Historical Events tagged with "quebec"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Shooting at Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City

January 29th, 2017 8 years ago

A gunman entered the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City during evening prayers, opening fire on worshippers and resulting in the deaths of six individuals while wounding 19 others. The attacker was arrested shortly after the incident. Authorities later identified him as Alexandre Bissonnette. The shooting sparked widespread condemnation and deep concern over the rise of Islamophobia in Canada, drawing responses from political leaders and community organizations demanding greater protection for minority communities.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Deadly Lac-Mégantic Train Derailment and Explosion

July 6th, 2013 11 years ago

A 73-car oil train derailed in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, resulting in a massive explosion that led to the loss of at least 47 lives. The incident also destroyed over 30 buildings in the town's central area, leaving a significant part of the community devastated. The train was transporting crude oil and failed to stop, causing it to collide and derail. The explosion occurred late at night, affecting many residents who were asleep at the time, and resulted in a heartbreaking aftermath for families and the community.

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Politics & Government

House of Commons Recognizes Québécois Nation

November 27th, 2006 18 years ago

The House of Commons of Canada approved a motion recognizing the Québécois as a nation within Canada, introduced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This motion received significant support from various political parties, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of Quebec's distinct culture and history within the broader Canadian federation. The decision has been praised and criticized, marking a notable moment in Canadian politics regarding interprovincial relations and national identity.

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Politics & Government

Supreme Court Rules on Quebec Secession Legality

August 20th, 1998 26 years ago

The Supreme Court of Canada delivered a landmark ruling on Quebec's ability to unilaterally declare independence. This decision clarified that any secession would require negotiations with the federal government, asserting the need for a constitutional process. The ruling was an outcome of Quebec's 1995 referendum, where a narrow margin separated pro-sovereignty and federalist factions. The court established critical legal precedents relevant to the interpretation of constitutional law in issues of national unity.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Propair Flight 420 crashes near Montreal airport

June 18th, 1998 26 years ago

Propair Flight 420, a regional aircraft operated by Propair, crashed shortly after takeoff from Montréal–Mirabel International Airport. The Beechcraft 1900D was bound for the regional airport in Baie-Comeau. Tragically, the accident resulted in the loss of all 11 individuals on board. Investigation into the crash revealed possible issues related to weather conditions at the time of departure, including low visibility and fog, which likely contributed to the loss of control.

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Natural Disasters

Severe Flooding on the Saguenay River

July 18th, 1996 28 years ago

Heavy storms led to catastrophic flooding along the Saguenay River in Quebec, primarily affecting the regions of Chicoutimi and Jonquière. The excessive rainfall caused river levels to rise dramatically, resulting in the inundation of homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Emergency services faced significant challenges in rescue operations amid the crisis, while thousands of residents were forced to evacuate. The floods highlighted the vulnerability of the area to severe weather events and initiated discussions on disaster preparedness and climate change responses.

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Politics & Government

Quebec Votes to Remain in Canada

October 30th, 1995 29 years ago

Quebec citizens voted narrowly in favor of remaining a province of Canada during their second referendum on national sovereignty, recording a 50.58% to 49.42% vote. The referendum served as a significant moment in Quebec's history, highlighting the province's quest for autonomy versus its connection to Canada. The campaign surrounding the vote was intense, with prominent political figures advocating for both sides, sparking passionate discussions and debates among citizens throughout Quebec.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Oka Crisis: Land Dispute Escalates in Quebec

July 11th, 1990 34 years ago

A land dispute in Quebec escalated into a crisis when the Mohawk community protested against the expansion of a golf course onto sacred territory. In early July, tensions rose as police attempted to dismantle their barricades, leading to widespread confrontations. The conflict drew national attention, highlighting issues of Indigenous rights and land sovereignty in Canada, reflecting longstanding grievances over unrecognized claims.

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Crime & Law

Shooting at Quebec National Assembly

May 8th, 1984 40 years ago

Corporal Denis Lortie entered the Quebec National Assembly armed and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring thirteen others. The shooting took place during a chaotic episode when Lortie attempted to express his grievances regarding the governmental actions. René Jalbert, the Sergeant-at-Arms, played a crucial role in de-escalating the situation, successfully calming Lortie and preventing further loss of life. Jalbert’s bravery earned him the Cross of Valour for his actions.

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