A Historical Review of Psychiatry in the Province of Quebec, Canada (From the 16th century to the 20th century)

In this paper QUEBEC shall be utilized as a “case method” example of a province which depicts a linear progression in a positive direction in the treatment and care of its mentally ill. Quebec is unique in that it was the first province in Canada to provide succor, care and treatment to the mentally ill. This provision of care for the mentally ill took on a very unique pattern even after services were provided in other provinces in Canada. The influence of the Roman Catholic Church was paramount. Services were “farmed out “to religious orders or proprietary interests which were not followed by the other provinces.