Paul Martin steps away from politics

Former prime minister Paul Martin isleaving politics.

Martin, 67, said Monday that he will not run in the next federal election because he wants to dedicate himself to humanitarian projects, including work with aboriginal Canadians and Africans.

"Life's actually pretty busy," Martin said after a speech to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vancouver. "I've got a couple of major projects."

Martin, who is currently a Liberal MP for the Montreal riding of LaSalle-Émard, advises the African Development Bank and spends a great deal of time in Africa.

He's also involved in a pilot program in Thunder Bay, Ont., which is aimed at encouraging aboriginal students to finish high school.

Martin, a lawyer and businessman, was first elected as an MP in Montreal in 1988 and was named finance minister in 1993.

In November 2003, he won the Liberal leadership race. He wassworn in as Canada's 21st prime minister a month later, taking over from fellow Liberal Jean Chrétien.

When Martin's Liberal government fell to the Conservatives in January 2006, he stepped down as Liberal leader but promised to finish his term as MP for LaSalle-Émard.

A date for the next federal election has not yet been set.