Aislin's New Book Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Montreal Olympics with Cartoons and Anecdotes
As the Montreal Olympics mark their 50th anniversary this year, renowned political cartoonist Terry Mosher, better known by his pen name Aislin, has released a new visual memoir titled Jean Drapeau’s Baby. The book features a collection of his favourite cartoons from that pivotal era in Montreal's history, capturing the larger-than-life figures and events that shaped the city.
Reflections on Mayor Jean Drapeau's Legacy
In a recent episode of The Corner Booth podcast, recorded at Snowdon Deli in Montreal on March 4, 2026, Aislin joined hosts Bill Brownstein and Aaron Rand to discuss his work. As North America's longest-running continuously working political cartoonist, he offered insights into the memorable cartoons and the personalities that inspired them.
One of the most prominent figures was Mayor Jean Drapeau, who served for 29 non-consecutive years, a tenure hard to imagine in today's political landscape. Aislin remarked, "In the 1960s, Jean Drapeau, the progressive mayor, could do nothing wrong. He built the métro, he built Place des Arts. Then came Expo 67, and he brought in the Expos. He walked on water. But with the Olympics, he bit off more than he could chew."
Despite the controversies and costs associated with the Olympics, Aislin still honored Drapeau as Mr. Montreal upon his death, acknowledging his lasting impact on the city's development and culture.
Humorous Anecdote Involving René Lévesque
Another politician Aislin enjoyed drawing was former Quebec premier René Lévesque. He recalled a famous cartoon depicting Lévesque saying, "O.K. Everybody take a Valium" after the Parti Québécois won the 1976 provincial election for the first time.
Aislin shared a personal story about their interactions, noting, "I used to drink with him in Chinatown before he entered politics." He then fast-forwarded to a later event: "At the National Newspaper Awards dinner where I received an award, I gave him a Valium as a joke. That sonofabitch swallowed a 10 mg Valium, and his speech began to slur. I take full credit for that moment."
Availability of The Corner Booth Podcast
The Corner Booth episode featuring this discussion is available on The Gazette’s YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, offering listeners a chance to delve deeper into Aislin's perspectives and the historical context of his cartoons.
This new book and podcast episode serve as a tribute to a transformative period in Montreal, blending art, politics, and personal memories to engage audiences with the city's rich history.
