Paul Martin

Paul Edgar Philippe Martin was a Member of Parliament in Canada for the Liberal Party from 1988 until his retirement in 2008. Under Jean Chrétien, he served as the Minister of Finance and recorded five consecutive budget surpluses, acquiring a reputation as a fiscal conservative. He became the leader of the Liberal Party on November 14, 2003, and served as Prime Minister from December 2003 until February 2006. As Prime Minister, Martin's government introduced a same-sex marriage bill that was passed in Parliament. Despite his Catholic faith, Martin said that he must reach beyond his personal beliefs and uphold his public duties in making this decision.