All Canadians are extremely proud of former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s latest achievement – being awarded the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II.
Jean Chrétien’s lifetime of achievement through forty years in public service puts him rightly in the company of the twenty four living recipients of this prestigious honour.
Jean Chrétien’s leadership changed Canada for the better. He played a central role in repatriating the Constitution of Canada and adopting the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He defended Canadian unity on the frontlines, acting as a major force in winning two Quebec referendums. He brought Canada’s finances from record deficits to surplus, and gave Canadians the largest tax cut in Canadian history. He introduced the Millennium Scholarships to increase postsecondary access for students, and the Child Tax Benefit to improve living standards for low-income children.
Former Prime Minister Chrétien is also recognized as a statesman of the highest stature. He sharply increased international trade through positive relations between Canada and China and leading the “Team Canada” trade missions. He led Canada into NATO actions in Yugoslavia and Afghanistan in defense of human rights and international security. He brought Canada into the Kyoto climate change accord and championed greater international aid in Africa.
Jean Chrétien embodies the best that Canada has to offer. His Canada embraced bilingualism and multiculturalism, compassion and fiscal responsibility, and forged strong relationships with nations around the world.
On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I congratulate our former Liberal Prime Minister for the well-deserved honour.
