Kevin Ledo’s mural, as detailed in CTV News coverage, aims to capture Lévesque’s legacy. Photo courtesy Kevin Ledo via Facebook
A new mural honouring former Quebec Premier René Lévesque is currently being painted in Montreal, Que., according to a report by CTV News. The artwork, located along Highway 40 east in the Villeray-St-Michel-Parc-Extension borough, is a project led by the Montreal charity organization, MU. Muralist Kevin Ledo, known for his previous works depicting Yvonne Maisonneuve and Daisy Peterson Sweeney, is the artist behind the design.
Ledo’s mural, as detailed in CTV News coverage, aims to capture Lévesque’s legacy. “With my design, my goal is to show René Lévesque’s role as a visionary and leader who defended and promoted a strong Quebec identity,” Ledo said. René Lévesque, who led the Parti Québécois from 1968 to 1985, served as premier from 1976 to 1985. His tenure is marked by the adoption of Bill 101 and the 1980 referendum on Quebec independence. He passed away in 1987.
The mural, initiated in 2022 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth, has received financial support from the provincial government. French language minister Jean-François Roberge expressed pride in backing the project, saying, “Our government is particularly proud to financially support the production of this mural, which honours a Quebecer larger than nature.” He adds, “Levesque’s contributions to the Quebec government, such as the Charter of the French Language, continue to profoundly influence those who make it their duty to preserve our distinct cultural, linguistic, and national identity.” The mural is expected to be completed and officially unveiled in late August, close to Lévesque’s birthday on August 24, CTV News noted.
