Former prime minister Kim Campbell, the first woman leader of the country, was honoured Tuesday with the unveiling of a new portrait of herself in the Parliament buildings.

The portrait, painted by David Goatley of British Columbia, shows Campbell wearing a simple black ensemble, surrounded by a cape with a West Coast First Nations motif, an academic gown and legal robes.

Campbell said the clothing symbolized different stages in her life.

Former Canadian prime minister Kim Campbell admires her portrait after it was unveiled at a ceremony on Parliament Hill(CP Photo)

Campbell, who was delayed about 45 minutes due to protests against visiting President George W. Bush, said having her portrait hung was a "very humbling" experience and that she was honoured to be the first female prime minister.

"It is an honour I will always hold dear to my heart," she said.

Campbell served as the first female justice minister and defence minister before becoming prime minister after Brian Mulroney stepped down as party leader.

But she only held the post for four months after calling an election in 1993 in which the Progressive Conservative party was reduced to two seats in the House of Commons. Campbell lost her own Vancouver seat and she retired from politics.

She was later appointed to a four-year term as Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles.

Campbell teaches in the U.S. and is currently the secretary-general of the Club of Madrid, an organization of former heads of government and state who work to promote democracy.

At Tuesday's unveiling, Prime Minister Paul Martin praised Campbell's ability to handle defeat, recalling her first comments after the election were: "Gee, I'm glad I didn't sell my car."

"Many in that position might have succumbed...but you Miss Campbell did not. You pressed ahead with grace, good humour, ambition and curiosity."

Martin said he was honored to be giving the corridor a female presence with Campbell's portrait.