René Lévesque

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Marguerite Paulin. René Lévesque

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Illustration: Francine Auger

René Lévesque, 1922–1987

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“I didn’t recruit people from the world of finance,” René Lévesque proudly pointed out, emphasizing the contrast with economist Robert Bourassa’s former Liberal government.

Complex J building of the Grande-Allée in Quebec City was aptly called “the bunker.” The elevator went right up to the cabinet room. Windowless, its walls covered in carpet, this softly lit strongroom looked like a flying saucer. Smack in the middle, an impressive horseshoe-shaped table dominated the entire room. “It looks like Dr. Strangelove’s war room,” remarked Lise Payette. “It feels as if we’re isolated in a space capsule,” added Lévesque. Before the opening of the first PQ Parliament, set for December 14, the meetings were like family get-togethers. People were becoming acquainted, sizing each other up. One, rather casual, removed his socks under the table; another grumbled constantly, contradicting everyone. All were on guard: they could not allow a colleague to eat into the slightest piece of their territory. It was a male chauvinist environment characterized by starchy ritual. On each side of the premier, in alphabetical order, alternating, the ministers sat properly in the seat designated by a card. The school of British parliamentarism was strict and disciplined. This first PQ cabinet was learning the ropes, and the students were well behaved. The most unruly waited until later before making themselves heard. René Lévesque had a moderating effect on the zealots: the people had voted against the Liberals, not for the PQ. Linguistic battles, the Olympic deficit, and the wear and tear of power had gotten the better of the Bourassa government. “We will try to learn from the errors of our predecessors.” René Lévesque was especially fond of one project among several and kept returning to it: “We will give Quebecers a code of ethics in voting practices.” Enough favouritism and insidious patronage. Any gift over twenty-five dollars had to be returned. Holding interest in companies doing business with the State was out of the question. People who had shares in the stock market had sixty days to dispose of them. Looking hard at each cabinet minister, Lévesque concluded:

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