Former Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien, a.k.a. "The Little Guy from Shawinigan" was appointed to the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II. This award places him among the inclusive ranks of Albert Schweitzer, Mother Theresa and Nelson Mandela.
Jean Chretien was Prime Minister of Canada from November 4, 1993 to December 12, 2003, and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 1990 to 2003.
The Merit of Order is bestowed by the British Monarch. The Award was established in 1902 by King Edward VII as a personal award for military service, art, literature, science or the promotion of culture. The award is considered a personal gift from the Monarch and does not require ministerial advice.
The Royal website states that the award is restricted to 24 members as well as additional foreign dignitaries.
Whether you like Chretien or not and whether or not you think he deserves to be ranked along side of Mother Theresa and others, one think is undeniable.
Chretien loves Canada, stood for Canada, fought for Canada and left no doubt he was
Canadian. The award? Good for him and good for Canada.
'A prime minister has a unique duty to preserve the integrity of the office. It is not about power. It is about responsibility.'—Jean Chrétien
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