On Feb. 6, 1977, Lévesque accidently ran over Edgar Trottier, a homeless man lying on the road. Trottier, who had done this type of thing before to get a hospital bed, was killed. Lévesque was fined $25 for not wearing his glasses while driving at night. 🧵 11/18
On May 20, 1980, his government put forward a referendum on Quebec independence. The Yes side won 40% of the vote, failing to capture the majority needed. Lévesque considered it the toughest defeat of his career, but another major battle was still to come. 🧵 12/18
During the effort to repatriate the Canadian Constitution from Britain, Lévesque opposed the new centralized federal powers over the economy and the constitutionally-entrenched Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Lévesque joined eight premiers in opposition. 🧵 13/18
With the promise of a notwithstanding clause, the seven English-speaking premiers were won over, while Levesque continued to oppose. When the repatriated Constitution was signed by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982, it had the support of every premier except for Lévesque. 🧵 14/18
After 1982, there were growing doubts in the party about the leadership of Lévesque, although his leadership was reaffirmed at a convention in January 1985. Nonetheless, he chose to resign as premier in June 1985. On Nov. 1, 1987, he died of a heart attack. 🧵 15/18
His state funeral and funeral procession was attended by 100,000 people. As his coffin was carried into the church, the crowd sang Gens du pays, the unofficial anthem of Quebec. Several roads are named for him in Quebec, as are various buildings in the province. 🧵 16/18
A statue of Lévesque was unveiled in 1999 outside the Parliament Building in Quebec City. The statue was later moved to New Carlisle, and replaced with a larger-than-life statue. Among many Quebec residents, he is considered the province's greatest premier. 🧵 17/18
I hope you enjoyed that look at Rene Lévesque. If you enjoy my Canadian history content, you can support my work with a donation at 👇 www.buymeacoffee.com/craigu *sources in next post* 🧵 18/18
Sources: Canadian Encyclopedia: buff.ly/3EuDy0w Assemblée nationale du Québec: buff.ly/KfaNfSF New Carlisle: buff.ly/Qem2dpG Dictionary of Canadian Biography: buff.ly/KA0xx5G
Great thread! Thank you!
