Jean Chretien has been chosen Canada's newsmaker of the year. Newspaper and broadcast editors made the choice in a poll organized by the Canadian Press and Broadcast News.

Chretien beat newspaper publisher Conrad Black by just one vote. He launched the National Post this year. Ross Rebagliati, Canada's Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding, was the second runner-up. Last year's winner was hockey player Sheldon Kennedy.

A total of 111 editors and broadcasters cast ballots. Chretien received 18 votes and Black got 17. Alan Eagelson, Lucien Bouchard and Celine Dion also made the survey.

Most editors who chose Chretien in the poll cited the Prime Minister's role in the APEC affair and his ability to remain popular with Canadians despite such political storms.

Responding to the poll, Chretien said it's not unusual for a Prime Minister to make news. He said he preferred to focus on his government's achievements, particularly in fiscal matters.