Before the 1960s Quebec society was very much rural, with the exceptions of a couple cities like Quebec City and Montreal. Because of a lack of proper infrastructure well into the 1950s, communities in Quebec (small towns and villages that were often deprived of plumbing and electricity) communication and governmental authority were hindered, especially in the winter months. So these small communities turned to the only real authority in their midst- the Church. Even in towns with established municipal governments, the parish priest was the ultimate authority, often acting as mayor, teacher, doctor and lawyer for the entire community. It got to such a point that the Church infiltrated almost every aspect of life- it wasn’t uncommon for the priest to tell women how many children they should have.
During the 1950s and early 60s the Canadian government finally began developing Quebec’s infrastructure. No longer were these rural communities cut off from the rest of Canadian society. Proper government authority took over the education, health and administration needs of Quebec society. Many young Quebecers left the rural areas for the cities, jobs and higher education. At the same time the Church was undergoing a drastic change with the Second Vatican Council and the establishment of the New Liturgy and with this change came confusion and uncertainty. Add in the changes in 1960s society, especially the rejection of traditional authority, and almost overnight the power of the Church in Quebec was broken.
