René Lévesque

René Lévesque (August 24, 1922 - November 1, 1987), was a reporter, a minister of the government of Quebec, Canada, (1960 - 1966), the founder of the Parti Québécois political party, and 23rd Premier of Quebec (November 25, 1976 - October 3, 1985). He was a recipient of the title Grand Officer of the French Legion of Honour.

Personality

He is remembered for his staunch morals and honesty, for his humility, and the humanism he strove to bring to all aspects of public service. In every discussion concerning the application of laws, he would insist that regulations and the practical control of operations take into account that civil servants were, above all, servants of the people. He used all his power as premier to ensure that every civil servant did his or her duty efficiently, while respecting equally each individual who came into contact with the government. He was a man capable of great tact and charm, but that could also be stout and choleric when defending beliefs, ideals or morals essential to him, or when lack of respect was perceived, for example, when he was famously snubbed by François Mitterrand at their first meeting. He was also a proud Gaspésien (from the Gaspé peninsula), and had hints of the local accent.

Related Topics:
Humanism - François Mitterrand - Gaspésien

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Considered in present times as a major defender of the Quebec people, Lévesque was, before the 1960s, more interested by international affairs than Quebec matters. The popular image of Lévesque is marked by his ever-present cigarette and his small physical stature, as well as by his unique comb-over that earned him the affectionate nickname of Ti-Poil, meaning Lil' hair. It has been said more than once that, as he spoke to someone, he gave the feeling that she or he was the most important person in the world. Lévesque was seen as a passionate and emotional public speaker. Those close to him have described him, while quite emotional deep down, as having difficulty expressing his emotions in private, saying that he was comfortable in front of a crowd of thousands, but not with one person.

Related Topics:
1960s - Quebec matters - Nickname of Ti-Poil

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While many Quebec intellectuals (especially sovereigntists) are much inspired by the French philosophy and high culture, Lévesque was a renowned lover of the United States of America (and the English-speaking world). This love brought him to the American troops in the Second World War. While in London, his admiration for Britons grew because of what he saw as their admirable courage in the face of the German bombardments. He was a faithful reader of the New York Times, and took his vacations in New England every year. He has also stated that, if there had to be one role model for him, it would be American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This is somewhat ironic: Roosevelt's 1942 letter to Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King about Quebecers showed little sympathy to the Québécois people and its diaspora.

Related Topics:
French - United States of America - English-speaking world - New York Times - New England - Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Roosevelt's 1942 letter - William Lyon Mackenzie King - Québécois - Diaspora

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Lévesque was disappointed with what has been called by historians a cold response by the American economic elite to his first speech in New York City as Premier of Quebec, in which he compared Quebec's march towards sovereignty to the American Revolution. His first speech in this function in France was, however, more successful, leading him to a better appreciation of the French intelligentsia and of French culture.

Related Topics:
New York City - Premier of Quebec - American Revolution - Intelligentsia - French culture

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