The Beginning of a New Era - Breaking with the Past: the Famous Désormais (henceforth) of Paul Sauvé

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• Introduction
  • Beginnings
  • The Long Reign of the Union nationale
  • Henceforth
  • A Precursor of the Quiet Revolution
• Education
  • Brother Anonymous
  • The Creation of the Ministry of Education
  • The Parent Report
  • CEGEPs and the Université du Québec
  • Greater Access of Women to Education
• The New Role of the State
  • The Advent of the Welfare State
  • Election of the First Woman to the Legislative Assembly
  • The Tiger Team
  • Return to Power of the Union nationale
  • A Real Civil Service
• Reclaiming the Economy
  • The Nationalization of Electricity
  • The Société générale de financement
  • The Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec and the Régie des rentes
• The Affirmation of Quebec
  • The Sovereignty Movement
  • Vive le Quebec libre
  • Relations between Quebec and Ottawa
  • The Délégation générale du Québec in Paris
  • The Front de Liberation du Quebec
  • Bill 63
• Culture
  • The L'Osstidcho
  • Les belles-soeurs (The Sisters-in-law)
  • Humour
  • The Era of Chansonniers
  • Filmmaking in Quebec
  • Literature in Quebec
• Social Realities
  • The Formation of Leftist Movements
  • The Decline of Religion
  • Expo 67
  • Demanding Unionism
• Women's Revolution
  • The Advent of the Pill
  • The Feminist Affirmation
  • The Femmes d'aujourd'hui Show
  • Women Storm the Labour Market
  • The Bird Commission
• Epilogue

Home > Events > Introduction > Breaking with the Past: the Famous Désormais (henceforth) of Paul Sauvé

First press conference given by Paul Sauvé in the capacity of Premier of Quebec in 1959. He is seated at his desk and accompanied by a journalist from the CBC

The new Premier of Quebec, Paul Sauvé, during the administration of oaths to his Cabinet in 1959. He signs a register, surrounded by his ministers and journalists

Breaking with the Past: the Famous "Désormais" (henceforth) of Paul Sauvé

The Instigator of the 100-day Revolution

In the opinion of many social science researchers, the election of the Liberal Party in 1960 marked the beginning of the Quiet Revolution. However, the short, but significant, passage of Paul Sauvé as Premier of Quebec warrants close inspection. Journalists dubbed this period the 100-day Revolution.

A New Leader, a New Direction

On September 10, 1959, the same day as Maurice Duplessis' funeral, Paul Sauvé, Duplessis' dauphin and trusted ally for 30 years, was designated to replace him. The official announcement was made the next day. Immediately thereafter, and to the surprise of all, a new order of business was initiated and the Union nationale embraced new positions. Although Sauvé stated that he would pursue the work of Duplessis, he specified that henceforth things would be done differently.

Four Months of Change

In short order, Sauvé initiated several reforms that he would be unable to complete in their entirety. Under his leadership, legislation favourable to workers was voted in, provincial civil servants received substantial wage increases and their working conditions were improved. Measures were implemented to encourage progress in the field of education (increase in grants to classical colleges and legislation to increase teachers' wages) and the minimum wage was increased. In federal-provincial relations, Sauvé agreed to the principle of hospitalization insurance and the construction of the Trans Canada Highway. He negotiated with Ottawa an agreement covering university grants, all items that Duplessis had rejected offhand in the name of sacrosanct provincial autonomy. He also began to purge the Union nationale party of its undesirable elements, a task completed by Daniel Johnson in the 1960s.

In the end run, the one hundred days or so while Paul Sauvé was in power shook up Quebec, setting the province on a new path.

Related characters

• Daniel Johnson
• Paul Sauvé

Related years

• 1959
• 1960