The trip East had gone smoothly. I had left Winnipeg early on a cool fall day in 1968. First to Toronto then Halifax. As National Equipment Sales Coordinator for A&W Drive-Inns of Canada, my job was to visit as many of the 200 Drive-Inns once a year. The swing through the Maritime Provinces would culminate in Quebec City where I would meet with the franchise owners, the St. Laurent Brothers, nephews of the former Prime Minister.

The St. Laurent Brothers were not only very successful drive-in operators but superb hosts. After concluding our business they treated me to a wondrous dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Quebec City. The restaurant was a favourite haunt of Quebec and Federal politicians. I remember the Brothers pointing out Montreal Mayor Drapeau of Expo 67 fame, as well as others whose names I have long forgotten. One of the brothers mentioned in passing he would probably get a call later asking the nature of our business. Yeah sure.

After the beautiful dinner and sincere goodbyes, I boarded a Trans Canada Airlines flight to Montreal. Then a late flight direct to Winnipeg would conclude the trip. The flight was sparsely filled so I had three seats to myself. Or at least I thought I did. As I sat in my aisle seat, a voice said “Excuse moi”. I turned and recognized the new leader and founder of the Parti Quebecois  immediately. Once he had taken the window seat he graciously introduced himself. He said he had seen me dining with the St. Laurent Brothers - the consummate politician.

The “no smoking” sign was turned off and I swear he lit 3 cigarettes at once. After a drink of Crown Royal, I explained I was from Western Canada. Winnipeg actually. I was wondering how to proceed next. After all, this was the politician who wanted to break up Confederation. The FLQ Crisis and referendums along with some of Canada’s darkest days were to come later. But at this moment, the nonchalant gentleman next to me explained that Western Canada and Quebec had much in common. Both had been taken advantage of by Ottawa and Ontario. Before he could continue, a media-type barged into the empty seat ending any further conversation.

Always the perfect gentleman, Mr. Lévesque looked over the media type’s head at me. With a shrug of his shoulder and a wave of his cigarette he said “C’est la vie”.

 

September 2012