René Lévesque (pronounce [ʁəne leˈvɛːk]) (August 24, 1922 – November 1, 1987) was a reporter, a minister of the government of Quebec, Canada (1960–1966), the founder of the Parti Québécois political party, and 23rd Premier of Quebec (November 25, 1976 – October 3, 1985). He was the first Quebecer political leader since confederation to attempt, through a referendum, to negotiate political independence for Quebec. Lévesque was a recipient of the title Grand Officer of the French Legion of Honour.