Quebec would have 20 million inhabitants today if it had maintained its fertility rate of the 1950s
By Quebec Life Campaign - Photo: deagreez/Adobe Stock
To estimate Quebec's current population if the birth rate of the 1950s had been maintained, let's proceed as follows:
1. Determine Quebec's birth rate in the 1950s:
- The total fertility rate (TFR) in Quebec in the 1950s peaked at about 4.1 children per woman.
- The crude birth rate (CBR) was around 28.9 births per 1,000 inhabitants in 1947, which is representative of the 1950s period.
2. Comparing with the current birth rate:
By 2023, the TFR in Quebec has fallen to 1.38 children per woman, one of the lowest levels in the province's history.
- The current CBR is approximately 9 births per 1,000 inhabitants.
3. Analyse demographic trends :
- In 1951, Quebec's population was approximately 4.1 million.
Today, it is estimated at around 8.7 million.
4. Estimate alternative population growth:
- If the high birth rate of the 1950s had been maintained, natural population growth would have been significantly higher.
- Using demographic growth models, we can estimate that the current population of Quebec would be between 15 and 20 million, or even more.
This means that, without the drop in the fertility rate since the 1960s, Quebec's population would be more than double its current size. The decline in the birth rate since the Quiet Revolution has therefore had a major impact on the province's demographic growth.à
Has Quebec passed the million-abortion mark since 1970?
By Quebec Life Coalition - Photo: Pxhere
In 1969, abortion was decriminalised in Canada and, that same year, Henry Morgentaler opened an abortion clinic in Montreal, marking the beginning of a barbaric and murderous era in Quebec. Since then, the number of abortions has risen significantly. According to available data, nearly a million abortions have been performed in Quebec over the years!
The 1970s
Following the legalisation of therapeutic abortion in 1969, the number of reported abortions in Canada began to rise. In 1974, around 12% of pregnancies in Canada ended in abortion, a proportion that had risen to 19% by 1992.
Between 1977 and 1980, there were 33,000 abortions. In those years, Quebec accounted for less than a quarter of all abortions in Canada. British Columbia had more and Ontario nearly four times as many... There may have been around 30,000 abortions in the 1970s (excluding 1980). There were relatively few abortions in Quebec in the early 1970s, thanks to the resistance of pro-life doctors who refused to set up abortion committees.
Read moreQuebec Is a Victim Not of Trump, but of Its Own Choices
By Quebec Life Coalition — Photo : TravelScape/Freepik
If Quebec had maintained its birthrate from the 1950s, its current population would be nearing 20 million people. In other words, the demographic strength that once gave it weight and autonomy would today serve as a natural shield against any economic or political blackmail, whether from Ottawa or Washington. But that is not the case. Why? Because Quebecers themselves have sabotaged their future by succumbing to the illusions of hedonism and materialism.
From a Strong People to an Aging Population
In the 1950s, Quebec was a vibrant society where each family had, on average, four children. This dynamism allowed the Quebec nation to have influence on both the Canadian and international stage. Today, after decades of contraception, mass abortions, and the systematic rejection of the Christian values that once shaped our society, Quebec finds itself in a state of serious decline. With a fertility rate of just 1.4 children per woman, far below the replacement threshold, it has become a society on the path to extinction.
The United States, whether led by Donald Trump or any other president, does not need to threaten Quebec—Quebec is condemning itself. The economic blackmail that some fear—higher tariffs, forced inclusion as the 51st state, pressure on exports—only holds power because of Quebec’s own weakness. A large, rooted, and prosperous people does not fear power struggles; it dictates them. But an aging, economically dependent, and ideologically divided people can do nothing but take the blows.
Read morePregnancy Care Fundraiser
By Brian Jenkins 9Quebec Life Coalition) - Photo: Syda Productions/Adobe Stock
You are all invited to participate in a Lenten fundraiser to support the pregnancy help service run of the Quebec Life Coalition.
About ten years ago, the QLC created “Enceinte? Inquiète?” to help women in difficult pregnancies. Over time, the program has expanded to include post-abortion counseling, early childhood and family care, and has twice helped mothers carrying twins.
The fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2025, in the parish hall of the Church Saint Ambroise, 1215 Beaubien Street East, Montreal, H2S 1T8. Access to the hall is either through the church or from the side street – 6520, rue de Normanville.
The evening will have a Lenten theme, as the 40-days of Lent began the Wednesday before the fundraiser. There will be a Eucharistic Celebration (i.e., Mass) at 4p.m., followed by a social in the church hall downstairs. The menu will be in keeping with the spirit of Lent - prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
In addition, a number of speakers have been invited to share their thoughts on theme of how to support pregnant women and their families in our current culture. Among them will be the People's Party of Canada candidate for the next federal election, Ms. Denise Corderre.
Over the past ten years, "Enceinte? Inquiète?" has been contacted an average of eighty to one hundred times a year.
Admission to the evening is by either by making a monetary donation or by bringing a maternity item. Examples of the latter include diapers (all sizes), baby toiletries, sanitary napkins, a baby carrier, bath towels, baby milk, breast feeding pads, diaper carry bag.
For more information or to make a reservation, call (438) 930-8643.
Helping a 20 week pregnant mother
Pregnant? Worried?
Support Désirée's Need
Désirée called us on Christmas Eve. Fourteen weeks pregnant and without food or shelter, she had found the Quebec Life Coalition’s free hotline number on the Internet and called us.
Since that first call, we have stayed in touch, both by phone and in person. On several occasions we met in coffee shops; twice I invited her and her partner to our office for a meal, and once I met them at a hospital.
There have also been periods of silence when my phone calls and text messages went unanswered, a sign of the struggles.
The lack of stability in Désirée’s life was palpable. Whether on the phone or in person, her voice shows signs of strain and it isn't unusual that she breaks down in tears. I’m sure her unborn child is feeling her mother's anxiety.
Things seemed to stabilize at the end of December. She and her partner found a place to stay in a shelter. Désirée was offered a private room, as were the other women, while he was placed in a men's dormitory. Meals were provided three times a day, although both told me that the portions were meager.
Unfortunately, the conditions at the shelter deteriorated. The residents were harsh with her and made fun of her pregnancy. Eventually, Désirée felt compelled to leave.
Not only does she have to contend with her pregnancy, but the lack of stability in her life, coupled with a low self-esteem, all contribute to a harsh battle Désirée faces. A couple of weeks ago, in a moment of panic, she went to a local hospital to ask for an abortion. Frustrated with the service she was receiving, she called us to vent and soon left the hospital with the child in tact.
She is currently staying in a rooming house where the fees are quite high. She was able to afford the first few days but has asked us for help for the rest of the month. Two benefactors have already stepped forward to defray a portion of her expenses. If you are able to help out, we, Désirée, and her unborn child would all be grateful.
A gift may be made by calling (514) 344-2686, or by an Interac money transfer to the email address [email protected] , or going to our website www.cqv.qc.ca and specifying “Désirée” in the empty box near your address when making the gift.
Pro-life networking with Christian groups
Last Friday, I took part in a francophone pastors’ meeting in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. This seasonal event brings together over 30 pastors and several faith organizations. The goal of these meetings is to create a better community and collaboration among churches in the area, as well as to address the particular needs and challenges that we face. I was happy to represent the pro-life work that we do at Quebec Life Coalition. It is great to see that despite the particularities of each church, Christians come together to better advance the kingdom of God in our cities. It is great to see that churches are open to the pro-life message and are not remaining silent at the fate of the pre-born in our country.
Photo: Arpad Nagy
I am looking forward to an increased participation from all faith communities in the upcoming National March for Life in Ottawa (May 9th) and in our own Quebec March for Life in Quebec City (May 31st). To that effect, we would be happy to talk to church leaders about how to get involved in pro-life work as a church, and we’d love to give a pro-life presentation in your community. The March for Life is in around 4 months, and now is the time to start talking about it. Four months will pass quickly, so it would be great to see announcements in church bulletins soon!
Photo: Luc Angers. Luc Angers (director of UVVC and one of the event organizers) with one of the host from the church Le Centre in Orleans)
Prayer Volunteers Needed - 40 Days for Life
By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition)
The start of our bi-annual prayer for the end of abortion is fast approaching.
40 Days for Life will begin on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, that is Ash Wednesday, and run through to Sunday, April 13 for a total of 40 consecutive days of pro-life advocacy.
HELPING TO END THE INJUSTICE OF ABORTION
During these forty days we will work to end the injustice of abortion through three proven and effective methods: 1. Prayer and fasting; 2. Constant vigil; and 3. Community Outreach.
The vigil will consist of a visible, public presence near an abortion business in our community. To this end, we will continue our long-standing tradition of holding the vigil at the corner of Berri and St. Catherine Streets. Not only is this location close to an abortion facility, but it is also highly visible.
Read moreA curse and a blessing
By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition)
One day this past week, I had three exchanges, albeit of short duration, all with ladies.
Visitor no. 1 – an elderly woman of about 65 years of age, stops in front of me and reads the sign I have hung around my neck before crossing the road. After a moment I asked her: “What do you think about abortion?” To my surprise, she replied: “What do YOU think about abortion?” I talked about the importance of respecting life from conception to a natural death, and she agreed. A few more words were exchanged and then she left.
Visitor no. 2 – a younger woman with a French accent got off the bus and waited for the light to change so she could cross. She gave me a contemptuous sideways glance and muttered: “Haven't you got anything better to do?” I replied: “What do you think about abortion?” to which she rudely replied, “Allez vous faire foutre !” and walked away.
The third lady, about the same age, who had also got off the same bus, overheard my exchange with the second lady and looked at me sympathetically. I said to her: “It happens every now and then.” To which she replied, “I think you are brave.”
Open letter to Premier Legault
By a grandmother - Photo: Pixabay
It’s almost Christmas, Premier Legault.
We Quebecers are getting ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus-Christ, the Saviour of the world, Emmanuel, “God with us” ... and it is during this Advent season that you have the absurd idea of saying that you are going to concoct a law to prevent us from praying in public?
No, Mr. Legault, that is not a good idea. If you are afraid that foreign religious customs will take up residence in the public space of Quebec — which remembers (“Je me souviens”) its Catholic Christian roots — it is not a vacuum that needs to be created, because religion, like nature, abhors vacuums. What we need to do is to fill the public space with religious carols and big, beautiful nativity scenes. It means allowing grandmothers to pray the rosary in the park while looking after their grandchildren, allowing the Good Friday pilgrimage to unfold in towns on Good Friday, allowing Corpus Christi processions to roam the streets around churches singing beautiful hymns and stopping at the resting place set up in the nearby park. It means allowing young people to organise walking pilgrimages, complete with songs, statues and banners, to the shrines of Quebec. It means allowing pro-lifers to pray in the streets to save women and children from the horror of abortion — and at the same time to save our people, threatened with extinction for lack of births. It means preserving the roadside crosses and the Virgin Mary grottoes that are scattered throughout our landscapes, and allowing your people to gather there to pray the Rosary in difficult times, as was done during COVID. It means never again closing the churches. It means putting back the crucifix in the National Assembly, crucifixes in schools, crucifixes in hospitals. We do not forget. “Je me souviens”.
Ah, Mr Legault, you have a long row to hoe, as you can see. We will pray for you during this time of waiting for the Saviour, and also in front of the manger on the anniversary of his birth. Merry Christmas, Mr. Legault! We will not forget you.
A grandmother who likes to say her rosary in the park while looking after her grandchildren
Vigil 365 – Monday, November 18, 2024, A little of everything
By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition) - Photo: Augustin Hamilton
As usual, I arrived at the vigil site at around 7h30. No sooner had I arrived than a first visitor arrived. Laurence is homeless and currently sleeping in one of Montreal's shelters for the homeless. She described it as very rough, with limited services. She said that the rules are not being enforced, and that men and women weren't respecting the zones set aside for them respectively. Some of her belongings have gone missing, and although meals are prepared, she believes she has had a bout of diarrhea as a result. She does not feel safe. She wants to get out. I offered her bottled water and a few dollars, and she left to find a better shelter. Jasper arrived soon after. He took over from me the care of the vigil this past September when I had left to do one in Sherbrooke. Since my return, he has taken a break and this morning he is going to meet a friend at a local café. Then my prayer partner, Caterina arrived. We began our prayers, and during which I realized that I had not seen any of the familiar faces that I associate with the abortion centre. As we prayed, Caterina and I were interrupted by a loud and angry middle-aged woman. We first noticed her standing on the curb taking a picture of us with her mobile phone. Dear reader, be aware that there is a certain notoriety to being on the sidewalks of Montreal defending life. Before continuing on her way, this woman made a few comments about how inappropriate it was to pray for an end to abortion in front of a university. (The abortion facility is located across the street from the university.) She added that by our presence and the signs hung around our necks (“Pray for an end to abortion,” “Pregnant? Worried? 1-855-871-4442 We Can Help You,” and “Choose Life”) were manipulating the students. I attempted a reply but this lady quickly interrupted me, saying that she was not interested in what I had to say and stormed off. Caterina and I caught our breath after this brief encounter and resumed our prayers. Visitors, prayer, and confrontation, today’s vigil was a full one.
Vigil 365 is an activity of the Quebec Life Coalition since February 2020 in which prayer volunteers gather near an abortion facility to pray for an end to abortion. We chose to meet at the intersection of Berri and Ste Catherine streets because there were five abortuaries within a half-kilometre radius from that spot. (One of them has since moved to another location.) The activity takes place daily and lasts either ninety minutes or twelve hours depending on the time of year. Interested people are welcome to participate and can learn more by calling (438) 930-8643.