21st Prime Minister of Canada

Paul Martin

The finance minister who balanced the books.

In officeDecember 12, 2003 – February 6, 2006

PartyLiberal

BornAugust 28, 1938 · Windsor, Ontario

RidingLaSalle–Émard (Quebec)

Biography

A successful businessman, Paul Martin served as finance minister from 1993 to 2002, eliminating the federal deficit. He succeeded Jean Chrétien as Liberal leader and prime minister in 2003 and won a minority government in 2004.

Key highlights

As finance minister, turned a large deficit into surpluses by 1997–98
Signed a 10-year, $41-billion health accord with the provinces (2004)
Negotiated the Kelowna Accord with Indigenous leaders (2005)
Passed the Civil Marriage Act, legalizing same-sex marriage nationally (2005)
Led Canada's first minority government since 1979