Paul Martin said...

"We acted on the belief that Canada is strongest as a nation when we endeavour to ensure that no Canadian is ever left behind. "

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No Canadian Left Behind

Paul Martin, born Paul Edgar Philippe Martin, was the 21st Prime Minister of Canada from 2003 until 2006. The former leader of the Liberal Party of Canada was defeated by Conservative Stephen Harper on January 23, 2006, ending twelve years of Liberal leadership. He was one of the most successful finance ministers of Canada as well as a respected businessman.

Before Martin got involved with politics, Martin had a long career in the private sector, serving as Executive Assistant to Maurice Strong, the Vice President of Power Corporation, President and later Chief Executive Officer of Canada Steamship Lines, and Corporate Director of C.B Pak Inc, Redpath Industries Ltd., Fednav Ltd., Manufacturers Life Insurance Co., Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd. and Imasco Corp. In 2004 Forbes estimated Martin's wealth at $225,000,000 (USD).

As Finance Minister, Canada's budget was balanced five consecutive times and the annual deficit erased.

Over the summer of 2002 Martin declared his intention to run as the Leader of the Liberal Party at the next convention. Martin's opponents for leadership soon dropped out of the race. On September 21, 2003, he easily defeated his only remaining opponent, former Deputy Prime Minister Sheila Copps. On November 14 of the same year he was declared winner at the Liberal Leadership convention, gaining 3,242 or 3,455 votes, and was appointed 21rst Prime Minister of Canada. After his appointment, Paul Martin had record approval rating.

While in office, Martin has faced challenges such as Quebec separatism, Newfoundland provincialism, and many forms of hostility arising from allegations of scandal. He worked to increase funding for health care and introduced changes to the equalization program, under which the federal government transfers money to provinces that have less ability to raise revenues through taxation than wealthier provinces. His government proposed a bill to legalize same-sex marriages in Canada. The Civil Marriage Act was passed in late June, 2005 and the Senate passed it in July, making Canada the fourth country in the world to allow same-sex marriages.

When Martin took office he intended improving U.S. -- Canada relations. His government cooperates with the U.S. on border control, refugee claimants, and defence. Martin has been promoting the expansion of the G8 into a larger group of twenty nations G20. He has also worked to build stronger relationships between China and Canada.