What Is 19th Legislative Assembly of Quebec

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 19th Legislative Assembly of Quebec existed from 1931 to 1935, following the 1931 provincial election where the Liberal Party, led by Louis-Alexandre Taschereau, retained power with a reduced majority.

Key Facts

The 19th Legislative Assembly of Quebec convened from 1931 to 1935
Louis-Alexandre Taschereau remained Premier after the 1931 election
The Liberal Party won 77 out of 90 seats in 1931
The Conservative Party won 10 seats and the Action libérale nationale won 3
This assembly operated during the early years of the Great Depression

Overview

The 19th Legislative Assembly of Quebec was a pivotal session in the province’s parliamentary history, spanning from 1931 to 1935. It followed the general election held on October 14, 1931, which saw the Quebec Liberal Party, led by Premier Louis-Alexandre Taschereau, return to power despite growing public discontent.

This legislative term occurred during the deepening years of the Great Depression, a period marked by economic hardship, rising unemployment, and increasing criticism of government policies. The Assembly’s tenure reflected both continuity in Liberal governance and the early stirrings of political realignment that would reshape Quebec politics in the following decade.

Convened in 1931: The Assembly officially began after the October 14, 1931, provincial election, which determined the composition of the National Assembly for the term.
90-seat legislature: The National Assembly consisted of 90 members, with the Liberals securing a dominant 77 seats, maintaining control despite public dissatisfaction.
Louis-Alexandre Taschereau remained Premier: Taschereau continued as head of government, leading his party into a fifth consecutive term, a rare feat in Quebec politics at the time.
Opposition parties gained ground: The Conservative Party won 10 seats, while the newly formed Action libérale nationale (ALN) captured 3, signaling a shift in political sentiment.
Legislative session ended in 1935: The Assembly was dissolved ahead of the 1935 election, which ultimately led to Taschereau’s resignation amid corruption allegations and labor unrest.

How It Works

The functioning of the 19th Legislative Assembly followed Quebec’s standard parliamentary procedures, with the governing party setting the legislative agenda and the opposition providing scrutiny. Sessions were held in the Parliament Building in Quebec City, where debates, bills, and budgets were introduced and debated.

Term: The Assembly served from 1931 to 1935, a standard four-year mandate, though Taschereau resigned in June 1936 before the next election due to political pressure and health issues.
Legislative sessions: Typically held annually, these sessions allowed members to debate laws, question ministers, and vote on provincial budgets and policy initiatives.
Bills and lawmaking: The government introduced legislation on infrastructure, education, and resource development, though few major reforms passed due to economic constraints.
Role of the opposition: The Conservative and ALN members used question period and committee work to challenge Liberal policies, especially on labor rights and fiscal management.
Executive Council: Composed of senior ministers appointed by the Premier, this body directed provincial administration and proposed new laws to the Assembly.
Public engagement: Limited by the era’s technology, public input came mainly through newspapers, letters, and occasional town halls, with low voter turnout in rural areas.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 19th Legislative Assembly to other sessions highlights shifts in party strength, voter behavior, and legislative output during a turbulent economic period.

Assembly	Years	Seats (Governing)	Seats (Opposition)	Major Events
18th	1927–1931	78 (Liberal)	12 (Conservative)	Taschereau’s peak popularity; economic boom pre-Depression
19th	1931–1935	77 (Liberal)	13 (Conservative/ALN)	Great Depression; ALN emergence; labor unrest
20th	1935–1939	71 (Liberal)	19 (ALN-Conservative coalition)	Rise of Maurice Duplessis; Union Nationale formed
21st	1939–1944	66 (Union Nationale)	23 (Liberal)	World War II begins; conscription debate
22nd	1944–1948	68 (Liberal)	22 (Union Nationale)	Post-war reforms; modernization efforts

This comparison shows a gradual erosion of Liberal dominance and the rise of new political forces. The 19th Assembly marked a turning point where economic crisis began to reshape Quebec’s political landscape, setting the stage for future realignments.

Why It Matters

The 19th Legislative Assembly is significant for understanding the transition in Quebec politics from stable Liberal rule to the turbulent realignments of the 1930s. It highlights how economic crises can erode long-standing political control and open space for new movements.

End of political stability: The erosion of Liberal support foreshadowed the 1935 collapse and the rise of the Union Nationate.
Emergence of the ALN: The ALN’s three seats in 1931 laid groundwork for the 1935 coalition with Conservatives, challenging the two-party status quo.
Impact of the Great Depression: Economic hardship reduced public trust in government, fueling demands for reform and transparency.
Corruption scandals: Allegations against Taschereau’s administration weakened public confidence and led to his resignation in 1936.
Shift in labor relations: Growing union activism during this term pressured the government to address workers’ rights and wages.
Precedent for change: The 19th Assembly demonstrated that even dominant parties could be challenged, influencing future democratic engagement.

The legacy of the 19th Legislative Assembly endures as a cautionary tale about governance during crises and a milestone in Quebec’s evolving democracy.