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Life after politics for Chrétien
Broadcast Date: Nov. 13, 2003
After four decades in politics and 10 years as prime minister, Jean Chrétien is exiting the political stage. Before his gala tribute at the Liberal party convention in Toronto, a relaxed Jean Chrétien talks to CBC's Don Newman about his accomplishments and his plans. Despite his looming retirement, Chrétien leaves no doubt he is still calling the shots. When pressed to name the exact date of his departure, Chrétien remains elusive. "I say the only suspense you have is me," jokes Chrétien. "If I will not play with you guys you know it'll be very dull."Life after politics for Chrétien
• At the Nov. 14, 2003, Liberal party leadership convention, Chrétien was given a gala tribute. The following day Paul Martin was officially named the new leader of the Liberal Party. On Dec. 12, Paul Martin, Jr. was sworn in as Canada's 21st prime minister.• Olympic medallist Charmaine Crooks and Justin Trudeau hosted the gala tribute to Jean Chrétien that included performances from jazz pianists Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones. Ottawa-born singer-songwriter Paul Anka brought down the house with his specially revised version of My Way.
• Looking back at his 41 years in politics, Chrétien said he was most proud of the new spirit in the country. Other highlights under his leadership include: balancing the budget (he had trimmed $50 billion from a total government debt of more than $550 billion), defeating Quebec separatism and signing the Kyoto accord. At the Liberal convention tribute, Chrétien received his loudest applause for refusing to join U.S.-led coalition in the war against Iraq.
• On Dec. 12, 2003, Chrétien handed Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson his resignation as Canada's 20th prime minister. He also resigned his seat in Parliament.
• Chrétien also left politics with a few black marks including: the failed promises of the 1993 Red Book, the gun registry fiasco and the controversy over a personal business affair dubbed Shawinigate.
• In January 2004, following in the footsteps of his former boss, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Chrétien accepted the post of counsel to the prestigious Canadian law firm, Heenan Blaikie.
Life after politics for Chrétien
Medium: Television
Program: CBC Television Special
Broadcast Date: Nov. 13, 2003
Guest(s): Jean Chrétien
Host: Don Newman
Duration: 13:25
Last updated:
March 18, 2008
Television
10:53
Chrétien's cross-country negotiations position him as a possible Trudeau successor.
Jean Chrétien: From Pool Hall to Parliament Hill
Losing the Liberal leadership- Chrétien on his mid-career memoir 'Straight From the Heart'
- A day in the life of Indian Affairs Minister Jean Chrétien
- Chrétien on leaving politics
Le petit gars de Shawinigan- Inside the Indian Affairs minister's office
- Chrétien calls it quits
Life after politics for Chrétien.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: March 18, 2008.
[Page consulted on Feb. 13, 2012.]