Original subtitles

Christal Films presents

A Groupe PVP production

This film is based on a true story.

Some events have been modified for dramatic effect.

To my trade unionist father

After the kidnapping of Minister Pierre Laporte by the Ch�nier cell

of the Front de lib�ration du Qu�bec (FLQ),

the Canadian government used the War Measures Act

to dispatch 800 soldiers to Quebec.

More than 4,600 raids took place,

and 502 people were arrested without warrant.

Montreal, November 61970

Police remain reticent over the kidnapping and assassination

of Labour Minister Pierre Laporte.

The search is on for four members of the Ch�nier cell

of the Front de lib�ration du Qu�bec, the FLQ:

Paul Rose, Jacques Rose, Francis Simard and Bernard Lortie.

Despite arresting many sympathizers

under the War Measures Act,

police units have still not been able to arrest the abductors.

Under the War Measures Act,

the police have the right to detain any suspect

for 21 days without charge.

According to the Quebec Minister of Justice, J�r�me...

Police! Open up!

Yes!

Wait, I'm getting dressed!

Police! Open up!

Open up or I'll break down the door!

Where are they?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Stop playing games. We heard a man's voice.

Hands up! Come on, get out!

Where are they? Where are the others?

I'm alone! The girls have nothing to do with it!

SUMMER CRISIS

Gasp�sie, summer 1969

I'm upset about it too. But I had no choice.

Bernard! Bernard!

Bernard!

You'll need this.

Quebec knows how

Over here!

Shrimp! Lobster!

Move out the way.

Thank you!

Not legal, you know. Don't give him money.

Get lost.

Julie, you still have some bedrooms to do.

Lucie?

Lucie? You too.

Go, go, go!

What are you doing here?

Weren't you going fishing with your dad?

- The boat's been seized by the bank. - What about the extended loan?

Genevi�ve!

I finish at 10:00. Come and get me.

What will we do about the wedding?

What do you mean?

You don't have a job anymore. And in September, neither will I.

Things will work themselves out.

This winter, I might be hired for snow clearing.

In the meantime, I'll find something.

Here, perhaps!

With all the tourists around, the hotel seems to be doing well.

What's wrong?

That's why you came. So I could find you a job!

To see you, too! I mean...

You can't be serious! You want to work here?

Why not?

Washing up can't be too difficult. Or cleaning the pool...

The shifts have been sorted out since the beginning of summer.

And you don't even speak English.

- For washing up? - For anything!

I'll sort myself out, Genevi�ve. OK?

That's not what you told me, pal. You said it'd be here this morning.

Where's it coming from? Quebec?

It better be here by midday or you'll be hearing about me, got it?

Hello!

John Gagn�!

Paul Rose. We spoke on the phone. Jacques, my brother.

- Hey! - And this is Francis.

With a few planks of wood and some nails, it'll be as good as new!

So, you're reopening the music club?

Yes! But not just for music.

We want to have conferences, speak to people.

Thanks.

We've had artists here before!

Gauthier... Charlebois... Even Vigneault has paid us a visit!

That's for the whole summer.

I'll send someone to fix the stairs and the roof.

Perfect!

Don't forget you need a permit from the council!

Well... Welcome to Perc�, boys!

Thank you!

The oven and the fridge in the kitchen work!

That's something, at least.

And I'm sure we can do something about the Econoline.

What about the electricity?

The wiring isn't new, but it should hold out.

We'll need lots of paper and ink.

Didn't he tell you there was a sound system and mikes here?

They must sell mikes in Gasp�.

We'll use your BP card!

No, we've gone over its limit. What's left, Francis?

Two Chargex, an Esso and a Golden Eagle.

I also have a bit of cash left,

200 or 300 bucks, and some traveller's cheques.

OK. Sort it out with Jacques, and I'll request the council permit.

Here's to the Fisherman's House!

- To Gaspesians! To independence! - To the revolution!

Thanks, boy!

Your face looks familiar!

I'm Lucien's son. He had the Marie-Louise at Gasp�.

Lucien's Bernard?

Yeah.

I heard what happened.

It was my grandfather's boat and all.

What's Lucien going to do?

I don't know. Look for a job, I guess.

Me too...

If you're anything like your father, you must be good with your hands.

I'm not bad.

Old Mr. Gagn� has been trying to rent his shed for three years.

This year he hit the jackpot! Some guys from Montreal.

A few planks of wood and some nails!

That's what he said?

We didn't argue...

It'll take me a few days or so.

I've got other jobs to do. I hope you're not in a rush.

No. As long as the roof doesn't leak!

You don't seem like restaurant-type guys, you lot!

Looks can be deceiving.

I have a fair idea what to expect!

In Gasp�sie, we know all about separation.

Quebec cut us off some years ago.

Montreal's hardly on the doorstep!

Why Perc�? Do you have family around here?

It has the best landscapes in Quebec but only the rich get to enjoy them!

With the Fisherman's House, things will change.

We already have enough poor people around here.

We don't need the ones from Montreal!

We want to tell people what's going on in Quebec and beyond.

We also want to hear what the locals have to say.

Yes, and we want to open houses in every region!

A miner's house in Abitibi, a lumberjack's house on the north coast.

Perc� is just the beginning!

Well, get a move on, because the season here is short!

Gasp�sie opens on St. Jean Baptiste Day

and it closes on Labour Day.

FOR AN INDEPENDENT AND SOCIALIST QUEBEC

Are you... socialists?

This is Bernard, my helper. He's an unemployed fisherman.

We're campaigning for social justice and socialism,

not just for the independence of Quebec.

Like in China?

My mother's brother was a missionary there.

He saw some awful things!

We're not as bad as that.

But the gang in Montreal that plants bombs, the FLQ...

We're not caught up in all that!

We don't think it's the right way to fight for independence.

We've come here to raise awareness!

Not to stick fireworks up people's butts!

Here, darling.

You can't go swimming!

The water's way too cold! You'll catch your death!

My death? Yeah, right!

Quebecers, we are Quebecers...

Quebec knows what to do, we won't be pushed around...

Quebecers, we are Quebecers...

Quebec knows what to do, we won't be pushed around...

Hey!

Hey! Young man!

Andr� Duguay from the campsite. Your neighbour!

So?

All this music and noise!

Do you think you'll be giving us earaches all summer long?

No, no! As of tomorrow, we'll play Fernand Gignac!

Are you trying to be smart?

Now turn the volume down so that my campers can sleep!

Do I make myself clear?

Do you issue the $20 fine?

Yes, I check people's wallets, and if they don't have any money,

I give them a lift to the outskirts of town, to the west.

I bet they all pass around the same damned 20 bucks!

I give warnings, but it doesn't stop them from coming back!

I can't patrol the beach all night!

And they make campfires.

It's dangerous with the evening breezes!

And they're always drunk and drugged up!

They're taking up too much space, these bums!

We'll send them to your campsite then, Duguay!

Look, the beach is now dirty,

the high street is dirty, all of Perc� is dirty!

If it goes on like this, we won't have any more tourists!

- Don't exaggerate! - Look who's talking!

You rent your music club to a bunch of druggies!

- They're not druggies. - What are they, then?

They've paid their rent until the end of the summer.

That doesn't answer the question!

You would've done the same thing in my shoes!

For 400 bucks, cash!

- Where are they from? - Montreal.

What a great reference!

Is this really necessary, Andr�? What have you got against them?

- I don't like the look of them. - You don't like the look of anyone!

Apart from the Queen on a $20 bill!

Johnny, find out who those guys are.

Beers outside, guys, we don't have a permit yet!

Out!

Put that out, no weed inside! - It's not weed! It's pot!

Carry on like that and I'll wipe the floor with you!

- Man, you're straight! - Straight as in "straight outside!"

Out!

Francis!

They piss me off with their dope! All they do is get high.

We're all the same inside...

All together now!

Some are humble, some are grand

But we're all the same inside

Three guys from the Rassemblement pour I'ind�pendance nationale.

The RIN.

They're not dangerous, are they? They don't plant bombs?

I don't think so.

The oldest of the Roses is a teacher, and his brother works for CN.

But they could still shake things up. Take care of yourself, Uncle!

Perhaps they're just here on vacation.

Yes, to see Perc� Rock!

Maybe. Well, goodbye.

Bye.

We haven't had a single day off in two weeks!

They make us run around like crazy because the season is short!

Your job's just like fishing.

Anctil has always been a control freak. But this year he's even worse!

Loads of people are out of work!

And he takes advantage! Have you decided about the union?

- I don't know. - What union?

We've been trying to organise it for the last two summers,

but this time it'll work.

We want to reduce the shifts,

have breaks and days off occasionally.

You should join us. - Genevi�ve?

I'd like to have a word with you.

I've been turning a blind eye for the last few days, but...

Who's that boy?

My fianc�.

He can't stay here. He'll have to sleep somewhere else.

I understand.

I'll tell him to move out tomorrow.

Tonight, Genevi�ve. Immediately. Right now.

Understood?

Understood?

Yes.

We'd like a permit to reopen the music club

to put on shows and to put the tables outside in good weather.

We also want to organize conferences. That's about it.

Here's the amount you're asking for.

Thank you.

Here's your neighbour, Councillor Andr� Duguay.

We'll consider your request,

and in a few weeks we should be able to...

Weeks?

Yes, we need to look into this carefully!

You've got to be kidding.

Rules are rules.

Government requirements.

Such a shame! Eh, Johnny?

No one hates it more than we do.

Gentlemen.

I think we've just burst his bubble!

Fucking assholes! They're doing it on purpose, the bunch of crooks!

We need to demonstrate, like for McGill fran�ais.

Who with? We're not in Montreal anymore!

Maybe that's our problem!

Don't you start! You agreed to come to Gasp�sie!

Yes, but it's worse than I thought! We've got a damned long way to go!

It's not that bad! We've got our own place.

We can do what we like.

- What about the permit, Paul? - This is our place.

We pay rent. We'll keep having people over.

We have nothing to sell, anyway...

except ideas and convictions.

We don't need a permit for that!

FOR AN INDEPENDENT AND SOCIALIST QUEBEC

MEETING ON THE ECONOMIC SITUATION OF GASP�SIE

Hey, guys!

Hi!

Our friends are going fishing!

Hi!

We're having a meeting at the Fisherman's House.

A meeting? Why?

We're going to talk about the French language in Quebec,

independence, and the exploitation of Gaspesian fishermen.

Independence?

Our teachers bore us with that all year long.

I'm not sure we'd be interested...

Thanks.

Tonight, 6:00.

Fishermen who get laid off, like your dad...

they're all over the peninsula.

It happened to me, too.

I never got over it.

Bernard, you can come to my shack whenever you like.

You don't need a key, it's never locked.

Just come in and make yourself at home.

But don't you dare clean up!

Thanks!

There was a whole bunch of us in Montreal.

We weren't wasting our breath! Here, no one cares!

To arrange public conferences, we need people who'll listen to us!

Look what's happening in Ireland.

They don't just hand out pamphlets...

A few days ago, they attacked an army recruitment centre!

Maybe we need to speak up.

What can we do?

Put a loudspeaker on the Chevrolet and drive around yelling slogans?

People don't understand why we're here! They think we're here to have fun!

When it's party time, everyone piles in,

but when you turn off the jukebox, they leave!

Hey, hey, hey, guys!

It's already over?

The biggest fish is the fisherman.

The bank lends him money to pay off his boat.

He sets sail to pay his loan

and he keeps a bit of his catch to feed his family.

When the bank decides the fun's up...

it gently pulls on the line...

occasionally cutting him some slack.

Eventually, he ends up alone on the quay,

flat broke, mouth wide open...

It's all over! That's the life of a fisherman in Gasp�sie.

You won't meet them just by walking along the beach!

Anyway, communism scares people.

Is communism to blame for what happened to your father?

The system always tries to blame others.

First, it was the Jews or the Protestants...

Now, it's the communists.

- And for you, it's the English lot? - Not all of them.

Here, read this! It explains everything.

Me and books...

Start with the first 10 pages.

If you find it boring, bring it back.

White niggers of america

"This new model for society is intended for labourers,

"This new model for society is intended for labourers,

"agriculturists, white-collar workers,

"students and the youth of today.

"We won't wait for the Pope or the president of the United States

"to rally us into action.

"It must come from us, the niggers, the whites,

"the blacks, the yellows, the dregs of the Earth. "

- Hi handsome! - Hi!

You're reading books these days?

Do you work with Gabriel?

I'm helping him out a bit.

I've missed you.

Do you remember?

It's the first present you gave me.

We've come from Rimouski. We heard we could sleep here.

Yes, do you have a tent?

OK! Just clean up your mess before you leave.

Keep your money, it's free.

You can set up camp near the boat.

We put up our tent anywhere on the way!

Campsites are too expensive.

But at Perc�, we were planning to sleep on the beach.

Well, the beach is right here!

Over here, girls! It'll do you nicely.

And if you need anything...

Do I call room service?

That's right, girl!

Hey! It's my lifeguard!

- Hi! - I'm Lison.

I'm Bernard.

I'll introduce you to my friends!

Hello? Andr�?

What's going on? Have you seen what time it is?

I understand, but...

OK! OK! Calm down!

I'll speak to them tomorrow!

No, the problem isn't tomorrow, it's tonight!

I need the police here tonight!

He's starting to get on my nerves!

Fraser! It's Duguay!

You have to come to the Fisherman's House.

They're playing music, disturbing everyone and I'm losing customers.

Now listen here, I'm the second in charge in this town!

I sign your paycheque!

So get here right away! Is that understood?

Is that understood? Thank you.

I doubt I need to explain myself...

Give us 10 minutes and we'll be quiet.

Right now.

Hey, you'll have to leave! It's over!

Come on, time to go!

Come on...

Sorry!

Bye!

They're so scared of the police!

They don't want any trouble!

When we occupied the colleges in Montreal, we were a lot livelier!

Where are you sleeping?

In a shack nearby.

A fisherman's shack?

Yes.

Well... Buenas noches...

Good night!

TOWN HALL

Roland! Do you want my campsite to go bust?

Do you want me on the street?

I know it wouldn't bother you.

You're only part-time mayor to kill time, but this is my livelihood!

Roland!

I don't need you to tell me how to run the town!

Let's sort this out. It's no time for an argument.

You had no right to send Fraser!

I'm the mayor here, until further notice!

Even if you've wanted the job for years.

You didn't do anything, so I called Fraser!

I'm not scared of those bums!

OK, Andr�!

I want order as much as you do, but we've got to give them something!

These guys are big troublemakers, revolutionaries even!

I couldn't care less if they started their damned revolution!

But not in front of my campsite!

What's that?

An eviction notice.

Their request for a permit was rejected.

It just needs your two signatures.

I'll sign that for you, Roland.

And they're gone!

What's the problem this morning, we're not making enough noise?

You're contravening articles 8, 12 and 27 of the bylaws.

It's all explained here.

The council is giving you 48 hours to close this place down.

- What if we don't? - Don't be stupid, boys.

Just get lost! That's what they want!

Sorry.

It's creeps like that who run the town.

He's just doing his job.

Wow! You do all kinds of jobs!

Lifeguard, mechanic...

But I'm best at fishing!

Really?

Would you like to come out to sea with me? Real fishing.

Yes, that'd be fun!

I hope you're not scared of the waves.

It can get rough out there!

OK! No problem! I'd like that.

Out of the 14 ethnic groups in Quebec...

I don't know if you knew...

but the only ones poorer than us are the Indians and the Eskimos.

40% of unemployed people in Canada live in Quebec!

Meanwhile, doctors who make good money want to go on strike

just because they're against the Health Insurance Plan.

Things have to change!

In Sorel, in Saguenay, in Murdochville,

or even at the Davie construction site in Lauzon,

are there any French speakers in management positions?

No! Only English speakers!

Us lot, here, what are we? We're just the water boys.

We need to fight for our rights!

If not, we'll continue to be cheap labour for everyone, from father to son.

Drench it!

There's a fire!

Get lost!

Get lost!

Hey! Stop that!

The authorities in Perc� have taken firm action

The authorities in Perc� have taken firm action

against a group of young people residing in the Fisherman's House.

Merchants in the small tourist town have been complaining

about the influx of empty-handed youth since the beginning of summer.

According to local merchants, these individuals are affecting tourism

and jeopardizing the future of their companies.

THERE'S FIRE, FIREFIGHTERS

No, no, no! We've already made ourselves quite clear.

It'll take more than a fire to drive us out of Perc�.

The Fisherman's House will stay open until our lease is up,

on Labour Day.

We won't budge an inch.

People have been saying that all sorts of things go on here.

Drugs, drinking, orgies...

Orgies! That's ridiculous!

It's not exactly your typical restaurant!

Apparently all you do is organise political meetings.

We're not breaking the law, as far as I know!

Is this a new advertisement to attract tourists?

We look like a gang of thugs!

What kind of a fire chief plans an operation like that?

They ignored the eviction notice,

so we thought it would be the most effective way...

- We! We! Who's we? - Councillor Duguay!

Look, Maurice, I want you to do the right thing.

Go up to the journalists

and explain to them you accept full responsibility for what happened.

Then I want you to resign. Understood?

- For the past 22 years I've been... ... making judgement errors, yes!

Going along with Duguay's stupid games is the last straw!

Hi Roland! This is Robert, my nephew from Quebec.

I've already told you about him. He works for the Soleil.

Actually, he's a journalist and a lawyer! - Mr. Mayor!

The fire chief? How convenient, I have a few questions...

If you have any questions, you can ask me!

Come on, you.

So? What are your questions?

You gave me a fright!

I wanted to see you. I thought you'd come back to the shack.

You're never there.

You spend all your time at the Fisherman's House.

You can come too. Everyone's welcome.

After what's just happened, I'd never set foot there.

If I were you, Bernard, I'd keep away from those boys.

You're getting worked up over nothing, they're good guys.

They're looking for trouble!

You wouldn't say that if you actually knew them!

They've made me realize a lot of things.

You're taking advice from a bunch of city boys?

You're usually more selective than that.

Everyone here keeps their mouth shut!

But they're taking a stand; they're not scared of anyone!

They know the meaning of dignity.

Genevi�ve!

Genevi�ve, Genevi�ve!

What about your girlfriend?

What do you mean?

Where do I fit into these big ideas of yours?

Come on now, Genevi�ve!

Those guys are all talk!

They'll return to Montreal and leave us to deal with our problems alone!

You don't understand. We're the only ones who can solve our problems!

No one else!

Genevi�ve...

Trust me. OK?

There's space here. If not, you can pitch up over there.

Welcome to the Fisherman's House!

A special visit!

- Hello, Uncle! - Hi!

You don't mind if a journalist attends our meeting?

No, no!

Good. Let's go inside.

I agree with you guys.

Setting fire to the tents wasn't the best idea in the world,

but it wasn't my idea.

However, I can sympathize with the merchants...

They're all saying the same thing. Since you opened, the bars are empty,

the hotels, the campsite, the restaurants...

But we're not after the same customers.

Speaking of customers...

Lemonade, gentlemen? Sugar free!

To support the workers of Redpath Sugar.

- Are they on strike? - No, but they will be soon.

Our father works there.

What I meant is that you give everything free of charge!

Lodging, food, even drinks. It's not fair on the others!

The people who call in are our guests.

We rented the house fair and square. Is there a law against that?

Like it or not, there's no other way. You wouldn't give us a permit.

That we paid for, as it happens!

- What permit? - Yes! Good question!

Other merchants in the village got their permits without problems.

Why is it any different for them?

Because there are council rules to follow on noise, on...

Yes, but the others make noise, too!

Duguay's campsite parties keep everyone awake, especially me!

Does that mean there are different rules for different people?

Listen, we're going around in circles.

We've come here to make you a proposition. An honest proposition.

Leave, take your money back, and we won't mention it again.

On top of that, we'll reimburse you for the permit you didn't get.

You didn't hear?

We told the journalists we would leave on Labour Day.

We won't be changing our minds.

Duguay wants you out of Perc� at all costs.

He'll do whatever it takes.

So will we.

Mayor Bujold is right. Duguay won't give up!

He'll be on your case until the end of summer.

There are rats like him everywhere.

I didn't think it'd be so difficult in Perc�.

People here are wary of outsiders. Even if they have good ideas.

What are you going to do?

- What do you mean? - At the end of summer.

Genevi�ve and I will go back to Gasp� and get married.

Invite me to the wedding, won't you!

Yes. I already asked Jacques if he'd do the buffet.

In that case, you won't be married for long!

Look, G�rard, I'm not just calling you as a friend,

but because you're the Minister of Tourism.

I understand, but Perc�'s different! It's a prime tourist spot in Quebec.

I'm worried the situation will get worse if we don't do anything.

Really? I'd appreciate that!

OK! I owe you one!

OK! Bye! Thank you!

I think we're onto something! - You're more optimistic than I am.

In politics, you need the carrot and stick approach!

To each his own.

We can't just go around hitting people, Andr�!

If we want to convince them, we've got to give them an incentive.

It takes time to convince people. July has already come and gone!

Think about the future.

Once we resolve the problem this season,

we'll be left in peace in summers to come, believe me.

Yes, but I have to make it through this season first!

It's the same for all country lanes around here.

Some families are still living in shacks

with no running water and an outhouse in the backyard.

Slow down a bit!

We want to speak to the fishermen, the unemployed,

the people who will lose their land...

and the villages that the government wants to close

to make their big parks.

Even in Jacques-Cartier, the town we're from,

there were no sewers or running water.

People all over Quebec have fallen on hard times.

Up on the hill behind the houses,

there are boats that'll never set sail again, that'll rot on the beach,

because fishermen can't afford to repair them.

Look at that one!

That's the reality of Gasp�sie. Perc�'s nothing but a big fa�ade.

QUEBEC KNOWS HOW... TO LAY OFF FISHERMEN

Hi guys! Can I do something for you?

Do you think we'd let a gang of city boys bother us?

- What do you mean, bother? - Your fucking banner!

- What about it? - We're not unemployed.

Take it down or else we will,

along with your shed wall, for that matter!

The banner says that the government doesn't help fishermen.

It's to make fun of their "Quebec knows how" slogan.

They've done nothing for you!

Calm down! Calm down!

Calm down, Ti-Pou!

What are you doing here? Are you with them?

He's telling the truth. Ask Ti-Lou!

You said you go to college?

Yes, sometimes. When we're not on strike!

It bugs my parents, but I don't care.

What do you want to do afterwards?

I don't know!

Enjoy life...

Don't be scared, I don't bite...

Come!

No thanks.

Open your mouth.

It's so beautiful!

My grandfather used to say,

"The sea opens your eyes,

"shows you the world and makes you a man. "

FREE QUEBEC

Henri? This is ridiculous. You've got to do something.

First things first. Lend me a hand.

Have you seen what they've plastered all over the hill?

Yes, I've sent someone to check it out. I'm waiting for his report.

But you don't need a report. We know who's to blame.

It's those bums from the Fisherman's House!

All the more reason to keep calm. They won't run off!

Two sugars, one milk, right?

Did you have time to put your paint away, boys?

Why? Are you repainting the prison?

Don't get smart with me.

Vandalism is a criminal act. We've seen the hill.

I know, but it's not us.

It was probably the English lot because there's an accent missing.

I'd keep away from the Econoline if I were you!

What's the problem? Were we going too fast?

It's been what... three years that you've been working for me?

Three summers.

I go out of my way...

I go out of my way to give the locals work.

But it's all gone wrong

because of that wretched Fisherman's House.

It's scaring away the tourists. - It's got nothing to do with me!

You hang around with one of those boys.

What's your point?

You do a good job, Genevi�ve.

I'd be really sorry if I didn't have you around.

But if you don't stay away from that boy...

Understood?

Hey! Fill up the coffee at 4.

Madame Denise arrives

With a big pile of laundry

Hey, boys! Wow! You've brought your catch of the day?

No, we don't fish for stuff like that. It just gets caught in the nets.

Some people use it to fertilize their fields,

but if you ask me, it's even better than lobster!

I'm not sure it's such a good idea to leave it here with you!

I'll take care of it!

And tomorrow, I'll make quiaude for you.

It's a hearty soup made with lard, potato, and cod heads.

It's full of goodness, and tasty as hell!

With cod, nothing is left to waste. Come on, give me that!

With a good bottle of grog

Here's to the fishermen of Gasp�sie!

Get yourself a beer my friend

Get yourself a beer right there

Take a glass, I think I'll pass

I'll sing you songs and string you along

All right then, give me one

Your little revolution may be fun, but I'm about to lose my job.

Is that what you want? - What?

Will your gang come and defend me if I'm laid off? Of course not.

The only thing they're interested in is Quebec independence.

- What's going on? - It's pointless what you're doing.

It's only going to lead to more problems in the world.

Hey, hey, hey, Genevi�ve!

I'm fed up, Bernard. I've had enough.

I'm about to lose my job and my boyfriend

because a bunch of losers are putting ideas in his head.

Come on, Genevi�ve!

They should return to Montreal to complain about the Anglophones!

We don't need them here!

Hey! Genevi�ve! Genevi�ve!

G�rard Lussier, Minister of Tourism.

My political assistant, Sylvain Savard.

Paul Rose.

They're talking about you lot as far away as Bellechasse!

I even have a nephew who spent three days here

at the beginning of summer.

What can I do for you, Minister?

We've come here to talk about your problems.

What problems?

We have friends round, we discuss, we eat, we talk politics...

Everything's above board.

You must admit things are tense with the town council.

I have a proposition to make you on behalf of the government.

Lemonade, Minister? Sugar free to support the workers in...

Jacques...

$15,000.

$15,000 for a youth hostel project.

A hostel that could open next spring.

And until then?

Opening a youth hostel requires preparation and planning.

We'd have to close.

It's for the best. So we could start afresh next year.

So we'd be able to pay for guest speakers?

Guest speakers?

We've come to Perc� to organize public conferences.

With $15,000, we could invite the Black Panthers,

the Tupamaros, the Fedayeens...

And the IRA group from Londonderry.

Your project does have some appeal then!

All the protesters in Quebec could come and speak about their fight.

Good idea.

Gentlemen.

I didn't think you'd speak to him like that!

A minister is just an ordinary guy.

We have to act quickly! We have until the end of the month.

We need to stand up to Anctil before he threatens all his employees.

We have to convince his longstanding staff to join us. OK?

I'll deal with her.

Thanks for your support.

Usually you're pushier than that!

I don't know, Lucie. I just don't know.

What's that supposed to mean?

Anctil is stronger than you think.

Gasp�sie is full of girls who dream of working in a big hotel.

He'll fire us and hire new ones instead.

If we stick together, he wouldn't dare!

We've got a lot to lose!

Unlike the gang who fool around on the beach.

If I lose my job, I'm ruined!

I don't know what's gotten into you.

I just have one thing to ask...

Don't spoil our plans.

What are they searching for? Dope?

The Canadian flag.

$10 worth, please.

Credit card companies and banks are like shylocks.

They lend you as much as you want,

then they'll hit you with their big interest rates.

They do the same to fishermen.

When I was a teacher, I applied for all the credit cards under the sun.

So did Jacques and Francis.

We run them to their limit then we get rid of them without paying them off.

You've seen what good it does to respect the law.

Democracy, Bernard, is people power...

by the people, for the people.

That's not what it's like in Quebec.

You shouldn't do that.

What?

The credit cards. People aren't rich here.

Don't worry. The shopkeepers are still paid.

Only the banks lose money. We're not just in Perc� to have fun.

We'll do whatever it takes to make ourselves heard,

whatever the risks and whatever the sacrifices.

Here you go! That's for you.

I hope everything works out for your mother.

Here's where to find me in Montreal.

Keep in touch.

I'll drive you to the bus.

No, it's OK.

The program's starting!

We've come to present a special program on Gasp�sie.

Do you use this hand for your discs?

We won't hurt you. We just need someone to work the machines for us.

We're interrupting this broadcast for a special program

about the problems of Gasp�sie,

of its fishermen and of all exploited workers in Quebec.

For too long now, holiday merchants have run Gasp�sie and especially Perc�.

Everything has to revolve around tourism

because fishing is no longer profitable.

It's time we spoke up about what Gaspesians are put through.

And it's a local, a fisherman's son, who will do it.

I'm not...

I'm better at cod fishing than talking on the radio.

But...

I can tell you what Gaspesian fishermen are going through.

Grinding poverty.

It's never in the news, but it's the truth.

Their fish are snatched by outside companies,

with the government's blessing.

In Quebec, and in Ottawa, they're at their mercy.

For the past two years,

BC Fishing has stationed a dozen big trawlers in our waters.

These trawlers catch our fish but don't employ anyone in Gasp�sie.

They'll take on a few if they have to,

but they'll underpay them and force them to speak English.

The result: Fishermen are no longer able to make ends meet.

They have to give up the profession their family

has passed down from generation to generation.

The boat they were intending to give to their sons

gets seized by the bank.

All this because the government lets dredgers rake the seabed...

L�vesque? Are you listening to this?

- As well as destroying our lives... - Are you listening to this?

They destroy the eggs and the food for the fish.

But when these boats leave,

there'll be hardly any fish left to catch,

and the whole of Gasp�sie will go hungry.

That's what happens, and it's a serious matter!

But we never speak about it because nobody cares what happens to us.

No one.

Long live Gasp�sie lead by fishermen!

Long live free Gasp�sie! Long live free Quebec!

Today, the CHNC radio station at New Carlisle

was occupied by members of the Fisherman's House in Perc�.

Following the swift intervention of the Quebec Provincial Police,

the individuals were arrested and imprisoned.

Your court case is fixed for November?

You'll still be here this autumn, then?

They can't make their minds up.

First they want us to clear off, next they want to keep us here!

Here's to you!

It was cool what you said on the radio!

- Where are you going? - Montreal.

If you feel like joining me...

This autumn, I'm going to Mexico. You can live off next to nothing there.

What? What's wrong?

I thought we could count on you.

Revolution is the in-thing today. Tomorrow it'll be something else.

You should stay here.

What's happening here is important.

A girl like you could get things going.

Yes, but I want to get going.

Come...

I guess I'll have to find another lifeguard.

Ciaol Bambinol

At the beginning of summer, they hung around by the quay,

then the beach, and then they vandalized the town centre

and occupied the radio stations!

If it carries on like this,

they'll take over our businesses and houses

and corrupt our children!

They're bandits!

No one can get rid of them

so I took the initiative and contacted Ron Coulombe.

Everyone knows him; he was a policeman here in Gasp� for a long time.

And Le Zo and Bona,

policemen from Rimouski and Trois-Rivi�res.

I dreamed of coming to Gasp�sie when I was a boy.

I didn't think it'd become the bums' capital city!

He's right!

It's the same gang of bums that were stirring up shit in Montreal.

The police were on their case

so they decided to come and have fun here.

A good kick up the ass should get rid of them!

Yes!

What are you doing? Put it down. I'll see to it.

Is everyone ready to clean up Perc�?

Yes!

OK boys, the next round's on me!

Genevi�ve!

There's a problem.

It's going to get rowdy!

Coulombe hasn't come here for small talk.

No one in the police wanted to work with him because he was so dangerous.

He's a complete lunatic. - We can put up a good fight.

What good will that do?

I don't know, but we won't be pushed around!

Bernard Lortie!

Gabriel's right.

Don't play their game.

What good will it do to stand up to a bunch of losers?

We need to take it to a new level.

And give in to the people who want us to get lost?

If we leave, we'd be telling them, "You've won. "

We knew it wasn't going to be easy to connect with people.

Connect with them politically, Jacques, to get them on board!

We were supposed to invite speakers.

Valli�res, Bourgault, G�rald Godin...

Did we?

No, we didn't have time!

We have to clean up after them, keep an eye on them, make them sandwiches!

Sometimes I feel like I'm working at a summer camp!

I'm ready to fight, but it has to be worth it!

And we're not helping the cause by defacing the asphalt.

We need to step up a gear.

I don't want anything to do with violence.

The rate we're going, it'll be another 50 years before we're a nation.

The revolution will happen when people are ready.

And while we're waiting, we'll make their sandwiches?

There are people all over the world fighting for independence.

In Ireland, revolutionaries are shot!

In Latin America, they're armed and they abduct diplomats!

In the meantime, we're trying to keep a shack open in Gasp�sie!

We've become a tourist attraction, for Christ's sake!

And you, Bernard?

What do you think?

I think it should happen here.

I don't know about you guys.

I'm not in your shoes.

Lucie!

Here's your redundancy letter and your 4%.

Collect your things and leave at once.

And don't come back.

What's that? What do you mean?

You heard me. You're fired!

What? Why?

I don't have a reason, that's the way it is. Case closed.

You don't have the right to do that!

It's my hotel, OK?

I hire who I want and fire who I want.

Lucie's a good worker, you don't have the right to fire her!

What's it to you?

It's the union, isn't it?

If you're not happy, leave!

You can stick your wretched job!

"The rules governing workers'lives don't belong to the workers

"but to others, the parasites,

"whose sole duty, sole ambition and sole interest

"is to amass profit without a care for the work,

"energy, sweat or lives of most citizens.

"Only a revolution led by the majority

"can lay the foundations for true,

"radical changes in our existence. "

Get out, you assholes!

OK everyone, we'll go out the back!

OK, you gang of bums, party's over!

Take your things and get lost!

You're the ones who should leave. This is our place.

Get out, you scumbags!

OK, boys!

Give me your axe!

Turn off the water!

Leave him, Zo. He'll have a nice souvenir of Perc�.

I'd have enjoyed shaving off that pathetic little beard!

Touch one hair on my beard and we'll be seeing each other in court.

Write that in your paper!

We're sorting out our problem with the bums here.

Give me your name and I'll quote you!

Let's go, boys! Pelletier, turn off the water!

Give me that!

Come and get it! Come on!

Clear off, you! Scram!

Put it on the ground, boy. Don't get into trouble.

We'll sort this out, it won't take long.

Gabriel!

Are you OK? Are you OK?

Why didn't you arrest them? Why aren't you doing anything?

Calm down!

You're on their side! Bunch of lowlifes! Get lost!

Bernard!

Stop! It's not worth it!

I don't know what to do.

I know what you'd prefer...

For me to return with you to Gasp�,

as if this crazy summer had never happened.

We'd both find a job and get married.

But...

But that's not what you want anymore.

It's not you...

I know.

If you want to change things, go ahead.

I can't stop you.

Here.

I love you, Genevi�ve.

I've always loved you.

I'm not saying you should give up,

but people around here are too busy trying to get by

to listen to what you have to say.

They'll jump on the bandwagon only when it's full,

and not before.

Well, there aren't 36,000 solutions.

We can keep getting knocked around or we can decide to fight back.

Perhaps it's time we changed our approach.

Be careful, boys. Be very careful.

It's pointless to try and negotiate. Here, in Montreal, or elsewhere.

They are arresting popular groups all over Quebec.

We need to aim higher.

And hit harder, too. Then they'll understand.

That's what they're waiting for... for you to get worked up.

Worse still, the people you're trying to convince could turn their backs on you.

You can't win this game.

Gabriel, that's not what we had in mind.

We have to get organized.

But to do that, we need resources and money.

We're leaving tomorrow, Bernard.

Dad? It's me, Bernard...

I'm not bothering you, am I?

You never bother me, son.

How's everything with you?

Fine!

I would have contacted you earlier, but...

I heard you on the radio!

It made sense, what you said.

Bernard?

I was angry about the boat.

But I now realize that you had no choice.

It's fixed so that we go hungry all the time. I want it to change!

Are you there, Dad?

Yes.

Take care of yourself, son.

14 months later

"We are Quebec workers and we'll see this to the end.

"We want the entire population to join us in replacing

"this society of slaves with a free society

"that functions by itself, for itself: An open-minded society.

FLQ MANIFESTO "Our fight can only be victorious.

"They can't keep us in wretched misery now that we've seen the daylightl

"Long live free Quebecl

"Long live our fellow political prisonersl

"Long live the Quebec revolutionl

"Long live the Front de lib�ration du Qu�becl"

Paul Rose, Jacques Rose and Francis Simard

were arrested on December 28, 1970, two months after Bernard Lortie.

The four men decided to admit joint responsibility

for the death of Minister Pierre Laporte.

They received the following sentences:

Paul Rose: Life.

Francis Simard: Life.

Jacques Rose: Two years in protective custody, eight years in prison.

Bernard Lortie: One year in protective custody,

twenty years in prison.

Subtitling: CNST, Montreal