What Is 28th National Assembly of Quebec

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 28th National Assembly of Quebec refers to the legislative body elected in the 1966 provincial election, serving from 1966 to 1970. It was led by Premier Daniel Johnson Sr. of the Union Nationale and marked a pivotal era in Quebec's Quiet Revolution.

Key Facts

28th National Assembly convened from 1966 to 1970 following the June 5, 1966 election
Union Nationale, led by Daniel Johnson Sr., won 56 out of 109 seats
Parti Libéral became official opposition with 50 seats
Assembly met in the Parliament Building in Quebec City
Key legislation included modernization of education and labor laws

Overview

The 28th National Assembly of Quebec was the legislative body formed after the provincial general election held on June 5, 1966. It marked a shift in Quebec’s political landscape, ending the Liberal government of Jean Lesage and returning the Union Nationale to power under Daniel Johnson Sr.

This Assembly operated during a transformative period known as the Quiet Revolution, a time of rapid modernization in Quebec society, education, and governance. Its term lasted until the 1970 election, which brought Robert Bourassa and the Liberals back into power.

The 28th Assembly was elected on June 5, 1966, following a campaign focused on provincial autonomy and economic development, reflecting growing nationalist sentiment.
Daniel Johnson Sr. became Premier after his Union Nationale won 56 seats, narrowly defeating the incumbent Liberals who secured 50 seats.
The legislature met in the historic Parliament Building in Quebec City, continuing the tradition of provincial governance established in the 19th century.
Women held only 2 of the 109 seats, highlighting the limited political representation of women at the time despite broader social changes.
This Assembly passed key reforms in education and labor, including the expansion of CEGEPs and new workplace safety regulations.

How It Works

The National Assembly of Quebec functions as the unicameral legislative body of the province, responsible for passing laws, overseeing government spending, and representing constituents. Each Assembly is numbered consecutively based on the general election that forms it.

Term: The 28th National Assembly served from 1966 to 1970, beginning after the June 5 election and ending with dissolution on April 29, 1970, ahead of the next election. Its four-year term was typical for Quebec legislatures at the time.
Membership: Consisted of 109 elected Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), each representing a single riding across Quebec’s diverse regions.
Leadership structure: Included the Premier, cabinet ministers, Speaker of the Assembly, and leaders of recognized opposition parties, all shaping legislative priorities.
Legislative process: Bills were introduced, debated in committees, and voted on in the chamber, with majority support required for passage into law.
Session schedule: The Assembly convened in multiple sessions, typically meeting from autumn to spring, with summer recesses for constituency work.
Accountability: The government remained in power only as long as it retained the confidence of the majority of MNAs, a core principle of parliamentary democracy.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of Quebec’s 28th National Assembly with earlier and later assemblies reveals shifts in party dominance, representation, and policy focus.

Assembly Number	Years Active	Governing Party	Seats Held	Key Policy Focus
27th	1960–1966	Liberal Party	50 (initially 59)	Education reform, nationalization of hydro
28th	1966–1970	Union Nationale	56	Economic nationalism, labor modernization
29th	1970–1973	Liberal Party	72	Language laws, anti-corruption reforms
30th	1973–1976	Liberal Party	102	Expansion of social programs
31st	1976–1981	Parti Québécois	71	Sovereignty, Bill 101 (language law)

This table illustrates how political control shifted dramatically in the decades following the 28th Assembly, reflecting evolving public priorities from modernization to sovereignty. The Union Nationale’s victory in 1966 was a brief return to conservative governance before the rise of more progressive and nationalist movements in the 1970s.

Why It Matters

The 28th National Assembly played a crucial role in shaping modern Quebec by advancing policies during a critical phase of the Quiet Revolution. Though often overshadowed by the more radical changes of the 1970s, its legislative work laid groundwork for future reforms.

Preserved continuity in public sector reforms initiated by the previous Liberal government, particularly in education and healthcare infrastructure.
Advanced economic nationalism through support for Quebec-owned businesses and resource development, a theme continued by later governments.
Introduced labor reforms that improved worker protections and helped reduce industrial disputes during a period of rapid urbanization.
Set the stage for the rise of the Parti Québécois by highlighting gaps in addressing linguistic and cultural identity.
Influenced constitutional debates by promoting provincial autonomy, a stance that shaped Quebec’s role in federal negotiations.
Provided a model of transitional governance, showing how moderate conservatism could coexist with progressive social policies.

Understanding the 28th National Assembly helps contextualize Quebec’s evolution from a traditional society to a modern, assertive province within Canada. Its legacy endures in institutions and policies still relevant today.