Beyond Politics - Jean Chrétien

Canada's 20th prime minister, Jean Chrétien was born and raised in Shawinigan, Que. The eigth of nine children, Chrétien was admittedly a wayward soul as a youth and credits Aline Chainé for straightening out his life - they eventually married. Chrétien graduated with a degree in law from Laval and practiced at a Shawinigan firm before becoming the MP for Saint- Maurice-La Flèche. He was only 29. Chretien quickly established himself as a competent and capable minister with well developed political smarts. From 1967 until 1984, Chrétien served in all the major cabinet portfolios: Finance, Justice, Industry, External Affairs. By 1986, the Liberals were out of office and Chretien left public life for a job in the private sector. When John Turner resigned as leader in 1990, it offered Chretien another opportunity to become leader and he did, defeating Paul Martin in doing so. Looking back on his time as prime minister, Chretien points to the decision to not enter the war in Iraq as his greatest achievement, but he may be remembered best for his economic accomplishments, $42 billion in deficit eliminated, five consecutive budget surpluses and his political acumen that earned him grudging respect from his fiercest rivals. Chretien is currently employed as counsel with the law firm Heenan Blaikie. He spoke to Catherine Clark about his life Beyond Politics.