Paul Martin has long championed economic and social development in Canada and abroad. Following a distinguished career in the private sector, he entered federal politics and went on to serve as minister of Finance, leader of the Liberal party and Canada's 21st prime minister. He is particularly known for his work eliminating the fiscal deficit, reducing the country's national debt and putting the Canada Pension Plan on sound footing. He has also played an important role in making the quality of life of Aboriginal Canadians a priority of public policy, in strengthening Canada's health care system, in promoting good governance in Africa and in establishing the G-20.