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Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien was in Saskatoon Wednesday to speak with students at the University of Saskatchewan as part of a series of events the institution is hosting to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. Chretien, 83, was in politics for 27 years and served with six Liberal prime ministers, including Pierre Trudeau. He was prime minister from 1993 to 2003 and presided over a period of economic growth. Prior to giving his talk Wednesday, Chretien spoke with the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.

Saskatoon StarPhoenix: In your mind, what have been the most surprising political developments since you left public office?

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Jean Chretien: The election of Trump in the United States. It’s very surprising and not very encouraging.

SSP: What has been most surprising to you about his presidency?

JC: That the Americans are in that situation. You know, for them, it is probably a loss of great prestige in the world because of that, to have to deal with a president who is so erratic as President Trump. If you’re a leader in the big countries in Europe and Asia and so on, you’re wondering what is happening … but it’s democracy. They elected him as president and we have to live with it.