Paul Edgar Philippe Martin (born August 28, 1938), also known as Paul Martin Jr., is a Canadian politician who served as the 21st prime minister of Canada from December 12, 2003, to February 6, 2006.
Martin served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of LaSalle—Émard in Montreal from his election in the 1988 election to his retirement in 2008.
He served as minister of Finance from 1993 to 2002.
After the 2004 election, his Liberal Party retained power, although only as a minority government.
Forced by a confidence vote to call the 2006 general election, which he lost, Martin stepped down as parliamentary leader, handing the reins to Bill Graham.
The Liberals then assumed the role of official opposition to a Conservative government, led by Stephen Harper.
Martin stayed on as party leader until he resigned on March 18.