Maurice Duplessis first took office in 1936 but was defeated in 1939, after he himself called the election. He was elected again in 1944 and remained in office until his death in 1959.
In each election (1948, 1952, 1956), he convinced voters to vote for his party, the Union nationale. Once in office, Duplessis kept control over his cabinet. He promised to carry out several projects, such as building a school, a hospital, if his party won the election.
Maurice Duplessis
Throughout his mandate, Maurice Duplessis worked closely with the Catholic Church. He gave the Church power and authority in managing the health sector as well as education and culture.
He reinforced French Canadian nationalism by defending provincial autonomy and affirming the cultural differences between Quebec and the rest of Canada.
Benefitting from favourable economic times, Duplessis applied economic liberalism in Quebec by encouraging foreign companies, particularly American companies, to exploit Quebec’s natural resources. This move was intended to help create jobs in the province and stimulate the economy.
Duplessis also brought Quebec into the modern age by introducing the rural electrification program, creating a major electricity distribution network and expanding the province’s transportation networks.