Jean Chrétien is in Ottawa to attend a ceremony to mark his 90th birthday and his long political career.
Mr. Chrétien was born on January 11, 1934 in Shawinigan and was the 20th Prime Minister of Canada. He served in this role from November 4, 1993 to December 12, 2003 under the banner of the Liberal Party of Canada (PLC). He had three consecutive majority mandates.
During Patrice Roy's set at ICI RDI, the ex-politician nicknamed “the little guy from Shawinigan” looked back on his political career. He also spoke about his physical health, which he considers to be very good for his age.
I would say I'm fitter than Biden and have better judgment than Trump.
A long career
Jean Chrétien was first elected as an MP in the 1963 federal election and held various ministerial positions in the governments of Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Elliott Trudeau. In 1984 he was Deputy Prime Minister of Canada for a few months under John Turner.
Jean Chrétien, who has retired from political life since 2003, has never stopped promoting Canadian unity. He considers himself privileged to have had such a successful career in the House of Commons.
I was lucky, but I also had experience. I was an MP for 30 years before becoming Prime Minister. I knew politics and I loved it. My political opponents, regardless of their beliefs and ambitions, also wanted to do their best and look good, he said.
Jean Chrétien was also asked about his greatest achievements as a politician.
We often talk about Iraq or other topics, but sometimes we do things that no one knows about. For example, I have set up as many areas as national parks the size of France. For me this is important, especially to absorb CO2 from the air. But no one talks about it, he explained.
Another achievement that makes him proud is the 1997 Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines, which he personally worked on. This international agreement prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines.
No regret
Looking back on his long career, Jean Chrétien says he has no regrets.
I don't spend my time saying what I could have done better. The most important thing for me is the future.
As Justin Trudeau prepares to run for a new term as prime minister, Mr Chrétien was asked about the best time to leave the political scene. According to him, it is a personal decision.
However, it was his wife Aline who convinced him to stay on, even if he wanted to step down after two terms.
My third [mandat] will ultimately have been my best.