Thirty years after his first election as head of state in 1993, former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien is asked to reflect on his vision of politics. He thinks that today’s politicians are much more boring than in his time.
In a lengthy interview with CTV News on Wednesday evening, Mr. Chrétien recalled that when he was first elected as an MP in 1963, debates in Parliament were not yet televised.
“Back then we weren’t allowed to read anything in the House of Commons. We had to stand up and talk. It was fun. Today [les députés] “They come to their offices with speeches prepared by young people and it is deadly boring,” lamented the former prime minister.
“I don’t want to be a stepmother”
In addition, the champion of Canadian unity, who led the country in the second referendum on Quebec independence in 1995, was invited to comment on Quebec nationalism, including the Legault government’s intention to double tuition fees for English-speaking students other federal states.
“I don’t want to be the Monday morning quarterback. I don’t want to be the stepmother. It’s hard to face the problem, but I will face the problem. That’s what I was known for, but now I’m no longer here,” replied Mr. Chrétien.
Still, despite nationalism in Quebec or Alberta’s various criticisms of the federal government, the former prime minister believes his successors have it easier than him.
“[L’unité du Canada] is much less of a problem than when I was there,” assured the former prime minister, pleading for patience, moderation and the political center.