From 2003 to 2006, Paul Martin served as the 21st prime minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. He is also known as Paul Martin Jr.
As Prime Minister, he implemented a ten-year plan to improve health care and reduce wait times. Additionally, he established the first national early learning and child care program through agreements with the provinces and territories. As a result of an 18-month consultation process involving Canada’s provinces, territories, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit leaders, the Federal government reached a historic agreement in 2005 with the Kelowna Accord, which addresses funding gaps in Indigenous health, education, housing, and clean water.
Before entering politics, Mr Martin worked in the private sector for many years. After graduating from St. Michael’s College and the University’s law school, he became a lawyer. In 1966, he was admitted to the Ontario Bar.
1. If we want Canada to succeed, Indigenous children and youth must succeed. As the youngest and fastest-growing segment of the population, their potential is our future.
2. The people of Canada have worked hard to build a country that opens its doors to include all, regardless of their differences; a country that respects all, regardless of their differences; a country that demands equality for all, regardless of their differences.
3. If we do not step forward, then we step back. If we do not protect a right, then we deny it.
For years governments have been promising more than they can deliver and delivering more than they can afford.
4. It is racist, and it was racist when it was created. The Indian Act controls or seeks to control the lives of all indigenous people in a way that you and I would never accept.
5. Reasonable people can have differences.
6. You do not want to get your debt ratio out of whack.
7. The facts are plain: Religious leaders who preside over marriage ceremonies must and will be guided by what they believe. If they do not wish to celebrate marriages for same-sex couples, that is their right. The Supreme Court says so. And the Charter says so.
8. In Canada, women’s rights are a vital part of our effort to build a society of real equality – not just for some, but for all Canadians. A society in which women no longer encounter discrimination nor are shut out from opportunities open to others.
9. I really think Canada should get over to Iraq as quickly as possible.
10. Every Canadian who wants to learn should have the opportunity to do so.
11. We, as Canadians, have no hesitation lecturing the rest of the world on what they should be doing, how they shouldn’t discriminate, and how they should treat the poor. That same discrimination – unfairness that exists in so many of these countries – has been practised for years in our own country.