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 Toronto 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” (Toronto Star, 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 Pierre Trudeau 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 Clarity Act. 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 Bono, 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.