In October of 1970, the political landscape of Canada was rocked by the kidnapping of James Cross, the British Trade Commissioner, by the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ). The FLQ was a militant separatist organization seeking Quebec’s independence from Canada. Their operations had escalated over the years, characterized by a series of bombings and violent acts aimed at surging public emotion towards the cause of Quebec nationalism. Cross was kidnapped from his home in Montreal, becoming a pawn in the FLQ's strategy to gain leverage against the Canadian government. Along with demanding the release of certain incarcerated members, the FLQ's ultimatum included the imposition of a series of their socialist ideals, complicating the situation further.

The incident prompted Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to invoke the War Measures Act, suspending civil liberties in Quebec. This was a significant step that indicated the severity of the threat perceived by the government. The police launched comprehensive efforts to locate Cross while countering the FLQ's actions. The FLQ's notoriety grew, leading to public discussions about the use of state power in times of crisis and issues of national unity versus regional autonomy.

Cross was ultimately rescued by the police, but not before the FLQ escalated their campaign, culminating in the kidnapping of Quebec Minister Pierre Laporte, who was tragically murdered during the crisis. The series of events highlighted the profound divisions in Canadian society regarding the issue of Quebec separatism, influencing political discourse for years to come and marking a pivotal moment in Canadian politics.