René Lévesque (1976-1980)
Continued state intervention in Quebec's economy
(creation of the Quebec automobile insurance plan)
- a plan whereby the State would compensate victims
of car accidents for loss of life or injuries sustained.
The 1970s also saw the emergence of a Francophone Québécois business class and the rise to prominence of companies such as Jean Coutu, Bombardier, Hydro-Québec, Québecor, and Cascades.
The key economic development during this entire period was the construction of the James Bay hydro-electric project. However, the Quebec government was forced to negotiate with the Cree and Inuit peoples since they opposed the construction of dams in James Bay. In 1975, the Quebec government signed the James Bay Agreement with the Cree and Inuit allowing the project to continue.