Book Review: The Making of the October Crisis by D’Arcy Jenish

As someone who has spent much of my career bridging divides and uniting teams from diverse backgrounds, I find The Making of the October Crisis by D’Arcy Jenish a compelling exploration of the complexities that can shape a society. Jenish, a journalist from Saskatchewan, takes us deep into one of the most pivotal—and painful—moments in Canadian history, the October Crisis of 1970. This is a story not only of political strife but of a cultural clash that rocked Canada to its core and has resonated through generations.

Jenish’s work is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the nuance of Canadian identity, the push-pull of French and English relations, and how a nation navigates its fractured unity. For Canadians who lived through it, the crisis was defining, and for those new to the story, Jenish provides all the historical depth and human context needed to fully appreciate its impact.

The October Crisis: A Defining Moment for French and English Canadians

To give some context: in October 1970, Quebec faced a wave of violent upheaval when a radical separatist group, the FLQ (Front de libération du Québec), took extreme measures to further their goal of independence from Canada. The FLQ kidnapped British diplomat James Cross and Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte, who was later found murdered. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau responded by invoking the War Measures Act, a drastic measure that effectively placed Canada under martial law, with sweeping powers given to authorities.

This period of uncertainty and fear was monumental for both French and English Canadians. For many French Canadians, particularly Quebecers, it revealed their frustrations with feeling marginalized in a predominantly English-speaking country, igniting a sense of cultural alienation and mistrust of the federal government. On the other hand, English-speaking Canadians, many of whom were unnerved by the crisis, saw Trudeau’s measures as necessary to restore peace and preserve national unity.

Jenish’s In-Depth Look at the Lead-Up and Legacy

Jenish does an impressive job unpacking the historical context leading up to the October Crisis. Through his detailed analysis, we see the layers of political, social, and economic grievances that influenced Quebec’s separatist movement. By exploring Quebec’s economic inequality and the youth-driven push for greater autonomy, Jenish highlights the broader context behind the FLQ’s actions.

One of the more fascinating sections of the book examines the lives of the FLQ members who fled Canada after the crisis. Jenish delves into their paths as fugitives and the lasting personal impacts of their actions, providing a fuller picture of how the crisis influenced both the individuals involved and Quebec society as a whole.

The Enduring Impact of the October Crisis on Canadian Society

The October Crisis left an indelible mark on Canadian society. Trudeau’s use of the War Measures Act, which empowered authorities to detain individuals without formal charges, remains a controversial decision. For some, it demonstrated necessary decisiveness; for others, it raised serious concerns about civil liberties and the potential overreach of state power. This conflict over authority and rights has influenced Canadian politics and law ever since, keeping the debate over personal freedom versus national security alive.

The crisis also shifted Canada’s approach to federalism. In the years that followed, bilingualism, multiculturalism, and measures to protect cultural minorities gained renewed focus. Quebec’s status within Canada and its distinct identity became central issues that would shape Canadian politics, including two independence referendums and countless debates on federal policies.

Why The Making of the October Crisis Matters

For anyone interested in understanding Canadian identity and the country’s cultural dynamics, Jenish’s book is indispensable. It’s an honest, thorough account of a time when Canada’s unity was pushed to the limit, and the nation was forced to confront its internal divisions. By pulling readers into the lives and choices of those who shaped this crisis, Jenish gives us a nuanced look at how deeply rooted cultural and political tensions can fracture and ultimately redefine a society.

For those who appreciate Canadian history and its many complexities, The Making of the October Crisis is essential reading. It’s not just a book about a crisis; it’s a lesson in how the past informs the present, and a reminder of the work we still need to do to ensure unity within diversity. I highly recommend it for anyone eager to better understand what it means to be Canadian.