Quebec is the largest province in eastern Canada, with a predominantly French-speaking population. It has a western culture rooted in its French history and influences from indigenous populations. Key aspects of Quebec's culture include its French literature, developing theater scene, and distinct architecture. Politically, Quebec has debated autonomy and sovereignty from Canada over the decades. Its economy has transitioned to being post-industrial and focuses on sectors like aerospace, transportation, technology and tourism.
2. Largest Province located in
East-central Canada
2nd most populous province
Nearly 3 times the size of
France
3. 90% of Quebec lies within the Canadian Shield
Prone to infrequent though significant
earthquakes
St. Lawrence River
4. Only Canadian province with a predominantly French-
speaking population
French is the sole official language in Quebec
Considerable Irish, Italian, and North American
Indian population
5. Western Culture
The folk music of Quebec: songs of France and
Celtic music
Civil union system for opposite-sex and same-sex
unions
6. Large numbers of Canadian, French, Irish, Italian,
Scottish, and German people
The population of Quebec has grown more than
700% since 1851
1.5% of Quebec’s population are aborigines.
7. Quebec is the site where French settlers founded the
colony of New France in the 1600s and 1700s
In 1534, Jacques Cartier took possession of the territory
in the name of King Francis I of France
After a few failures at colonization, Samuel de
Champlain laid out the foundation of French Canada
8. Quebec City was founded in 1608 by de Champlain
The French and Indian War
The Royal Proclamation of 1763: Britain acquires New
France
2007 and Three Fundamental Values: Equality
between Men and Women; Primacy of the French
Language; Separation of State and Religion
11. Quebec: Culture
A western culture that is rooted in the history of the French
speaking minority
Quebec has 11 indigenous nations, each with its distinct
language and culture
Quebec City, the capital of Quebec, is a Mecca for French
culture and heritage
12. Quebec: Literature
It was not until 1760 that the first books and notable works were
written and printed
The newspaper, too, became the most convenient vehicle of popular
thought (though British dominance prevailed)
By the 1860s, Quebec authors had earned a certain autonomy; it was
now easier to mass produce a book
Renowned 20th century authors like Esther Delisle and Jacques
Godbout made their marks
13. Quebec: Theatre
Until the 20th century, theatrical activity in Quebec was nearly
inactive
The Church interfered heavily with theatrical display in pre and
post-Conquest Quebec
In the mid 1900s, theatre groups began to rise and prosper in
Quebec
Currently, theatre and dance plays a prominent role in the
culture of Quebec
14. Quebec: Architecture
French settlers brought with them the Quebec architecture
similar to their native France
Quebec City contains 4 centuries of architecture (since 1608)
The Roman Catholic religion has heavily influenced the
architecture of Quebec
Secular architecture, like homes built
in the 17th and 18th centuries, still survive
Today, more modern
architecture has been
added to the mix
17. Quebec: Politics
Provincial government, namely a constitutional monarchy
and parliamentary democracy
Jean Charest is the current Premier of Quebec, appointed
June 6, 2003
Parties include the Quebec Liberal Party, Parti Quebecois
(PQ), and Action Democratique du Quebec (ADQ)
18. Quebec: Politics
Quebec Liberal Party: Centre-left liberal party, it believes
Quebec should remain part of Canada and operate within
its federal structure
Parti Quebecois: Left-wing party, it advocates national
sovereignty for Quebec and secession from Canada
ADQ: Populist, conservative, nationalist, it wantss Quebec
to become more autonomous though reside in the Canadian
Confederation
19. Quebec: Economy
The economy of Quebec is post-industrial, with a potential for
growth
Quebec’s aerospace industry is ranked sixth in the world for its
production value
Ground transportation, information technology, the health care
industry, and tourism generate billions of dollars toward the
growing economy of Quebec
In 2002, Quebec had international exports of roughly $68 billion
20. Quebec: Diplomatic Relations
1967, Québec created a department responsible for Québec's foreign
governmental activity in order to pilot the development of the major
increase of its international activity.
Since 1977, the Premier of Québec and the Prime Minister of France
have met often to set and fine-tune objectives and priorities for
relations between their respective governments
Quebec’s International Policy: in 2006, this was established to “assert
Quebec’s desire to pursue vigorous, concerted and multilateral
international initiatives in accordance with its needs.”
Quebec continues to assert its position in the world
