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René Lévesque

René Lévesque. "I never thought that I could be so proud to be Québécois.“. Connor Shipman. Life Before politics. Early Childhood Born on August 24, 1922 In Campbelton N.B Raised in New Carlisle by his parents Diane and Dominic Lévesque Education

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René Lévesque

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  1. René Lévesque "I never thought that I could be so proud to be Québécois.“ Connor Shipman

  2. Life Before politics • Early Childhood • Born on August 24, 1922 In Campbelton N.B • Raised in New Carlisle by his parents Diane and Dominic Lévesque • Education • Studied at Seminaire de Gaspé followed by Saint Charles Garnier College • Achieved high academic awards

  3. Going in to law • Shortly after finishing Saint Charles Garnier College, Rene Lévesque attended Université Laval for law • However Lévesque left the University before finishing his degree in 1943 • His time studying law ultimately gave him the abilityto better understand politics

  4. Journalist/News Reporter • From 1956 to 1959 Lévesque worked as a news reporter for Télévision de Radio Canada • He became well known for hosting the popular Québec news show Point du Mire • Click or go to the link below to see Lévesque on the hit show Point du Mire • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRPCdqXJgPg • With both knowledge in law and in being a public figure Lévesque was ready for a life of politics

  5. Life of politics • Lévesque had a very long successful political career • First started out as being another Québec politician under the Québec liberal cabinet run by Jean Lesage. • However when Lévesque suggested the idea of Sovereignty the Liberal party refused • And on October 14,1967 Rene Lévesque left the Québec Liberal party

  6. The Creation of the PQ • René Lévesque then decided to gather individuals who shared the same idea of sovereignty to create a new radical party • One main individual includes Gilles Grégoir (member of the sovereignist Parti Ralliement National) • Once René Lévesque joined forces with the Parti Ralliement National the PQ was born in 1968 • The Party was used to demonstrate Québec's power and independence

  7. October 14th 1968 the founding of PQ • Here is a video clip from October 14th 1968 the founding of the Party Québécois • In this clip you will see René Lévesque’s speech introducing his new party as well as his amazing stage presence he acquired from his days as a news reporter • Go on the website link and click on the video • http://larevolutiontranquille.ca/en/the-sovereignty-movement.php

  8. What is Québec sovereignty ? • Québec sovereignty means PQ’s idea of separation from Canada while still receiving financial benefits • Québécois used sovereignty to accomplish their extensive goals

  9. Leveque's ultimate goal a positive or negative for Canada? • In my opinion, Leveque's goals for the idea sovereignty was unjust. During my time researching Lévesque it became blatantly clear that he only cared for Québec’s economy, Quebec's financial status and above all how much power Quebec had over the rest of Canada. Unlike the FLQ (a terrorist organization at the time) who used brute force to get there demands heard. Lévesque used sneaky under handed ways (outlined in the Québec sovereignty agreement) to basically gain plenty of benefits from Canada without giving any thing in return. Personally I believe that Leveque's ultimate goal for Quebec sovereignty is a negative for Canada.

  10. Sovereignty Association • Once the PQ had been established Lévesque's next goal was to take away some the federal government’s power and give it to Québec • He planned to accomplish this goal by threatening separation from Canada • The threats would work simply because of where Québec was located Above: from left to right Gilles Grégoire and René Levesque announcing their idea of sovereignty association

  11. Sovereignty Association pt. 2 • If Québec were to separate from Canada, the country would not be able to support its eastern provinces • The idea of sovereignty was put to a referenda vote in 1980

  12. Québec's Sovereignty Demands • Québec's demands were as follows • The creation of Québec institutions such as a court justice system and parliamentary system exclusively for the province • The ability to mine ore and other resources located in a 200 mile economic zone • Québec should have it’s own jurisdiction concerning it’s fisheries • Political independence

  13. Becoming a premier • In 1968 - 1985 Rene Lévesque was the 23rd premier of Québec • Once Levesque and his PQ was in power they passed the “The Québec Charter of the French Language” • The charter stated that French in Québec must be the language of choice as well as it must be used in work and in schooling

  14. Referendum 1980 • Lévesque demanded a referendum and gave the people of Québec the option to vote for Sovereignty • 40% voted for, 60% of voters voted against the idea because of the confusion and controversy surrounding it • Lévesque accepted defeat but in his concession speech he addressed sovereigntists voters and said “À la prochaine fois” which meant “Until next time”

  15. Lévesque's contributions to Québec • René Lévesque had two major contributions he was recognized for • Hydro Quebec as well as his contributions to the Québec quiet revolution • Lévesque's contributions lead to a very financially strong Québec

  16. Hydro Québec • René Lévesque was the minister of hydro electricresources from 1961 to 1965 • During his time as minister he nationalized and expanded hydro electric companies in Québec • As a result of his work Hydro Québec acts as a symbol of power and ingenuity • Very important to Quebec's economy • Grossed 12.7 billion dollars annual as well as provided 100’s of jobs for skilled workers

  17. Quiet revolution • A time of drastic economic and political change in Québec • Occurred from 1960 to 1966 • René Lévesque along side Jean Lesage(liberal party 1960) were both front runners in the quiet revolutions • René Lévesque biggest impact in the revolution was the expansion of Hydro Quebec Propaganda poster most commonly used during the quiet revolution translates to “Now or never masters in our” this phase refers to Jean Lesage speech” for masters in our own house

  18. René Lévesque Legacy • René Lévesque died November 1st 1987 but left behind his legacy and dream for others to follow • Hydro Quebec still is a main part of Quebec's economy and is now located on René Levesque street in Quebec • His dream of a sovereign Québec still lives on as well as the Party Québécois now as the Bloc Québécois • Levesque even has his own bronze statue in front of the l'Hôtel du Parlement a Québec

  19. René Lévesque Legacy pt. 2 • For more info on René Levesque check out Extra Ordinary Canadians René Lévesque written by Daniel Poliquin

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