based economy where automation and a digitized system prevail. Québec Today Globalization particularly hurt Québec’s clothing and textile industry, as the gradual elimination of import quotas and tariffs allowed for competitors in places such as China to attract more jobs and investments. These changes were brought about by the World Trade Organization after its establishment in 1995, but the major impact on Quebec’s textile industry was felt after China joined the WTO in 2001. Québec Today Economists have pointed to the following signs of a weak economy in Québec: Receives the largest share of equalization payments. Unemployment rate is above the national average. Its per capita debt is the highest in the country. Québec Today Many experts predict a continuation of weak annual economic growth for Québec. However, some economists are more optimistic, as Québec’s unique culture and connections to the francophone world could support its economy. For example, Québec’s film industry has a worldwide reputation and its music community ranks highly within Canada and North America. Québec Today Some economists are also optimistic due to the fact that exports from Québec account for a large share of Canada’s high-tech exports: aerospace industry, high-tech, metal refining, printing, and transportation. Québec Today In general, Québec’s industrial structure and economy are similar to Ontario’s: Manufacturing is the leading activity. It is shifting towards a knowledge-based economy. Look at the table below. What similarities can you draw between Québec and Ontario? Québec Today To note: as we have seen in Ontario, the application of technology to primary and secondary activities has dampened the percentages in these categories from 2005-2016 by replacing workers with machines, including robotics. Based on these changes, how might the move towards a knowledge-based economy be considered both advantageous and disadvantageous? And for whom? Québec Today Quebec’s knowledge-based economy: Montréal, like Toronto, has the advantage of a creative class. It is the most important centre for the new economy in Canada due to the number of high-tech companies, universities, and strong provincial support. Government often intervenes in the marketplace to support local firms. Spearhead industries provide hope for Québec’s economic future. Québec Today Quebec’s knowledge-based economy cont’d: Unlike Toronto, Montréal may have difficulties in recruiting non-French speakers from the global pool of creative people. The demand for highly skilled workers is increasing (due to the shift towards a knowledge-based economy), creating labour shortages and a search for skilled immigrants. The demand for highly skilled workers from the international pool who have a command of both French and English narrows the selection process. Québec Today Additional notes about Québec’s knowledge-based economy: Except for large corporations, research and development is too risky (the investment costs are usually too high and the prospects of success are not guaranteed). This demonstrates the importance of Québec’s well-established major technical spearheads such as Bombardier and SNC-Lavalin. Likewise, without research and development, long-term success is unlikely. Hence, governments (both federal and provincial) have invested heavily in research and development at universities and public research institutions. They have also given tax incentives to private research firms. As a result, Québec currently excels in engineering/construction, aerospace, biotechnology, fibre optics, and computers (both hardware and software). Québec’s Technical Spearheads Bombardier Founded in 1942 Today, aircraft and aircraft parts are Québec’s leading export Bombardier rail systems are found around the world SNC-Lavalin Leading construction and engineering group Specializes in engineering in four key sectors: oil and gas, mining and metallurgy, infrastructure, hydro power Best known for its engineering projects in foreign countries Québec’s Technical Spearheads Québec’s Economic Anchor: Hydro-Québec Hydro-Québec is central to the province’s industrial economy and energy export strategy. $900 million in profits from exports to US (2015) Institut de recherche d’Hydro-Québec involved in numerous research initiatives: Developed robots to inspect live transmission lines and inspect underwater structures. Developing high-performance lithium-ion batteries (for electric vehicles). Québec’s Economic Anchor: Hydro-Québec The James Bay Project Was a massive hydroelectric project, announced in 1971 that called for harnessing power from three separate river basins that flow into James Bay from Québec. Québec’s Economic Anchor: Hydro-Québec The James Bay Project The scope of the project was huge. It involved an area one-fifth the size of Québec., but that area also serves as the homeland for the Cree and Inuit. This was a major complicating factor. Legal conflicts ensued, but the first phase of construction was allowed to proceed after successful negotiations. That is, the 1975 James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement ensured the Cree and Inuit of certain benefits and land rights. Québec’s Economic Anchor: Hydro-Québec The James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (1975) A watershed event for Indigenous land claims in Canada. The Cree and the Inuit joined to take legal action to halt construction until land claims were addressed. Result: both federal and provincial governments became responsible for providing “treaty” benefits. Provided land, cash, and self-administrative powers. Québec’s Economic Anchor: Hydro-Québec The James Bay Project Phase 2 In 1985, the second phase, known as the Great Whale River Project, was announced. Little was accomplished, however, due to a combination of fierce opposition from the Québec Cree, environmental organizations, and the arrival of a natural gas pipeline to New England (decreasing overall demand for energy). Hence, the government decided to cancel the Great Whale River Project. Québec’s Core Economic and political core of Québec extends from Montréal to Québec City. Three demographic features: Most population growth occurs in the larger cities found in the core. Most newcomers migrate to Montréal. The majority of anglophones and allophones who reside in Québec live in Montréal. Québec’s Core Québec’s Core The Manufacturing Core: Montréal to Québec City Aerospace industry and biotechnology are important. Home to numerous international organizations. Montréal The industrial, commercial, and cultural focus of Québec. Largest CMA in province. One of Canada’s oldest cities. Rich history, but poor infrastructure. Québec’s Core Québec City Only walled city in North America Economic base revolves around three functions: Administrative Manufacturing Tourism Québec’s Northern Hinterland Three principal economic activities: Forestry Hydroelectric generation Mining Troubled by declining forest economy, waning population, and high unemployment. Resource-based economy based on foreign markets. Québec’s Northern Hinterland New Political Realities Traditional homelands of Cree and Inuit Currently represent the majority of the population Makivik Corporation and Kativik Regional Governments Have allowed the Inuit to manage their own affairs and thus gain administrative experience in different areas for over 30 years Dream of a regional government emerged within Makivik Québec’s Northern Hinterland Forest Industry Maple syrup production and hardwood for furniture-making Strength lies in pulp and paper production Demand for these products has been declining Mining Industry Metallic mineral production was close to $7.7 billion (2015) Many northern Québec communities are single-industry towns and rely on mining for their existence. E.g., Malartic residents relocating because large gold deposit exists under the town. Summary Francophone culture and language remain distinguishing features of Québec. Position within Confederation weakening with declining share of population and economic output. Two signs of turnaround: Recognition of importance of knowledge-based economy Expansion of Hydro-Québec