Parliamentary constituencies

Member of the National Assembly of Quebec for Louis-Hébert
In office June 16, 1966 – April 29, 1970
Preceded by	District created
Succeeded by	Claude Castonguay
Member of the National Assembly of Quebec for Québec-Ouest
In office July 5, 1960 – June 16, 1966
Preceded by	Jean-Paul Galipeault
Succeeded by	District abolished
Member of Parliament for Montmagny—L'Islet
In office June 11, 1945 – June 13, 1958
Preceded by	Joseph-Fernand Fafard
Succeeded by	Louis Fortin

Canadian cabinet

Minister of Northern Affairs and National Resources
In office December 16, 1953 – June 20, 1957
Prime Minister	Louis St. Laurent
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Douglas Harkness
Minister of Resources and Development
In office September 17, 1953 – December 15, 1953
Prime Minister	Louis St. Laurent
Preceded by	Robert Winters
Succeeded by	Office abolished

Personal details

Born

June 10, 1912
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Died

December 12, 1980 (aged 68)
Sillery, Quebec, Canada

Resting place

Cimetière Notre-Dame-de-Belmont, Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada

Political party

Liberal (federal)
Quebec Liberal (provincial)

Spouse

Corinne Lagarde

(m. 1938)

Children

Education

Université Laval (BA, LLL)

Profession

Crown Attorney
lawyer

Jean Lesage (June 10, 1912 – December 12, 1980) was an important Canadian lawyer and politician from Quebec. He served as the 19th Premier of Quebec from 1960 to 1966. A Premier is like the leader of a province's government.

Many people see him as a key figure in the Quiet Revolution. This was a time of big changes in Quebec. The Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport and a provincial voting area, Jean-Lesage, are named after him.

Early Life and Education
Legal Career
Federal Politics
Premier of Quebec (1960–1966)
- Major Changes During the Quiet Revolution
Opposition Leader
Later Life and Legacy
See also

Early Life and Education

Jean Lesage was born in Montreal, Quebec, on June 10, 1912. He was one of six children. His father, Xavéri Lesage, worked for an insurance company.

In 1921, his family moved to Quebec City. Jean went to a private school called École Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague. Later, he attended the Petit Séminaire de Québec. He was a very smart student and did well in many subjects.

He then studied law at Université Laval. He was known for being quick-witted and good at arguing. He was also interested in politics from a young age. He earned his law degree in 1934.

In 1965, he received an honorary doctorate from Sir George Williams University. This university is now known as Concordia University.

Legal Career

Lesage as a young lawyer

After finishing law school, Jean Lesage worked as a lawyer in Quebec City. He worked with several partners. In 1938, he married Corinne Lagarde, who was a singer.

From 1939 to 1944, he worked as a Crown attorney. This means he was a lawyer who represented the government in legal cases. He also served in the Canadian Army Reserve during this time.

Federal Politics

Jean Lesage began his political career at the federal level. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1945. He represented the area of Montmagny-L'Islet. He was part of the Liberal Party of Canada.

After being re-elected in 1949, he became a Parliamentary Secretary. This role helps a minister with their duties. He worked for the Secretary of State for External Affairs and later for the Minister of Finance.

In 1953, he became a federal minister. He was the Minister of Resources and Development. Then, he became the Minister of Northern Affairs and National Resources.

He was re-elected in 1957 and 1958. However, he decided to leave federal politics. He resigned from his seat in 1958. This was because he was chosen to lead the Quebec Liberal Party.

Premier of Quebec (1960–1966)

Jean Lesage (left) with Mayor of Montreal Jean Drapeau (right) in June 1964

On June 22, 1960, Jean Lesage's Liberal Party won the Quebec provincial election. They won with the slogans "l'équipe de tonnerre" (the terrific team) and "C'est le temps que ça change" (It's time for change). This victory marked the end of a long period of conservative rule in Quebec.

Lesage became the Premier of Quebec on July 5, 1960. He also served as President of the Executive Council and Minister of Finance. Later, he also became Minister of Federal-Provincial Affairs.

His election started a period known as the Quiet Revolution. This was a time of fast and big changes in Quebec. It changed how people thought about their values, attitudes, and behaviors. It also led to a stronger sense of Quebec nationalism.

In 1962, the Liberal Party won re-election. Their campaign promised to take control of hydroelectricity. Their slogan was "Maîtres chez nous" (Masters in Our Own Home).

Major Changes During the Quiet Revolution

The Lesage government made many important changes. These changes affected the environment, laws, society, economy, and politics in Quebec. They helped strengthen the identity of "Québécois" people. Lesage believed that French Canadians could grow as a modern people within Canada. He wanted them to do this without losing their unique identity.

One of the biggest changes was reducing the influence of the Catholic Church in Quebec. The Church used to control many parts of society, especially education.

Education Reform

Lesage's government modernized the education system. They wanted the Quebec government to provide education for everyone. This would help create a more skilled workforce.

The age for mandatory schooling was raised from 14 to 16. In 1964, the Ministry of Education was created. Paul Gérin-Lajoie became Quebec’s first Minister of Education.

Nationalization of Hydroelectricity

Another major success was the creation of Hydro-Québec. This involved the government taking control of the province's hydroelectric power. This was seen as a way to help French-Canadian people grow and succeed.

With help from René Lévesque, the government bought out 11 private power companies. Hydro-Québec then became responsible for supplying and distributing all of Quebec's energy. This showed the government's strength and determination.

Economic Development

The Lesage government also made other important economic changes. They created the Société générale de financement. This company encouraged Quebecers to invest in their own future. It also provided money for private businesses, especially those owned by French-speaking people.

They also created other public companies:

Société de Montage Automobile (SOMA) to assemble French cars in Quebec.
Société Québécoise d’Exploration Minière (SOQUEM) to develop mining resources for the benefit of Quebecers.
Sidérurgie Québécoise (SIDBEC) to build a steel plant.

Healthcare and Social Programs

During Lesage's time as Premier, Quebec also took over healthcare from the Church. Quebec was the only province to create its own pension plan. This was called the Quebec Pension Plan.

They also formed the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. This group invests the pension plan funds. The Régie des rentes du Québec was created to manage the plan. The government also gave public-sector workers the right to strike. They also laid the groundwork for creating CEGEPs. These are public colleges for general and professional education.

Opposition Leader

In the 1966 Quebec general election, Lesage's Liberals won fewer seats. This happened even though they received more votes than the Union Nationale party. Their votes were mostly in city areas. Daniel Johnson became the new Premier.

Lesage remained the leader of the Liberal Party for several more years. He announced his resignation in August 1969. He continued as Leader of the Opposition until January 1970. Robert Bourassa then became the new Liberal leader. Bourassa led the Liberals back to power in the 1970 election.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving politics, Jean Lesage joined the boards of several companies. He passed away from heart failure at his home on December 12, 1980, at the age of 68.

His funeral was held at the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec. He is buried at Cimetière Notre-Dame-de-Belmont in Quebec City. Jean Lesage is remembered for leading Quebec through a time of incredible change and modernization.

Jean Lesage facts for kids

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