What were the major economic developments in Quebec during this period governed by René Lévesque(PQ) 1980-1985; Robert Bourassa (Lib.)1985-1994; Jacques Parizeau (PQ)1994-1995 and Lucien Bouchard (PQ)1995-present?

• Role of the state changes since heavy public debts prompt the government to reduce its involvement in the economy.

• Governments now struggle with continuing deficits and attempt to balance their budgets leading to huge cuts in the health and education sectors.

• Unions see their influence diminish. The recessions of 1981 and 1990 and the accompanying high unemployment rates force unions to be more conciliatory and less combatative. In some cases workers had to take wage cuts to preserve their jobs. The rate of unionization peaks at around 40% of the labour force since many of the new jobs are created  in the service sector.

• Canada signs a free trade agreement with the United States in 1989 which was expanded in 1994 to include Mexico. Quebec strongly supported the free trade agreement.

• Quebec based companies such as Bombardier, Banque Nationale, Cascades expand their foreign operations and compete in the international market place.

• Hydro-Québec construction  projects in the James Bay area are stopped after several court battles with the Native community.

RETURN TO MODULE 7 UNIT 5 AND DO TOPIC 3 (SOCIOCULTURAL DOMAIN).