Mr. Speaker, midnight February 14, 1949 marked the start of the asbestos strike in the Eastern Townships. This event, now 50 years behind us, had a significant social, political and religious impact on Quebec.
The asbestos strike marked a total change in mindset. From then on, major companies and government would have to respect workers' rights. This struggle for the recognition of Quebec workers was a difficult and complex one, for the Duplessis government wanted to force the unions to their knees.
Nevertheless, the outcome of this strike in Quebec was a transformation of labour relations in the workplace and an enhanced public awareness of the importance of trade unions in an industrial society.