As my readers know there are no more important dates on the political history calendar than the birthdays of our 23 Prime Ministers. And today, it is Paul Martin’s big day.Our 21st Prime Minister is a remarkable man and public servant whose service to Canada, even in retirement from politics, is continuing and impactful, particular with his total commitment to reconciliation between Canadians and our Indigenous brothers and sister. He will long be remembered as one of Canada’s greatest finance ministers who earned the total trust of Canadians – from all party views – when cleaning up the books and government spending in the 1990s and early 2000s. He became Prime Minister in 2003, serving in the nation’s top post with honour and distinction until 2006.It has been my high honour to know Mr. Martin and I owe him a great deal. Over many years he has supported my work in the field of political history, even once traveling to Kingston to join me to co-lead a historical walking tour of downtown Kingston. He wowed our audience and, in particular, took time out that special day to spend time with the many young people who attended. And, when I faced some health challenges in recent years he has been right there in my corner. It was once said of Father of Confederation Thomas D’Arcy McGee that his “heart was built for friendship.” The same description applies to Mr. Martin as well.Like his father, the Right Honourable Paul Martin Sr., before him, Mr. Martin has always put Canada first, leaving in his wake, again like his late dad, a better Canada.So, happy birthday to my friend Paul Martin as he marks his special day. I’m proud to share this picture of Mr. Martin at our home the day he so graciously grabbed a shovel to plant a ceremonial tree in our famous garden.
Arthur Milnes is an accomplished public historian and award-winning journalist. He was research assistant on The Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney’s best-selling Memoirs and also served as a speechwriter to then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper and as a Fellow of the Queen’s Centre for the Study of Democracy under the leadership of Tom Axworthy. A resident of Kingston, Ontario, Milnes serves as the in-house historian at the 175 year-old Frontenac Club Hotel.
Arthur Milnes is an accomplished public historian and award-winning journalist. He was research assistant on The Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney’s best-selling Memoirs and also served as a speechwriter to then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper and as a Fellow of the Queen’s Centre for the Study of Democracy under the leadership of Tom Axworthy. A resident of Kingston, Ontario, Milnes serves as the in-house historian at the 175 year-old Frontenac Club Hotel.