Toronto ? A grateful Liberal Party told Jean Chretien “au revoir” Thursday night with a star-filled tribute to thank the retiring prime minister for a 40-year political career culminated by a decade in power.

The celebration on the opening night of a convention to choose a new party leader, and by extension prime minister, overlooked divisions of the past two years from the rivalry between Chretien and his successor, former Finance Minister Paul Martin.

With Martin poised to be named Liberal leader today, the focus this night was on Chretien, who sat with his wife, Aline, in the crowd of 7,000 at the Air Canada Center for performances by young musicians, gospel singers, Celtic fiddlers, jazz great Oscar Peterson and singer Paul Anka.

In his final speech as party leader, Chretien focused on his accomplishments as one of Canada’s most successful politicians, winner of every election he contested including three straight Parliament majorities for the Liberals.

Ever the politician, he rallied his party against conservative parties trying to merge to form a united opposition in the next election.

“Canadians should beware of those on the right who would weaken the national government because they do not believe in the role of government as an agent of good,” he said to one of numerous standing ovations. “My friends, my fellow Canadians, my fellow Liberals, if you remember only one thing that I say tonight, remember this: We must never, ever lose our social conscience.”

He called Martin a great Liberal who will carry on the party tradition, a conciliatory gesture after their rivalry caused party infighting that almost led to a revolt last year intended to force Chretien from power.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien and his wife, Aline, acknowledge applause after his final speech Thursday at the Liberal Convention in Toronto.

“Although we have accomplished so much, there is still so much more to do,” Chretien said to a huge cheer. “Paul Martin will need all our support … and I can assure Paul that you have my support.”

Martin has secured enough support for a first-ballot victory in today’s leadership vote. Under Canada’s political system, the head of the majority party in Parliament forms the government, meaning Martin can succeed Chretien without an election.

He is expected to seek a fresh five-year mandate next spring instead of waiting to serve out the final two years of Chretien’s term.

Still, it remains up to Chretien to formally retire and hand over the Prime Minister’s Office. That is expected to happen early in the new year, and Chretien said Thursday he would meet with Martin next week to set the schedule.