Historically Le Devoir was considered Canada's francophone newspaper of record,[2] although by the end of the 20th century, that title was mostly used for its competitor La Presse.

He was also an early promoter of the bi-cultural Anglo-French concept of Canada, and an impassioned advocate for the political and cultural equality of all French Canadians within Confederation, wherever they may reside.

After the death of Pelletier in early 1947, the role of editor-in-chief would pass to Gérard Filion, former editor of La Terre de chez nous, under whose editorship the paper would publish highly controversial critiques of Maurice Duplessis's government in Quebec by journalists and figures such as André Laurendeau.

Ideologically, Le Devoir has been a chief voice against military intervention and in favour of pacifism and social democracy, opposing conscription in World War II (see Conscription Crisis of 1944) and endorsing, under federalist Ryan's tenure, the election of René Lévesque's Parti Québécois in the 1976 election, despite its platform centred on Québécois nationalism.

Trips were initially organized to coincide with Catholic congresses around the world, as well as for "pilgrimages", allowing Quebecois to visit the French diaspora across North America.

"[6] The unusual service officially lasted from 1924 to 1947, though it effectively ended at the start of World War II when international civilian travel became very difficult.

[7] In September 2011, the National Film Board of Canada and Le Devoir announced that they will be jointly hosting three interactive essays on their websites, ONF.ca and ledevoir.com.