Former prime minister Jean Chrétien is shown in April, 2013. Mr. Chrétien celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2013.FRED CHARTRAND/The Canadian Press
If it wasn't for the freezing rain, Jean Chrétien says he would have celebrated his 80th birthday on the slopes.
Instead, the former prime minister had to settle for a party with 80 family and friends Friday night in Montreal to mark the occasion.
"It was a very nice party – my family and former colleagues and so on," Chrétien said Saturday.
"Now I can't go skiing because the weather doesn't permit to do that."
The native of Shawinigan, Que., said he would spend Saturday, his actual birthday, at his home in Ottawa.
Chrétien, who was prime minister for more than a decade between 1993 and 2003, said he feels great.
"I'm happy to be in good health and to continue to stay active," said Chrétien, who continues to work at an Ottawa law firm.
"I don't feel as old as I am."
Chrétien suffered a health scare in 2010 when he had to undergo surgery to remove a pool of blood putting pressure on his brain.
But that's behind him now.
Chrétien said politicians still come to him for advice, though he won't say who has sought his guidance.
"One of the conditions that they want and I want is discretion," he said.
"I'm happy to give my views but it's always on a one-to-one basis, not for publication."
A charity fundraiser to celebrate his birthday and his entry into public life 50 years ago is planned for later this month in Toronto.
He was first elected as a Liberal MP in April, 1963.
Chrétien said the event will be non-partisan. Former prime ministers Joe Clark, Paul Martin and John Turner will be on hand, along with former NDP head Ed Broadbent.
"I don't do that very often... but it will be a good occasion where they will celebrate my 80th birthday," he said.