2009-02-20 09:18:02 - 'Star Trek' actor William Shatner says he wants to be Prime Minister of Canada.

William Shatner wants to be Prime Minister of Canada. The 'Star Trek' actor, who played Captain Kirk in the hit sci-fi TV show, is planning to make a dramatic career change and help lead his native country.

The 77-year-old star said: "My intention is to be Prime Minister of Canada, not Governor General, which is mainly a ceremonial position." Shatner revealed his lofty ambition in response to a letter from a fan who urged him to put himself forward for the Governor General of Canada. The Governor General is appointed by the monarch - which in Canada is currently Queen Elizabeth II - to perform the constitutional duties of the sovereign on her behalf. In his letter, Shatner regretfully added: "I must, with my deepest thanks, turn down your honourable intent to advance me as Governor General. Besides which, I don't have time to be Governor General." Despite his busy schedule, the actor is confident he has what it takes to run the country, explaining: "As Prime Minister I can lead Canada into even greater exploits."