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My Years as Prime Minister
My Years as Prime Minister is Jean Chrétien’s own story, told with insight and humour, of his ten years at 24 Sussex Drive as Canada’s twentieth prime minister.
By the time he left office, Jean Chrétien had been in politics for forty years – and his experience is evident on every page of his important, engaging memoir. Chrétien loves to tell a good tale – and he does so here in the same honest, plain-spoken style of Straight from the Heart , his earlier bestselling account of his years as a Cabinet minister. He gives us a self-portrait of a working prime minister – the passionate Canadian renowned for finishing every speech with Vive le Canada !
Chrétien knows how government works, and his political instincts are sharp. Through the decade 1993 to 2003 we watch as he wins three majority elections as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Finding the country in a dreadful state, dangerously in debt and bitterly divided, he describes how his government wiped out the deficit in just four years, helped to defeat the separatists in the cliffhanger Quebec referendum, passed the Clarity Act , and set out to fulfill the economic and social promises his party made in its famous Red Books. He reveals how and why he kept the country out of the war in Iraq – a defining moment for many Canadians; led Team Canada on whirlwind trade missions around the world; and participated in a host of major international summits.
Along with his astute comments on politics and government, he gives candid portraits of a broad cast of characters. Over a beer, Tony Blair confides his hesitation about taking Britain into the Iraq War; in the corridors of the United Nations, Bill Clinton offers to speak to Quebecers on behalf of Canadian unity; while at home, Chrétien reveals the events leading up to the departure of his finance minister, Paul Martin. He recounts the dramatic night in which his quick-thinking wife, Aline, saved him from an assassination attempt at 24 Sussex Drive; and, with lively humour, he describes how he and Clinton successfully escaped from their own bodyguards – to the consternation of all.
Even in the highest office in the land, Jean Chrétien never lost his connection with ordinary Canadians. He is as warm and funny in his recollections as in person, at once combative and cool-headed, a man full of vitality and charm. Above all, from start to finish, his love for his country and his passion to keep it united run clear and deep.
By the time he left office, Jean Chrétien had been in politics for forty years – and his experience is evident on every page of his important, engaging memoir. Chrétien loves to tell a good tale – and he does so here in the same honest, plain-spoken style of Straight from the Heart , his earlier bestselling account of his years as a Cabinet minister. He gives us a self-portrait of a working prime minister – the passionate Canadian renowned for finishing every speech with Vive le Canada !
Chrétien knows how government works, and his political instincts are sharp. Through the decade 1993 to 2003 we watch as he wins three majority elections as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Finding the country in a dreadful state, dangerously in debt and bitterly divided, he describes how his government wiped out the deficit in just four years, helped to defeat the separatists in the cliffhanger Quebec referendum, passed the Clarity Act , and set out to fulfill the economic and social promises his party made in its famous Red Books. He reveals how and why he kept the country out of the war in Iraq – a defining moment for many Canadians; led Team Canada on whirlwind trade missions around the world; and participated in a host of major international summits.
Along with his astute comments on politics and government, he gives candid portraits of a broad cast of characters. Over a beer, Tony Blair confides his hesitation about taking Britain into the Iraq War; in the corridors of the United Nations, Bill Clinton offers to speak to Quebecers on behalf of Canadian unity; while at home, Chrétien reveals the events leading up to the departure of his finance minister, Paul Martin. He recounts the dramatic night in which his quick-thinking wife, Aline, saved him from an assassination attempt at 24 Sussex Drive; and, with lively humour, he describes how he and Clinton successfully escaped from their own bodyguards – to the consternation of all.
Even in the highest office in the land, Jean Chrétien never lost his connection with ordinary Canadians. He is as warm and funny in his recollections as in person, at once combative and cool-headed, a man full of vitality and charm. Above all, from start to finish, his love for his country and his passion to keep it united run clear and deep.
435 pages, Hardcover
First published October 16, 2007
23 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Jean Chrétien
26 books8 followersJoseph Jacques Jean Chrétien, C.C., c.p., O.M., C.R., premier ministre du Canada de 1993 à 2003, avocat, auteur et homme politique, est né le 11 janvier 1934 à Shawinigan, au Québec. Avocat et membre du Parlement, Jean Chrétien a été le 20e premier ministre du Canada. Dans les débuts de sa carrière politique, il prend part aux négociations sur le rapatriement de la Constitution canadienne de même que sur la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés. En tant que premier ministre, il a mené le gouvernement fédéral à ses premiers excédents en près de 30 ans. Récipiendaire de nombreux prix et distinctions, il s’est joint à plusieurs organisations internationales qui visent la paix, la démocratie et d’autres questions d’intérêt mondial.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 13, 2019
Fascinating inside look at a long career in politics. I would be a poor politician anytime. A very readable style edited from many interviews with Cretien. He made a huge impact on Canada. I find the picture from the book almost folksy and certainly friendly - a far more likely welcome diner guest than most. Compared to Mulroney's bio of privilege, Cretien persuaded me to like him more than I expected to.
July 10, 2025
The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien is one of the longest-serving Prime Ministers in Canadian history and led three successive majority terms as leader of the Liberal Party from 1993 to 2003. He famously said no to joining the US in the Iraq War (solidifying Canada’s independence on foreign policy), signed the Kyoto Protocol (committing Canada to its first-ever international environmental agreement), established the Oceans Act (helping Canada become the first country to prioritize ocean health), created the Clarity Act (to establish terms for future secession movements after the Quebec Referendum of 1995), and led Operation Yellow Ribbon to help 40,000 Americans in the air and traveling through Canada on September 11, 2001 and beyond. If you don’t know Jean Chrétien I recommend starting with the room-rousing speech he gave on the night Mark Carney became Prime Minister. If you do know him, or just want to know him better, read this book. Chrétien has an incredible way of getting to the nub of an issue, talking about it in a plainspoken way, and using humor and charm to get what he needs to get done done. Like at the 2001 Summit of the Americas in Quebec which he recounts on page 292: “The summit coincided with a small but irritating border dispute in which American potato growers managed to obtain a ban on imports from Prince Edward Island after the discovery of a harmless ‘potato wart’ on the produce from one remote farm. So I gave instructions that PEI potatoes were to be served to President Bush at every meal. During the last lunch, at a NAFTA trilateral meeting held in the Citadel looking over the St. Lawrence River and north to the Laurentian Hills, Colin Powell turned to Bush and, translating the French menu, said, ‘He’s still serving us PEI potatoes.’ // ‘You see George,’ I said, ‘you’ve been eating PEI potatoes for two days now, and you’re still alive. So tell your guys in Washington that they’re wrong.’ Apparently he did, because the problem was quickly solved.” This 2007 book pulses with endless anecdotes and stories like this one and his trademark Canadian drive, grit, and determination are on full display.
June 24, 2023
Important historical account of Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien
Three consecutive majority governments in modern Canadian history is no small achievement. From the Quebec referendum on sovereignty to eliminating the deficit to a modest but meaningful role in foreign policy, former prime minister Jean Chretien shares his perspective on the most important events of his time. Even allowing for some self serving storytelling, this is an informative and enjoyable read.
Three consecutive majority governments in modern Canadian history is no small achievement. From the Quebec referendum on sovereignty to eliminating the deficit to a modest but meaningful role in foreign policy, former prime minister Jean Chretien shares his perspective on the most important events of his time. Even allowing for some self serving storytelling, this is an informative and enjoyable read.
July 2, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this one. I find Canada fascinating.
Read
August 4, 2020Political memoir! This really captures Chrétien's voice (PM of my adolescence!) And how much of a boys club politics seems to be.
March 10, 2023
God I miss this guy
April 7, 2023
Interesting read...
January 12, 2013
Fair warning up front, a lot of decisions that Chretien made were in line with what I believed to be fair and just for the greater good. Therefore if you are more on the right when it comes to politics you might find it frustrating to relive some of the decisions that he made during his tenure.
With that out of the way I felt this was an excellent memoir that gives you an earnest view into one of the most interesting jobs to be had in our country. Chretien walks a fine line between promoting himself and exposing himself. I'm sure there is possibly some liberties taken in making himself look better in certain situations but he is honest about this possibility in the books acknowledgements. If you give him the benefit of the doubt you will find a lot of insight into some of this countries greatest challenges during his time as our prime minister.
Like anyone else doing this job he was faced with some extremely tough circumstances and decisions but he goes into detail behind some of the most important decisions or events that have affected our country in the decade he served. He has some great anecdotes but of greater interest are his explanations of why or how he came to make certain decisions. Some of these open my mind to possibilities I never would have even considered and even encouraged me to make some changes in the way I chose to lead.
Overall I found it an easy book to read and was surprised by the amount of warmth hidden within the pages that involve the love he has for his family and especially his wife. The way the book ended confirmed my deep belief that greatness comes from those that surround us. He was lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible individuals and the greatest of all was his wife.
I hope to be as lucky.
With that out of the way I felt this was an excellent memoir that gives you an earnest view into one of the most interesting jobs to be had in our country. Chretien walks a fine line between promoting himself and exposing himself. I'm sure there is possibly some liberties taken in making himself look better in certain situations but he is honest about this possibility in the books acknowledgements. If you give him the benefit of the doubt you will find a lot of insight into some of this countries greatest challenges during his time as our prime minister.
Like anyone else doing this job he was faced with some extremely tough circumstances and decisions but he goes into detail behind some of the most important decisions or events that have affected our country in the decade he served. He has some great anecdotes but of greater interest are his explanations of why or how he came to make certain decisions. Some of these open my mind to possibilities I never would have even considered and even encouraged me to make some changes in the way I chose to lead.
Overall I found it an easy book to read and was surprised by the amount of warmth hidden within the pages that involve the love he has for his family and especially his wife. The way the book ended confirmed my deep belief that greatness comes from those that surround us. He was lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible individuals and the greatest of all was his wife.
I hope to be as lucky.
February 1, 2020
A fairly disappointing book. The best parts of the book are in regards to Jean Chretien's rocky relationship with Paul Martin, as well as his tough attitude leading him into trouble with his bodyguards. There are a few moments spread throughout the book, especially in the first few pages, in which we see the former prime minister's great charm, but ultimately the rest of the book fell flat.
Most of the book speaks of relationships with foreign leaders long gone, and the author seems to take pride in having relationships with tyrants and dictators. Jean Chretien speaks very highly of himself, putting himself in the position of a great negotiator, which can be a turnoff after many hundreds of pages. He also spends very little to no time discussing the elections of 1993, 1997 and 2000, with only a few paragraphs of mention on how the elections progressed, strangely putting emphasis strong emphasis on the Conservative opposition. Being one of the longest reigning prime ministers in Canadian history, it is rather unfortunate that many of the important events which happened under his time in office are not mentioned in the book; the only exceptions are his relationship with Paul Martin, and his view on the Quebec Referendum. Even then, his chapter on the campaign of the Quebec Referendum talks more about the nervousness and anxiety of election night instead of how he played an important role in the entire process.
Most of the book speaks of relationships with foreign leaders long gone, and the author seems to take pride in having relationships with tyrants and dictators. Jean Chretien speaks very highly of himself, putting himself in the position of a great negotiator, which can be a turnoff after many hundreds of pages. He also spends very little to no time discussing the elections of 1993, 1997 and 2000, with only a few paragraphs of mention on how the elections progressed, strangely putting emphasis strong emphasis on the Conservative opposition. Being one of the longest reigning prime ministers in Canadian history, it is rather unfortunate that many of the important events which happened under his time in office are not mentioned in the book; the only exceptions are his relationship with Paul Martin, and his view on the Quebec Referendum. Even then, his chapter on the campaign of the Quebec Referendum talks more about the nervousness and anxiety of election night instead of how he played an important role in the entire process.
April 4, 2009
I liked this behind the scenes look at Canadian politics especially since this was during a time when I was just getting into politics.
It provides good detailed information and shows Jean's sense of humour.
However.... I just couldn't get the nagging feeling out of my head as I read it that this was not Jean's voice. Not the voice of the Jean that I grew to know from the media (i.e. golfballs) Whenever he was explaining a decision that was controversial, he would always go back to how he was doing it for the people, for Canada, for the country he loved. I guess I was expecting more of the feisty guy "i did it because it was right" kind of thing.
Nevertheless, an enjoyable book.
It provides good detailed information and shows Jean's sense of humour.
However.... I just couldn't get the nagging feeling out of my head as I read it that this was not Jean's voice. Not the voice of the Jean that I grew to know from the media (i.e. golfballs) Whenever he was explaining a decision that was controversial, he would always go back to how he was doing it for the people, for Canada, for the country he loved. I guess I was expecting more of the feisty guy "i did it because it was right" kind of thing.
Nevertheless, an enjoyable book.
June 23, 2013
At first I was kinda turned off by what felt like a boastful tone in the book. After a few chapters though I was won over by Chretien's charm. Jean speaks with warmth and I found that I was rooting for Jean most of the time.
I learned a lot about Canadian and world politics of the 90s and early 00's. I loved hearing about the relationship between Chretien and Clinton.
Although I admit that I don't know that much about the Martin/Chretien feud I can't help but feel that this memoir didn't really tell the story fairly. Martin was written as kind of irrational and snaky. I think it would be interesting to read martin's explanation of the feud.
I would recommend this book to most Canadians and everyone that has an interest in Canadian politics or world politics.
I learned a lot about Canadian and world politics of the 90s and early 00's. I loved hearing about the relationship between Chretien and Clinton.
Although I admit that I don't know that much about the Martin/Chretien feud I can't help but feel that this memoir didn't really tell the story fairly. Martin was written as kind of irrational and snaky. I think it would be interesting to read martin's explanation of the feud.
I would recommend this book to most Canadians and everyone that has an interest in Canadian politics or world politics.
January 12, 2011
If you think you dislike Jean Chretien, you don't. Read this book. He is charming, witty, funny, honest and brilliant. The measures he took during his years as Prime Ministerial were compassionate, necessary and effective. Overall, I have great respect for the man and he aptly deals with his critics. I enjoyed the fact that he did not take stabs at those who would consider him an enemy and gave anecdotes that truly let you delve into the man's innermost self. Fantastic read and a great autobiography.
March 25, 2008
I stood in line and got the book signed by the Prime Minister and it was well worth the wait. He was the man who made me want to go into the news business and watch c-pac like it was wrestling. If you love politics and want to know how Canadian cabinet ministers are assigned and what you have to do to balance a budget, Nationally of course this is a great book. Also he's a pretty funny guy in real life.
August 6, 2011
This is a fantastic read. What I really enjoyed about the book was Chrétien's sense of humour. It's rare for books to make me laugh out loud, but this one did numerous times. I've been practicing my "Shawinigan handshake" technique for days! It was a fantastically interesting decade of Canadian politics and this book is a great overview, told by a master storyteller who makes you feel proud to be a Canadian.
January 5, 2012
It is no secret to anyone that I am a liberal and that I loved the Chretien administration. Jean Chretien is to this day my favorite Canadian Leader. He lead this country with dignity and grace. He loved this county and it showed.
He wrote this book not as a look at what I did for this country but as a taste of what his past was like and his first few years in office. I think all Canadians should read this book so they can get a view at one of our greatest Prime Ministers.
He wrote this book not as a look at what I did for this country but as a taste of what his past was like and his first few years in office. I think all Canadians should read this book so they can get a view at one of our greatest Prime Ministers.
May 3, 2021
I don't consider myself a Liberal, but I have a soft spot for the Shawinigan Strangler. Not much about governance in this, but some amusing anecdotes about from his years as prime minister. The ones I recall best: Putin giving a tour of the Kremlin to Chretien's grandson, Chretien scaring the Secret Service when he convinced Clinton to take off at a G8 meeting, that thing with the Newfoundland premier showing down the Spanish fishing fleet.
July 16, 2009
Enjoyable, especially if you like the man, as I do.
November 27, 2009
It reminded me of why I like Chretien! Whether you like him or not, he was incredibly bright and witty!
December 28, 2009
Would add an extra half if I could. I couldn't appreciate it as much perhaps because I don't know as much about the Canadian policies or politics. All my Canadian friends rave abt it though...
October 18, 2010
He's one of my idols.
March 6, 2011
As engaging, confident, and casual as the man himself. No surprises. Little new insight.
August 1, 2011
Excellent book. It's always good to read the memoir of a leader, because you learn the back-stories.
August 1, 2013
Vive le Canada!
It's no secret that Jean Chretien is probably my favourite Prime Minister. This book solidified my opinion.
It's no secret that Jean Chretien is probably my favourite Prime Minister. This book solidified my opinion.
February 10, 2013
Book was good. This was probably my first time reading the biography of a Canadian Prime Minister.
It kept my interest.
It kept my interest.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews