Yellowknife (Aug 27/03) - For some people last Sunday was probably their last chance to meet Prime Minister Jean Chretien, before he leaves public office.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien walks to the legislative assembly with Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Liberal MP for the Western Arctic. - Elizabeth Hargreaves/NNSL photo

During Chretien's brief visit in Yellowknife a reception was held, at the legislative assembly. Residents from the North were invited to come and meet the Liberal leader.

For Chic Callas, a member of the music group Spruce on Top, which was one of the bands that played at the reception, this was his second time meeting the Prime Minister.

Callas was 12 years old when he shook Chretien's hand for the first time and now 35 years latter he had the chance to do it again.

"It was an honour to shake his hand again," he said. "Chretien has done a lot for the people of the North. I have a lot of respect for the man."

Calla's son, Aaron who is 13, also had a chance to shake the PM's hand.

After Chretien arrived he addressed the crowd, telling this was probably his last visit to Yellowknife as Prime Minister. He told some humorous stories of experiences he's had when he's travelled to the North.

"My association with you has been a big part of my life," he said.

Chretien first came to Yellowknife in 1968, when he was the Minister of Indian Affairs, which was his first position in the cabinet.

"That was probably the best years of my public life," he said.

He mentioned that one thing he sees when he comes to Yellowknife is the potential for the community and the entire North. He said there is a lot of potential for future development.

"There are still some problems, there will always be problems but when there's hope we can overcome," he said. "When I look at the future, it's full of possibilities." Chretien spoke in French for part of his speech, addressing the francophone population in Yellowknife.

"They are also part of the culture here too," he said.

Chretien commented that the best part about Yellowknife is the people who make up the community.

"The diversity of people working together is Canada at it's best," he said.

Chretien ended his address, to the people, with a simple thank you.

"Merci beaucoup et au revoir," he said.