Chretien Calls Early Elections for Nov. 27

Prime Minister Jean Chretien set national elections for Nov. 27, gambling that a big budget surplus and the emotional outpouring over Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s death will help bring him a third straight term. Chretien, 66, had until mid-2002 to hold the vote. His governing Liberal Party opted to call the elections to take advantage of an economic boom and strong poll ratings. Chretien’s announcement came less than three weeks after the funeral in Montreal of Trudeau. Considered the most influential leader in Canadian history, Trudeau was Chretien’s mentor.