Quebec: A Chronicle: 1968-1972

by Nick Auf der Maur (Editor)

Compiled by reporters for the legendary Last Post , this book presents a vital, on-the-spot account of the emergence of militant nationalist and labour movements in Quebec in the late 60s and early 70s.
It is a documentary record of the most crucial events of 1968 to 1972 in Quebec--the first stirrings of rebellion in the industrial towns, the heroism of the Mouvement de Libération du Taxi and the 'Lapalme guys', the drama of the October Crisis of 1970. It goes on to describe the birth of the labour unions' Common Front in the La Presse strike and, in an important final chapter, analyzes the Front's spectacular show of strength of 1972.
Invaluable as a sourcebook, A Chronicle sorts through a multitude of political myths and rumours that thwart understanding of Quebec's development to this day.

165 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Nick Auf der Maur was a journalist, politician and "man about town" boulevardier in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He was also the father of rock musician Melissa Auf der Maur, through his marriage to Linda Gaboriau.

Reviews

[Sasha Boucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in the Canadian West I can safely say over 90% of anglophone Canadians have basically 0 knowledge of any of the breathtaking events outlined in this book beyond what little scraps of anglo-chauvinist liberal propaganda they heard through the grapevine in public and catholic education growing up. This is an absolutely phenomenal account of some of the most inspiring events in this country's history and should be required reading for anyone who considers themself to be on the left, be they anglophone, francophone, or otherwise. I cannot recommend this book enough!

"It is simply social welfare for corporations, fat and powerful corporations. It is difficult if not impossible to discern the least semblance of co-ordinated and planned industrial development. We wonder why private enterprise needs gifts of public capital to make a profit when its existence is supposedly justified by the risks it takes.
This is an example of how the federal government, through only one of its economic policies - subsidies to private enterprise - happily disposes of public funds to support an ideology (liberalism) and an institution (private enterprise) which only accentuate our social and economic problems rather than reduce them."

[Connor B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad to say that I was so absorbed in trying to soak up the content of the book that it wasn't until I was two thirds through that it dawned on me just how well it was written! Not only is this a necessary resource in trying to understand the period, it is delightful to read! Fantastic book.