(from globeandmail.com)

Prime Minister and Liberal leader.

Elected as an MP for LaSalle-Emard, Que. in 1988.

Ran for Liberal leadership in 1990; lost to Jean Chrétien

Served as Liberal opposition party's associate finance critic, and environment critic from 1991 to 1993

Finance Minister from 1993 to 2002, balances books in 1998, first time since 1970.

Fired as finance minister in June, 2002.

Wins Liberal leadership Nov. 14, appointed Prime Minister on Dec 12.

Former business executive Power Corp. of Canada, in Montreal, and was chairman and chief executive officer of Canada Steamship Lines

Co-chairs United Nations Commission on Private Sector and Development  with former Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo