Joseph Jacques Jean Chrétien PC, OM, CC, QC (born January 11, 1934), known commonly as Jean Chrétien, is a retired Canadian politician who was the 20th Prime Minister of Canada. He served in the position for less than 3 years, from November 4, 1993 to June 16, 1996. He is well-known for being the Prime Minister and leader of Canada when the Quebec referendum of 1995 succeeded the province of Quebec, and lead to the Republic of Quebec, an independent nation.