Editing Brian Tobin (section)

=== Return to federal politics ===
In October 2000, Tobin suddenly resigned to join the federal Cabinet and run for re-election to the House of Commons in a [[2000 Canadian federal election|snap election]] called by Governor General [[Adrienne Clarkson]] on the advice of her prime minister, Jean Chrétien.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/tobin-to-run-in-next-federal-election-1.240047 "Tobin to run in next federal election"]. CBC News, October 17, 2000. Retrieved 2014-04-15.</ref> Chrétien advised that his friend be appointed as [[Minister of Industry (Canada)|Minister of Industry]] before the election, replacing [[John Manley]], and Tobin was easily elected in the riding of [[Bonavista—Trinity—Conception]].<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/tobin-back-as-mp-1.243511 "Tobin back as MP"]. CBC News, November 28, 2000. Retrieved 2014-04-15.</ref> His departure from the premiership caused speculation among Newfoundlanders and Canadians about his aspirations for the leadership of the federal Liberals following what was assumed would be Chrétien's final term as prime minister.{{Citation needed|date=August 2016}}  Tobin's position in Industry would allow him to develop a relationship with the nation's business leaders who would ultimately be financing any potential leadership campaign. In January 2002, Tobin abruptly resigned both his cabinet portfolio and parliament seat.<ref name=ret>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/tobin-quits-politics-will-serve-country-as-private-citizen-1.312402 "Tobin quits politics, will serve country as 'private citizen'"]. [[CBC News]], January 15, 2002. Retrieved 2014-04-15.</ref> Observers interpreted that his departure of federal politics was due to his frustration at the stranglehold on the future leadership of the Liberal party by the then [[Minister of Finance (Canada)|Minister of Finance]], [[Paul Martin]], and possibly because Chrétien had promoted Manley to Deputy Prime Minister.{{Citation needed|date=August 2016}}