Chretien, who suggested the jobless increase was troubling but that it also was a seasonal fluctuation, cited statistics to show the economy is growing. He said 625,000 new jobs have been created since the Liberals came to power, interest rates have dropped and the unemployment rate has dropped from 11.5 per cent.

Chretien made clear on the weekend that former defence minister David Collenette would be welcomed back into cabinet.

Colour Photo: Canadian Press Prime Minister Jean Chretien speaks to reporters in St-Joseph-de-la-rive, Que.