Desperate Measures Research Paper
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 …show more content…
This development was the more significant of the two kidnappings because it appeared to show that the FLQ was a very powerful organization with the infrastructure and ability to victimize anyone at any time. This led to a general state of panic in the minds of Canadians, which was confirmed by Trudeau in his October 16th address; “The kidnappers purposes would be served equally well by having in their grip you or me, or perhaps some child.”[iii] With this mindset that everyone was vulnerable in the forefront, the army was moved into Ottawa to protect various government officials. Soon after, the army was invited by Quebec police to assist them in keeping the populace
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 …show more content…
This development was the more significant of the two kidnappings because it appeared to show that the FLQ was a very powerful organization with the infrastructure and ability to victimize anyone at any time. This led to a general state of panic in the minds of Canadians, which was confirmed by Trudeau in his October 16th address; “The kidnappers purposes would be served equally well by having in their grip you or me, or perhaps some child.”[iii] With this mindset that everyone was vulnerable in the forefront, the army was moved into Ottawa to protect various government officials. Soon after, the army was invited by Quebec police to assist them in keeping the populace