Canada unveils Chretien's portrait

OTTAWA, May 26 (UPI) -- Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien says being a parliamentarian is a tough life but a noble one.

Chretien, who was first elected to Canada's House of Commons in 1963, returned to Parliament Hill Tuesday afternoon for the unveiling of his official portrait, Canwest News Service reports.

The 4-foot-by-3 foot work was painted by New Brunswick artist Christian Martin Nicholson.

Nicholson set Chretien, dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and red tie, against a vibrant Chinese yellow background.

The former prime minister is standing with one hand in his pocket looking directly ahead.

Senate Speaker Noel Kinsella says the painting shows a "sharp-witted and astute politician" who displays "big-city sophistication and joie de vivre."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper praised Chretien for his "long and successful service to Canada."

Chretien's portrait will hang at the eastern end of the Prime Minister's Portrait Gallery in the center block of the House of Commons.