Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures
Faraaz Akhtar
History 30
Mr. Whelan
December 12th 2008
Canada has always been known as a peaceful country. Among other parts of the world consumed by riots, lawlessness and violence, Canada is seen as an oasis of democracy, freedom, and responsible government. However during October of 1970, it was made very clear that the potential for civil strife, terrorism, and even revolution exists in the true north strong and free. During this terrifying month, a terrorist group calling themselves the Front de Liberation du Quebec (FLQ) kidnapped British diplomat James Cross and provincial minister Pierre Laporte, and threatened to kill them unless a series of demands was met by the federal government. Then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau refused to give in to the demands of terrorists, and responded by sending the armed forces to assist the Quebec police, and on October 16th, 1970, Pierre Trudeau addresses the nation, explained his position, and informed Canada that he had invoked the War Measures Act. This move suspended the civil liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights and gave the police and army extraordinary power to pursue leads and arrest suspects. A day after Trudeau made this announcement; Pierre Laporte was murdered by his captors. Hundreds of arrests were subsequently made, aimed at crippling the FLQ. The Crisis ended when James Cross was released on December 3rd in return for safe passage to Cuba for the kidnappers.[i] Although the majority supported his actions at the time, Trudeau’s decision to use the WMA has come under considerable scrutiny, with some wondering whether it was overkill. Yet the fact remains that after the WMA was put into effect, there were no further FLQ bombings. In invoking the WMA, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau took what was a necessary action to neutralize the incredible threat posed by the murderous and ruthless Front de Liberation du Quebec.
Canadians often refer to the... [continues]
Faraaz Akhtar
History 30
Mr. Whelan
December 12th 2008
Canada has always been known as a peaceful country. Among other parts of the world consumed by riots, lawlessness and violence, Canada is seen as an oasis of democracy, freedom, and responsible government. However during October of 1970, it was made very clear that the potential for civil strife, terrorism, and even revolution exists in the true north strong and free. During this terrifying month, a terrorist group calling themselves the Front de Liberation du Quebec (FLQ) kidnapped British diplomat James Cross and provincial minister Pierre Laporte, and threatened to kill them unless a series of demands was met by the federal government. Then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau refused to give in to the demands of terrorists, and responded by sending the armed forces to assist the Quebec police, and on October 16th, 1970, Pierre Trudeau addresses the nation, explained his position, and informed Canada that he had invoked the War Measures Act. This move suspended the civil liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights and gave the police and army extraordinary power to pursue leads and arrest suspects. A day after Trudeau made this announcement; Pierre Laporte was murdered by his captors. Hundreds of arrests were subsequently made, aimed at crippling the FLQ. The Crisis ended when James Cross was released on December 3rd in return for safe passage to Cuba for the kidnappers.[i] Although the majority supported his actions at the time, Trudeau’s decision to use the WMA has come under considerable scrutiny, with some wondering whether it was overkill. Yet the fact remains that after the WMA was put into effect, there were no further FLQ bombings. In invoking the WMA, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau took what was a necessary action to neutralize the incredible threat posed by the murderous and ruthless Front de Liberation du Quebec.
Canadians often refer to the... [continues]
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