Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien plans to remain in power until February, he said in an interview published Saturday, shooting down rumors that he would end his mandate early.
Chretien told the French-language daily La Presse that he still wants to push several legislative efforts that affect issues close to his heart, including ethics reforms, gay marriage and the Inuit self-ruled regions.
"The country is doing well," he said, when asked what he was proudest of having accomplished after 10 years at the helm of Canada's government and a total of some 40 years in politics.
"We have gotten the country in order," he added, underscoring the Liberal Party's success in sorting out the country's finances without sparking a social crisis.
He also said he was proud of Canada's decision not to join the US-led invasion of Iraq.
"Canadians are very happy with our position on Iraq," he said.
He added that he was pleased that his Liberal Party had gained in popularity in the separatist-minded province of Quebec, where secessionists have slipped at the polls in recent elections.
"In public life, when you wake up, it's a challenge. It's a gamble every morning, ... like skating on thin ice. You never know when there will be a hole that could swallow you and you'll disappear forever. And at the end of each day, you say to yourself: `I survived another day.' And that's how it's been for 40 years."
The Liberal Party is due to elect a new leader in November. That person will become the head of government in February.
Among the contenders are former finance minister Paul Martin, who was axed last year by Chretien for seeking the job too openly.
Deputy Prime Minister and current Finance Minister John Manley, as well as Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, are also in the running.
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