SHAWINIGAN, Que. - Jean Chretien says a new exhibit featuring gifts he received during his time as prime minister is a vivid illustration of his political career.
Chretien showed off the museum exhibit at a news conference today in his Quebec hometown of Shawinigan.
He joked that it's better to display them for the people who voted for him than to sell them on eBay.
Chretien is believed to have collected between 4,000 and 5,000 items during his 10 years in power, which ended in 2003.
They include a signed baseball bat from former U.S. president George W. Bush and a large gold sculpture from Saudi Arabia.
The exhibit doesn't include the golf balls that stole the show one day at the Gomery sponsorship inquiry in 2005.
One of the enduring memories of the lengthy probe was when Chretien, seeking to defend his reputation, whipped out customized golf balls given to him by U.S. presidents and other leaders.
Chretien says he doesn't plan to display them at the exhibit because he wants to keep them for himself.
The exhibit, dubbed "Prime Minister Jean Chretien's Museum: Canada's Place in the World," will open to the public on June 16 and run until Sept. 30.
Admission will be $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9.50 for students and those 13 and over, and $7.50 for those between six and 12. Children five and under will get in free.
