René Lévesque

August 24^th, 1922 - November 1^st, 1987

Journalist and Premier of Quebec (Canada) from 1976 to 1985

Prior to entering politics, René Lévesque acted as a liaison agent and war correspondent for the U.S. armed forces during the Second World War. Later, in 1956, he hosted a television news program entitled Point de Mire, thus becoming one of the most influential Quebec commentators.

After having served several times as minister under the Lesage government, he left the Liberals and, in 1968, founded the Parti Québécois. His main objective was to make Quebec a sovereign country and to establish a new form of partnership with Canada. In 1976, he led his party to victory by defeating Bourassa, and became Premier of Quebec. One of the most important measures taken under his government was the passing of Bill 101, which granted French the status of the official language of Quebec.

Vidéo : Interview with René Lévesque on the subject of francophonie