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Home , John Turner, Lucien Bouchard, Paul Martin

: MR. PRIME MINISTER Introduction

On November 14, 2003, Paul Martin animosity and past political rivalries, Focus finally achieved his long-sought politi- there were also significant political This News in Re- cal goal, winning the leadership of the differences between the Prime Minister view story focuses on Paul Martin, federal Liberal Party. Martin’s cam- and his former finance minister. Canada’s 21st paign to replace retiring Jean Chrétien Chrétien liked to portray himself as “the prime minister, resulted in a very strong finish, as he little guy from Shawinigan,” the popu- who replaced Jean won over 90 per cent of the voting list who represented the Liberal Party’s Chrétien December delegates at the party’s conven- left, or progressive, wing. Martin was 12, 2003. It exam- tion. Heritage Minister Sheila Copps, widely perceived as a “Bay Street ines Martin’s political back- his one rival for the top job after John Liberal,” closely connected with big ground, his leader- Manley quit the race in July 2003, was business and leaning toward “small-c” ship campaign, his only able to gain a handful of votes. In conservative positions on social and stormy relationship his acceptance speech to the delegates, economic policies. As an example of with Chrétien, and Martin pledged himself to ensuring a this, Martin’s proudest boast during his what his rise to power will mean fourth consecutive Liberal victory in the successful leadership campaign was for Canadian next federal election, widely expected that he had almost single-handedly politics in the early in the spring of 2004. He set out an wrestled Canada’s massive budgetary 21st century. ambitious agenda for change, calling deficits to the ground during the 1990s. for the party he was about to lead to But critics of this achievement pointed commit to a new sense of national out that restoring fiscal responsibility YV Sections purpose. He said: “in recent times, a had also led to some serious negative marked with this symbol indicate kind of complacency, a certain drift, has consequences, such as the gutting of content suitable for set in and we’ve lost some of the great social programs and an increase in younger viewers. energy and enthusiasm that Canadians poverty in Canada. are looking for. In my view, new times Martin’s personal and family history require new approaches, and I want to also drove his political ambitions. His lead a new government with a renewed father, Paul Martin Sr., had been a sense of purpose, and a sharper focus, prominent Liberal cabinet minister in and a clearer plan” (, the governments of Louis St. Laurent November 15, 2003). and Lester B. Pearson during the 1950s Some read into Martin’s comments and 60s. He had tried and failed twice an implied criticism of the leadership of to win the party’s leadership, losing to Jean Chrétien, the man he had lost out Pearson in 1958 and to to in the 1990 Liberal leadership race. It 10 years later. He left federal politics a was an open secret that Martin had long bitter and disappointed man. He placed coveted the prime minister’s job, and his hopes on his son to succeed where that Chrétien had strongly resented his he had failed and eventually win the rival’s thinly disguised longing for his party leadership. Paul Jr. never lost post. The two had never been friendly, sight of this goal, despite his loss to and when Martin was dropped from the Chrétien in the 1990 race. Thirteen federal cabinet in May 2002, relations years later, he was finally able to savour between them dipped to their lowest his moment of triumph. ebb ever. Besides their strong personal

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 6 In the aftermath of his victory, there program with the U.S. Quote is widespread speculation regarding Whether or not Martin will steer the “To govern is to what direction Martin plans to lead the Liberal Party to the right or seek to lead. We define ourselves by the party he now heads and the country he follow some of Chrétien’s more popular hard choices we hopes to govern if he wins the next progressive policy initiatives remains to make. We saw that federal election. His past record would be seen. His first task will be to as- with the deficit. We indicate that he is likely to continue on semble a new cabinet, likely to be saw it with the a fiscally conservative path, but during composed mainly of Liberal MPs who . We saw his successful leadership campaign he supported him. He will then have to it with Iraq. We saw it every time also made promises about spending prepare for the next federal election, we stood tall for more on social programs and foreign where he is likely to face a more formi- Canada.” — Jean aid abroad. His much-publicized meet- dable opposition than Chrétien ever had Chrétien (The ings with rock star , a well-known to confront in the three elections he won Globe and Mail, international spokesperson for the so handily. Competing against the November 14, 2003) world’s poor nations, raised hopes that Liberals in 2004 will likely be a unified a Martin government would commit Conservative Party with a new leader, Canada to offering greater assistance as well as a revitalized NDP led by Jack for global debt relief. He also pledged Layton. Martin will need all of the to maintain Canada’s friendly but political savvy, determination, and independent relationship with the ability he demonstrated in his bid to win United States, while indicating that he the Liberal leadership if he is to per- might support this country’s integration suade a majority of Canadian voters to into a controversial missile defence give his party yet another term in office.

To Consider 1. Why were relations between Prime Minister Chrétien and Paul Martin so strained? What were the main differences between them?

2. Why was winning the position of federal Liberal Party leader so important for Martin? In what respect does he view his victory as a personal vindica- tion?

3. Why is Paul Martin viewed as a “small-c” conservative, even though he now leads the Liberal Party? What indications are there that he may seek to change this perception of his policies and leadership?

4. Why might winning the next federal election pose more of a challenge to Paul Martin than it did to Jean Chrétien in the three elections he won?

5. If you could vote today, would you vote for Paul Martin and the Liberal Party? Explain.

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 7 PAUL MARTIN: MR. PRIME MINISTER YV Video Review

This video provides 1. Forming Initial Impressions considerable back- Watch the video, and while doing so jot down any information you think is ground informa- important or interesting about Paul Martin and Jean Chrétien. Note any signifi- tion on Paul Mar- cant points of similarity and/or difference between the two men, in terms of tin’s rise to power their personalities, political ideas, styles of leadership, and accomplishments. in the Liberal Party When you have finished watching the video, form groups with your classmates and the conflicts he to share your impressions of the two men. As a group, prepare a comparison/ faced with Jean contrast between Martin and Chrétien, and also an evaluation of the two Chrétien during his politicians. State which of them you think is a more effective leader and why. years in politics. It Once the groups have finished the brainstorming sessions and have developed also focuses on the their comparisons and evaluations, select one person from each group to personalities, present their ideas to the rest of the class. After all groups have reported, leadership styles, conduct a whole-class debriefing session, encouraging students to share their and accomplish- reactions to and impressions of the two Canadian politicians featured in the ments of the two video. men, comparing and contrasting 2. Viewing for Information them as politicians. Watch the video again, this time recording the following information:

1. a) Who is the new leader of the federal Liberal Party?______

b) Whom did he replace? ______

2. Who was the only other candidate for the party leadership?

3. What major international rock star made a guest appearance at the Lib- eral convention?

4. a) What cabinet position did Paul Martin hold in the Chrétien government?

b) When was he dropped from the cabinet? ______

5. a) Where was Paul Martin born? ______

b) Where does he live now?______

c) When was he first elected to Parliament? ______

d) When did he first seek the Liberal leadership? ______

6. Who was Paul Martin’s father, and why was he important politically?

7. How many federal elections did Jean Chrétien win for the Liberals? ______

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 8 8. Why did Chrétien drop Paul Martin from the federal cabinet in 2002?

9. What is the name of the Liberal MP who was a strong Martin supporter within the federal caucus?

10. What did Chrétien list as his three main accomplishments as prime minis- ter during his farewell speech to the delegates at the Liberal convention?

11. a) Who is one of Chrétien’s oldest friends? ______

b) To whom did Chrétien lose in his first try for the Liberal leadership in 1984?

12. What are Paul Martin’s main priorities as prime minister likely to be?

13. When is the next federal election likely to be called? ______

3. Reflecting on Political Leadership Watch the video again, and after doing so, form groups and use the following questions to guide your discussion of the nature of political leadership in Canada, focusing specifically on Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin:

1. What factors in Paul Martin’s background helped to prepare him for a successful career in politics?

2. What qualities of character and leadership did Jean Chrétien demonstrate during his three terms as ?

3. Why did Chrétien and Martin become such bitter political rivals? What conclusions about their leadership styles and abilities can be drawn from this conflict?

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 9 4. How did Martin prepare the ground for his successful bid to become federal Liberal Party leader from the time he left the cabinet until the November 2003 convention?

5. How would you compare the leadership styles of Chrétien and Martin, in terms of: a) their personalities, b) the major policies with which they are associated, c) their visions of Canada?

6. Do you think Jean Chrétien will be considered a great prime minister of Canada? Why or why not?

7. Do you think Paul Martin will be successful in winning another term in office for the federal Liberals? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 10 PAUL MARTIN: MR. PRIME MINISTER YV The Chrétien Years

When Jean Chrétien leaves office on the Liberals under Lester B. Pearson Further Research December 12, 2003, he will have com- oust the governing Conservatives of To see actual video pleted a successful career in Canadian John G. Diefenbaker, but fail to win a clips of the Chrétien years, visit politics, spanning four decades. Along majority in Parliament. At this time, the CBC Digital with only three previous prime minis- Chrétien’s lack of fluency in English is Archives at ters, John A. Macdonald, Mackenzie seen as a serious impediment to his www.cbc.ca/ King, and his hero, , future federal political ambitions. archives and view Chrétien achieved the remarkable feat 1965 Chrétien is re-elected, and the the file, Jean of winning three consecutive majority Chrétien: From Pool Liberals form yet another minority election victories as head of the Liberal Hall to Parliament government. Along with him come Party. Before that, he also served as a Hill. three new “all-star” Liberal MPs from cabinet minister, holding several sig- , including Pierre E. Trudeau. nificant portfolios in the government of During the next two years, as Chrétien’s Pierre Trudeau from the 1960s to the fluency in English improves, he is 1980s. Here is a brief overview of appointed parliamentary secretary to the Chrétien’s life and times, and his major prime minister and Minister of Finance. contributions to public life in Canada. 1968 After the Liberals, under their 1934 Jean Chrétien is born in new leader Pierre Trudeau, finally win a Shawinigan, Quebec, the son of Wellie majority election victory, Chrétien Chrétien and Marie Boisvert-Chrétien. receives his first cabinet post, as Minis- Chrétien’s father is an active local ter of National Revenue. He later supporter of the , assumes the position of Minister of which the all-powerful Roman Catholic Indian Affairs and Northern Develop- Church in the province still regarded ment. During this time, he travels a with some suspicion as being anti- great deal to remote northern regions of religious and radical. Canada, and witnesses the poor living conditions of many of the country’s 1957 Chrétien marries Aline Chainé of aboriginal peoples. Chrétien later looks Shawinigan. Eventually they have three back on his time as Minister of Indian children: , Hubert, and Michel. Affairs as the most rewarding part of Aline becomes an important part of his political life. He and his wife later Chrétien’s personal and political life. adopt an aboriginal child. 1958 Chrétien opens a law firm in 1976 Chrétien is appointed Minister of Shawinigan, and later serves as director Industry, Trade, and Commerce. At this of the bar in Trois-Rivières. He becomes time, the separatist Parti Québécois, known in his community, and the local under the leadership of the charismatic Liberals approach him to enter politics. René Lévesque, forms the provincial 1963 Chrétien is elected for the first government in Chrétien’s home prov- time to the House of Commons in ince. As a committed federalist who , representing the federal riding supports the idea of Canadian unity, of Saint-Maurice-Laflèche. In this Chrétien becomes a strong opponent of election, the second in less than a year, separatism.

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 11 1977 Chrétien becomes Minister of nate between English and French Quote Finance, one of the most important Canadians. In the ensuing election, “Chrétien suc- positions in the federal government. Chrétien wins his own seat, but Brian ceeded in trans- forming Canada as Two years later, he joins his fellow Mulroney’s Conservatives crush the few have ever Liberals in a brief spell in opposition as Liberals. For only the second time in done.” — Eddie the Conservatives under form his political career, Chrétien joins the Goldenberg (To- a that lasts only a opposition benches. Unhappy with his ronto Star, Novem- few months, in 1979-80. party’s election defeat, for which he ber 8, 2003) blames Turner, he leaves political life in 1980 After Trudeau’s Liberals win yet order to pursue his legal career in 1986. another majority victory, Chrétien is appointed Minister of Justice and 1990 After four financially successful Attorney General, and later minister years practising law, Chrétien re-enters responsible for constitutional negotia- politics, seeking the Liberal leadership tions. He plays an active role in the after Turner steps down. He defeats Quebec referendum on sovereignty rival Paul Martin, who had become an association, campaigning effectively for MP for the first time only two years the “No” side, which wins in a 60-40 before. The very day that Chrétien wins split. For the moment, Quebec separat- the Liberal leadership, the Meech Lake ism appears to have been stopped. constitutional accord, which Brian During the referendum campaign, Mulroney had worked hard to achieve, Trudeau had promised that if the “No” fails to win ratification. Later that year, side prevailed, he would initiate steps to Chrétien re-enters the House of Com- patriate the Canadian constitution, mons in a by-election, representing a bringing it home from Britain. Chrétien New Brunswick riding. is given the job of handling the delicate 1993 After three years as Leader of the negotiations that ensue with the provin- Opposition, Chrétien and the Liberals cial governments. win a dramatic victory in a federal 1982 After months of difficult talks election that radically alters the compo- and painful compromises, Trudeau and sition of Canadian politics. The govern- the Queen sign the Canadian Constitu- ing Conservatives, under their new tion in front of the Parliament buildings leader , who replaced in Ottawa. As Chrétien looks on, he can Mulroney, are reduced to only two reflect on the important role he played seats. The NDP also loses ground, as in the struggle for , along with two new groups, the Western-based provincial politicians Roy Romanow of Reform Party, and the pro-sovereignty Saskatchewan and Roy McMurtry of Bloc Québécois, win a significant . However, the constitutional number of seats. Chrétien’s Liberals problem is not completely solved, as hold a commanding majority in a Quebec refuses to sign the accord. Parliament that is divided along re- gional lines like no other in Canadian 1984 After Trudeau retires from history. politics, Chrétien contests the party leadership with fellow cabinet member 1995 Canada comes close to unravel- , but loses. His loss seems ing as a second Quebec referendum on to validate what many believe to be an sovereignty results in a very narrow unwritten rule in the federal Liberal victory for the “No” side. Chrétien is Party that the leadership should alter- widely criticized for his failure to

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 12 recognize the danger of the “Yes” begins his unofficial leadership cam- Quote side’s appeal, under the dynamic direc- paign. “And above all, tion of Bloc Leader . trust the young 2003 Chrétien declares that Canada As a result of this close call, Chrétien generation of will not take part in the U.S. military vows to bring in legislation to govern Canadians that is action against Iraq. This move gains coming up. I have a the holding of any future sovereignty him widespread support across Canada. lot of faith in referenda in Quebec. This eventually The Liberal convention held in Toronto young Canadians comes into effect as the “clarity bill,” today.” — Jean chooses Paul Martin to succeed him. which specifies that for a “Yes” vote to Chrétien in his Chrétien announces that he will leave be recognized, it would have to be farewell speech, office December 12, a few months based on a clear question with a clear November 14, 2003 before his originally stated retirement (Toronto Star) majority in favour. date. 1997 Chrétien leads the Liberals to another majority victory, with his party During Chrétien’s 40-year political losing some ground in the West and career, he represented the same riding Canada. However, none of the in Quebec, winning 11 federal elec- four opposition parties is strong enough tions. On his retirement, he was the to pose a serious challenge to the Liber- longest-serving MP in the House of als, and another fragmented Parliament Commons. In his 16 years as a cabinet is the result. minister, he held eight different portfo- lios, under three prime ministers: 2000 After heading off a potential Pearson, Trudeau, and Turner. In his 13 leadership challenge from Paul Martin, years as prime minister, he faced and his finance minister, Chrétien calls a defeated three main opposition chal- , which he wins easily lengers: Lucien Bouchard, Preston again. One of his party’s proudest Manning, and . Largely boasts in the campaign is its success in written off as “yesteday’s man” prior to eliminating the federal budget deficit, a his winning the party leadership in priority of Martin’s. Chrétien takes 1990, Chrétien confounded his critics credit for this, despite his misgivings at and became a significant political leader the time about the negative conse- in Canada. Nicknamed “the little guy quences of drastic spending cuts on from Shawinigan,” Chrétien proved to government-funded social programs. both admirers and opponents that he 2002 Chrétien announces he will not was a wily, skilful political leader, one seek another term as prime minister, who could win strong support from and will retire by early 2004. Almost Canadian voters in all parts of the immediately, his rival Paul Martin, who country. had been dropped from the cabinet,

Activities 1. After reading the above timeline on Jean Chrétien’s political career, make a list of what you think were the five most important events in it, and explain the reasons for your selection.

2. Having reviewed Chrétien’s political career, do you think he will be re- membered in history as a “great” prime minister? Is greatness different from political skill or success? Give reasons for your opinion.

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 13 PAUL MARTIN: MR. PRIME MINISTER Paul Martin—The Man and His Plan

“I believe passionately that we are at a the area, and would later become a Further Research moment of great opportunity and that federal cabinet minister. At the Univer- To learn more we have the national will and the sense sity of Toronto, Martin studied law and about Paul Martin’s background and of purpose to seize it . . . this country, philosophy but was better known for future plans, Canada, is our country. It belongs to us the active social life he engaged in consider reading and we belong to it! So let us join there. He had studied French in elemen- one of the follow- together in our time and make history tary school and had become fluently ing books pub- once again!” (Toronto Star, November bilingual. During his father’s long lished in 2003. They 15 2003). With these words, Paul absences on political business in Ot- are Juggernaut: Paul Martin’s Martin concluded his acceptance speech tawa, Martin developed a strong emo- Campaign for to the delegates at the Liberal conven- tional tie with his mother, Nell, who Chrétien’s Crown tion in Toronto who had just chosen encouraged his political ambitions. He by Susan Delacourt, him leader on November 14, 2003. played a key role in his father’s election (McClelland and Martin’s moment of triumph was all the campaigns, learning a great deal about Stewart) Paul Martin: The Power more satisfying to him because it came Canadian politics in the process. In of Ambition, by after a long pursuit of the party’s helm, 1958, he strongly backed his father’s John Gray (Key a prize that had twice eluded his father, bid to win the federal Liberal leader- Porter) and Paul Paul Martin Sr., and that he himself had ship. When it failed, he was deeply Martin: CEO For failed to win over Jean Chrétien in disappointed. Ten years later, Paul Canada? by Murray Dubbin (James 1990. Martin Sr. would be passed over yet Lorimer). Martin’s victory was decisive—over again for the party’s top spot, losing to 93 per cent of the voting delegates had the rising star Pierre Trudeau. For cast their ballots in his favour. His one Martin, his father’s two defeats only remaining rival, Sheila Copps, had even served to strengthen his own determina- conceded defeat before the votes were tion to one day run for, and win, the counted. , who might have leadership of the Liberal Party. made the leadership race a real contest, After leaving university, Martin had already bowed out in July 2003, entered the world of business. Settling recognizing the inevitability of Martin’s in , he rose to prominence as victory. But now that Martin had cap- the director of , tured the party leadership, Canadians a major shipping company whose wanted to know more about the man operations were worldwide. Martin and his plan for the country. Here is a made millions, and could have become brief biography of Paul Martin, and an even more successful as a businessman, analysis of what are likely to become but the political bug he had inherited his main political priorities upon his from his father proved too strong to assuming the post of prime minister of resist. Always an avid Liberal partisan Canada. on the sidelines, he finally decided to enter federal politics in 1988, winning The Man election as MP for the Montreal riding Paul Martin was born on August 28, of Lassalle-Emard. Two years later, he 1938, in Windsor, Ontario. His father, felt that he had established sufficient Paul Martin Sr., was a Liberal MP for credibility and recognition within the

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 14 party ranks to make a bid for the leader- Martin’s none-too-subtle soundings Did you know . . . ship following John Turner’s resigna- of possible support for a leadership bid Paul Martin was tion. in early 2000 played a major role in able to raise $12- million for his In 1990, the Liberals had spent six Chrétien’s decision to call a snap elec- leadership cam- years in opposition to ’s tion in order to secure a third consecu- paign? This was the governing Conservatives. They were tive mandate and stall his rival’s ambi- largest amount looking for a new leader who would tions to succeed him. In the short run, raised by a candi- take them back into power, something this gambit proved successful. How- date for the leader- they were not used to being without. ever, by 2002 it was clear that there was ship of a party in Canadian history. But the unwritten rule of the party that widespread disillusionment with had blocked Jean Chrétien’s leadership Chrétien’s continuing leadership of the bid in 1984 proved to be Martin’s party among many rank-and-file Liberal undoing in 1990. After Turner stepped MPs. Increasingly, they turned to down, Liberal insiders believed that Martin as the only person who could only a French-Canadian with strong rebuild the party and stand a chance of backing in Quebec, and considerable winning yet another electoral victory. past political experience, could return After Chrétien dropped him from the them to office. As a newcomer on the cabinet in May 2002, the road was clear federal scene, and as an anglophone, for Martin to begin an unofficial leader- Martin did not fit the bill. His narrow ship campaign. This campaign switched loss to Chrétien at the party’s into high gear after the Prime Minister convention in late June 1990 announced in August of that year his was a bitter disappointment. intention to retire. In the meantime, But Martin did not leave politics. He Martin had raised a considerable continued to serve as an opposition MP amount of money to finance his bid for until the Liberals were triumphantly the leadership, far more than any of his returned to power in the federal election potential or actual competitors could of 1993. Martin assumed the position of match. In the end, only Sheila Copps finance minister in Chrétien’s govern- stayed in the race against Martin, ment, and in 1994 pledged himself to knowing that it was a futile enterprise. accomplishing the task of eliminating During his years as finance minister, the country’s massive federal budgetary Paul Martin came to be regarded as a deficit, which amounted to $42-billion. fiscal conservative, on the right wing of This proved to be a difficult undertak- the Liberal Party. Yet he has always ing that required massive government maintained that his social and political spending cuts, especially on valued philosophy is well within the main- social programs such as health care, stream of the party. He is proud of his insurance, and welfare. father’s role in expanding the social But Martin persevered, and in the end welfare state in Canada during the was able to boast that his cost-trimming 1950s and 60s. Policies such as medi- policies, along with an improved eco- care and pensions, originally borrowed nomic situation, had resulted in a from the socialist CCF and NDP, came balanced budget and an end to the to be the hallmarks of Liberal govern- deficit. The Liberals were able to make ments’ social policies at this time. much of this achievement in their Martin himself has stated that his father, subsequent election victory of 1997 and Paul Martin Sr., “was of the same even more so in 2000. generation and was of the same ten-

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 15 dency as Tommy Douglas,” the first 1. A new deal for Canada’s cities: Quote federal leader of the NDP and former Martin has been a strong promoter of “I believe the world CCF premier of Saskatchewan. As far increased federal assistance to improve needs more Canada. Can any as Martin Jr. is concerned, “I could the urban infrastructures of Canada’s one country make a easily identify myself as being out of main metropolitan areas. He calls for a difference? Yes, the Tommy Douglas school.” Martin two-pronged approach that would Canada can. emphasizes the role of government as involve consultation between the fed- Canada already the provider of “public goods” for the eral government and municipal leaders has. And Mr. citizenry. At the same time he recog- prior to the drawing up of a budget, and Martin is the man to do it.” — Bono, nizes the importance of its living within granting cities fairer access to federal Toronto Star, its means and not amassing huge bud- funding, mainly through the use of the November 15, 2003 getary deficits that prove to be a severe federal gas tax as a source of revenue. drain on the federal coffers. He has built strong ties with the mayors of and Toronto in order to Martin’s Plan further this plan. Throughout his successful leadership race, Martin stressed what most observ- 2. A greater international role for ers viewed as his most significant Canada: During the Liberal leadership accomplishment during his years as convention, Martin made much of his finance minister, the elimination of the personal relationship with the Irish rock federal deficit. To his supporters, this star Bono, who is an advocate for the underlined the view that Martin was a poor countries of the world. Martin fiscally responsible administrator, one indicated that he would increase the who could be trusted with the highest level of Canada’s spending on foreign political position in the land. However, aid and use its influence at the United to his critics, Martin’s reputation as a Nations and other international organi- deficit-fighter who did not hesitate to zations to push for debt relief for the slash government spending on much- Third World. needed social programs during an 3. A new relationship with the United economic recession only served to States: Martin has called for closer ties prove that he was a fiscal conservative with Washington, while at the same who cared little for the plight of ordi- time underlining his commitment to an nary Canadians. independent Canadian foreign policy, After winning the Liberal leadership, especially in the prosecution of the Martin shifted gears and started to “war on terrorism.” He supported outline his plan for the future, instead of Chrétien’s decision to refrain from dwelling on his past achievements. He participating in the war in Iraq, but has set out an ambitious “agenda for called for Canada to enter into George change” that he hoped would both Bush’s controversial missile defence inspire Liberal activists and gain program. On the economic front, he has enough support to propel the party into stated that Canada must not permit the government for yet another term after United States to pressure Canada to the next federal election, widely ex- adopt trade policies more sympathetic pected for the spring of 2004. Here are to its interests, especially in the areas of some of the main elements of Martin’s grain and softwood lumber exports. agenda:

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 16 4. Economic revitalization: Martin more say in parliamentary deliberations, Did you know . . . advocates greater funding for research Martin has proposed that more free In spite of all the and development, to assist Canadian votes be introduced, allowing MPs to talk about change, Paul Martin at 65 is industries in becoming more globally express their personal positions on only four years competitive. He also plans to reduce issues, irrespective of the official party younger than Jean Canada’s debt-to-GDP ratio by as much line. Chrétien? as 15 per cent. 7. Improved federal-provincial rela- 5. Preserving social programs: Despite tions: Martin strongly believes that the his record as a spending-cutter during federal government must do more to his years as finance minister in the promote dialogue with the provinces, in 1990s, Martin has called for the preser- the interests of national unity. He is vation and enhancement of Canada’s especially concerned about Western social programs, such as . He alienation, the widespread view in the is on record as totally opposing any Prairie provinces that Ottawa is not move to introduce a “two-tier” system listening to or addressing their regional of health care that would make superior concerns. Days after winning the lead- medical services and facilities available ership, Martin hosted an impromptu to those who could afford to pay for conference with the provincial premiers them. He also wants to reduce hospital during the Grey Cup game in Regina. wait times and make Canada’s health- The first reaction to Martin’s new care system more preventative and approach from once-suspicious pre- technologically up-to-date. miers such as Alberta’s and B.C.’s Gordon Campbell was very 6. Reducing the democratic deficit: As a positive. Martin has gone on record as backbench Liberal MP, Martin became stating that if Western alienation is concerned that the Chrétien style of greater when he leaves office than it is parliamentary leadership reduced the today, he will view his period as prime role of MPs who were not in the cabi- minister as a failure. net. In order to give ordinary members Activities 1. After reading the above passage, discuss the factors that you think are most responsible for Paul Martin’s entry into politics and the success he has achieved thus far in his political career.

2. Form groups with your classmates to read, analyze, and comment on Paul Martin’s “agenda for change” in Canada. State your opinions on it, indi- cating which parts of it you would support and/or oppose, and why. Give your views on how successful you think Martin will be in his efforts to “sell” this agenda to Canadian voters in the next federal election cam- paign.

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 17 PAUL MARTIN: MR. PRIME MINISTER YV Dear Mr. Prime Minister As a culminating activity for this story on Paul Martin’s leadership victory and the end of the Chrétien era in Canadian politics, you could write a letter to either the incoming or the outgoing prime minister. Here are some suggestions regarding what you might include in a letter to either Martin or Chrétien: 1. A letter to Jean Chrétien: You could begin by congratulating him on the completion of his career as prime minister, former cabinet minister, and member of Parliament. You could comment on what you view as his most significant achievements and/or failures during his years as prime minister. You might also provide some suggestions to the outgoing prime minister on what kind of future career he could consider pursuing once he leaves political life. 2. A letter to Paul Martin: You could begin by congratulating him on his successful Liberal leadership bid. You might also comment on the main aspects of his “agenda for change,” indicating which of them you support and/or oppose, and why. You could provide him with some suggestions as to how he should approach important government decisions, such as the composition of his cabinet, the policies he should pursue as prime minister, and the issues he should raise during the next federal election campaign.

Use the following postal address for your letters:

Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

or e-mail: [email protected]

or fax: 613-941-6900

Note: Letters addressed to members of Parliament in Ottawa do not require a postage stamp. Be patient. Your letter will be answered.

Notes:

CBC News in Review • December 2003 • Page 18