What Is 22nd Prime Minister of Canada

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 22nd Prime Minister of Canada was Paul Martin, who served from December 12, 2003, to February 6, 2006. A member of the Liberal Party, he succeeded Jean Chrétien after winning the party leadership in 2003.

Key Facts

Paul Martin served as Prime Minister from December 12, 2003, to February 6, 2006
He was the 22nd person to hold the office of Prime Minister of Canada
Martin led the Liberal Party to victory in the 2004 federal election
His government introduced the 2005 budget, which included major health care funding
He resigned as Prime Minister after the 2006 federal election resulted in a Conservative victory

Overview

Paul Martin served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, holding office from December 12, 2003, to February 6, 2006. A prominent figure in Canadian politics, Martin rose to national prominence through his role as Minister of Finance under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, where he oversaw significant fiscal reforms and budget surpluses in the late 1990s.

His tenure as Prime Minister was relatively short but marked by efforts to renew public trust in federal governance following the Sponsorship Scandal. Martin also prioritized social programs, international diplomacy, and Indigenous affairs during his time in office.

Paul Martin became Prime Minister on December 12, 2003, following his uncontested win for Liberal Party leadership.
He represented the riding of LaSalle—Émard in Montreal, Quebec, throughout his time in Parliament.
Martin was the first Canadian Prime Minister born in the 20th century to serve in the 21st century.
Before becoming Prime Minister, he served as Minister of Finance from 1993 to 2002, where he eliminated Canada’s chronic budget deficits.
His government passed the Civil Marriage Act in 2005, making Canada the fourth country to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.

How It Works

The role of Prime Minister in Canada is determined by leadership of the party commanding confidence in the House of Commons, not by direct election. Paul Martin’s path to power followed internal party dynamics and parliamentary procedure.

Term: Paul Martin served as Prime Minister for 2 years and 56 days, from December 12, 2003, to February 6, 2006. His term ended after the 2006 federal election resulted in a minority government led by Stephen Harper’s Conservatives.
Leadership Campaign: Martin won the Liberal Party leadership on November 14, 2003, succeeding Jean Chrétien after a prolonged and public rivalry.
Election of 2004: In the June 28, 2004 federal election, Martin led the Liberals to a minority government, winning 135 seats out of 308.
Policy Focus: His government introduced a $4.6 billion health care package in 2004 to strengthen public health systems under the 10-Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care.
Indigenous Relations: Martin issued a formal apology in 2005 for the mistreatment of First Nations children in the residential school system, though full reparations came later.
Foreign Policy: He maintained Canada’s absence from the Iraq War, reinforcing Canada’s independent foreign policy stance in contrast to the U.S.-led invasion.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares Paul Martin’s tenure with other recent Prime Ministers in terms of duration, electoral outcomes, and major policy milestones.

Prime Minister	Term Start	Term End	Party	Major Policy
Pierre Trudeau	1968	1979, 1980–1984	Liberal	Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Brian Mulroney	1984	1993	Progressive Conservative	Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement
Jean Chrétien	1993	2003	Liberal	Eliminated federal deficit
Paul Martin	2003	2006	Liberal	Legalized same-sex marriage
Stephen Harper	2006	2015	Conservative	Tax reduction and crime laws

This comparison highlights how Martin’s term, while brief, contributed to significant social reforms. His administration’s emphasis on reconciliation, health care, and fiscal responsibility positioned him as a transitional figure between the long Chrétien era and the Conservative resurgence under Harper.

Why It Matters

Paul Martin’s time as Prime Minister, though short, had lasting implications for Canadian governance, social policy, and Indigenous relations. His leadership reflected a shift toward accountability and modernization in federal politics.

Martin’s 2005 budget allocated $1.3 billion to post-secondary education and student aid, expanding access for low-income families.
He established the First Ministers’ Meeting on Aboriginal Issues in 2005, advancing dialogue on Indigenous self-governance.
His government created the Public Health Agency of Canada in 2004 in response to the SARS crisis, improving national health infrastructure.
Martin strengthened Canada’s role in UN peacekeeping missions, deploying troops to conflict zones like Afghanistan.
He faced challenges from within his own party due to the Sponsorship Scandal, which eroded public trust in the Liberals.
Despite losing power in 2006, Martin’s legacy includes foundational reforms in health, education, and human rights.

Paul Martin’s leadership, though overshadowed by political transitions, demonstrated a commitment to progressive values and institutional reform, shaping Canada’s policy landscape in the early 21st century.