ON THIS DAY
November 15, 1976 — The Parti Québécois won the Québec general election, the first separatist government in Canadian history. René Lévesque became premier. The party had promised a sovereignty referendum as part of their campaign platform, and followed through in May 1980. The “No” side won with close to 60 per cent of the vote; however, the Parti Québécois was re-elected the following year. Lévesque resigned in October 1985.