Joseph Jacques Jean Chrétien was born on January 11, 1934 in Shawinigan, Quebec.

Prior to entering politics, Chrétien practised law.

Chrétien was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament representing the riding of Saint-Maurice in 1968 and continued to represent this riding until 1986.

He was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament representing the riding of Beauséjour in 1990 and served in this role until 1993.

Chrétien also served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada from 1980-1982, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources from 1982-1984, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and Secretary of State for External Affairs for a short period in 1984.

In 1990, Chrétien succeeded John Turner as leader of the Liberal Party.

Following the 1993 federal election, Jean Chrétien took office as the Prime Minister of Canada. He served as the 20th Prime Minister of Canada from November 4, 1993 to December 12, 2003.