Martin proud to leave Canada with 'wind in its sails'

In his final news conference as prime minister, Paul Martin said he is proud of how much his government accomplished in a short time and satisfied that he has left the country in sound economic shape.

"Certainly I feel very proud of what we've left. This country clearly has the wind in its sails," Martin said to reporters in Ottawa on Thursday morning.

Ten days after Stephen Harper's Conservatives won a minority government in the federal election, Martin appeared relaxed and relieved, laughing often as he answered reporters' questions.

Harper becomes prime minister on Monday, replacing Martin in the job he held for just 26 months.

Martin said a number of federal-provincial deals negotiated during the Liberal mandate will improve the lives of Canadians.

"The child-care agreement will happen and will have a significant effect on the success of our nation ..., the cities and communities agreement will be a change for the better ... and the health-care accord will lead to a strengthened health-care system," said Martin.

He stressed his pride in the Kelowna Accord, a $5-billion deal to improve the lives of aboriginals, calling it a "measurable way" to address one of Canada's most shameful legacies.

The incoming Conservative government's position on these issues is different from Martin's. Harper has stated his support for the health-care deal, but hasn't committed to upholding the child-care agreements or the Kelowna Accord.

Departing prime minister won't be 'looking back'

Martin brushed off questions about what went wrong with the failed Liberal election campaign, saying he didn't plan to spend a lot of time "looking back and doing analysis."

He appeared annoyed, giving a brief "no comment," when asked if it was appropriate for the RCMP to announce it was launching a criminal investigation into a possible Finance Department leak during the election campaign.

Martin did say that accusations he tried to do too many things were fair. During the election campaign, Harper repeatedly attacked Martin for having a list of 56 priority issues.

"But we had a lot to accomplish. We knew the minority had a short life."

He reminisced about his years as federal finance minister, saying Liberal efforts to cut the deficit during the 1990s have left Canada in a sound economic position, and that arguing over surpluses is "far healthier" than arguing over deficits.

"I could not be more optimistic about the future of this country," said Martin.

Martin to work on international scene

His comments come a day after he said outgoing Defence Minister Bill Graham would be interim leader in the House of Commons while the party seeks a new leader.

• RELATED STORY: Martin to split duties with interim leader Bill Graham

Martin said he won't be playing a role in the upcoming Liberal leadership campaign, adding that the party has a number of "stellar candidates" to take his place.

Also Wednesday, Justice John Gomery issued his final report on the sponsorship scandal, which many believe played a key role in the Liberals' electoral loss on Jan. 23.

• RELATED STORY: Shift powers to restore trust in government: Gomery

Martin joked on Thursday about his own original pledge to call an election soon after the report's release, telling reporters that he would be "seeing the Governor General tomorrow morning."

In the months ahead, the 67-year-old politician said he plans to serve out his full term as MP for his Quebec riding of LaSalle-Emard, but also expects to spend a lot of time working on the international scene, likely with the United Nations.

He added that his imminent departure from the nation's top job has left his wife Sheila "a lot happier than she's been in the last couple of years."