Spatial and ethnic differentiations of infant mortality: Quebec 1885-1971

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the evolution of Infant Mortality in Montreal and in the whole Province of Quebec, from 1885 to 1971, and to highlight factors which may have determined the differential decline during this period. Based on civil registers, quality and fiability of the results are first discussed. Compiling statistics on infant mortality was of great importance in so far as it enabled hygienists to justify baby welfare clinics and county health units. In Montreal, cultural context showed a powerful influence on infant mortality: more French Canadian infants died in their first year than in British and the Jews. Between 1920 and 1930, infant mortality rates in the Canadian metropolitan area declined in rural areas of the Province. After this period, these rates have declined even more rapidly.