CBC Archives

You must sign in to leave a comment on this clip.

Levesque is Canada's first separatist premier

Broadcast Date: Nov. 15, 1976

On Nov. 15, 1976, Quebecers deliver a historic first-time win for 54-year-old René Lévesque and his separatist Parti Québécois. The PQ crushes Robert Bourassa and his Liberals. The stunning victory signals a new era towards an independent Quebec. As heard in this clip, even Lévesque seems taken back by their win. In his trademark raspy voice, drenched with exhaustion and excitement, an emotional Lévesque addresses the delirious crowd.

Levesque is Canada's first separatist premier

• René Lévesque was born on Aug. 24, 1922 in Campbellton, N.B but was raised in New Carlisle, Quebec.
• The PQ won 71 seats, 15 seats more than required for a majority government in Quebec. The Liberals walked away with 26 seats, Union Nationale won 11 seats, the Créditiste and the new Parti National Populaire both captured one seat each.


• Lévesque began his career in politics as a member of the Liberal party in 1960. He left his job as a popular television journalist on Radio-Canada's Point de Mire.
• In 1967 Lévesque left the Liberal party to form what would become the Parti Québécois in 1968. The PQ's main objective was Quebec sovereignty.
• Lévesque's raspy voice was due to his heavy smoking.

• While on a plane with the premier in 1979, the Toronto Star's Robert McKenzie observed as Lévesque "pulled on his sixth cigarette of the day." It was shortly after 8 a.m.
• Claude Arpin of The Telegram described an interview with Lévesque as sitting "in a cloud of stale cigarette smoke" in which the premier "lights another endless string of cigarettes."
• Lévesque was the premier of Quebec from 1976 to 1985.

• On May 20, 1980, Lévesque spearheaded the first referendum asking Quebecers whether the province should pursue a path toward sovereignty (an independent state). Lévesque and the sovereigntists lost to the No side with 59.6 per cent of the vote. In his concession speech, Lévesque promised a second referendum, uttering the words, À la prochaine fois! (until next time).

• Fifteen years later, on Oct. 30, 1995, Quebec and the rest of Canada faced that "next time" as Quebecers decided once again whether to stay or separate from Canada. The No side won again but by the narrowest of margins.
• Lévesque died of a heart attack on Nov. 1, 1987.

Levesque is Canada's first separatist premier

Medium: Radio

Program: CBC Radio News

Broadcast Date: Nov. 15, 1976

Guest(s): René Lévesque

Host: John Grant

Duration: 7:31

Last updated:
Nov. 15, 2010