Canada's New Ambassador To U.S: Gary Doer
Outgoing Manitoba Premier Heading to Washington
Aug 28, 2009
Gary Doer was leader of Manitoba’s New Democratic Party (NDP). He announced his resignation after a decade as Provincial Premier, and 21 years as party leader. He replaces former Mulroney Finance Minister Michael Wilson in the post.
Doer’s Appointment Welcomed By Federal NDP
Doer’s appointment to the Ambassador’s post came at a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He arrived in Ottawa August 27th, just hours after announcing his resignation as Manitoba Premier. In comments published on CBC.CA, he acknowledged he was part of a team: “I know I am part of a great Canadian team.” His remarks continued recognizing the appointment as an important challenge.
NDP Member of Parliament (MP) and Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar approved the appointment. In comments published by the Canadian Press, he applauded Harper on his choice: “I believe he has chosen someone who is more than capable to do the job who will represent Canada very well.” His comments continued, adding it probably helps Harper that Doer is of a different political party.
Gary Doer was the longest serving among the current group provincial premiers.
Doer’s Appointment Viewed As Positive For Manitoba
Doer’s appointment is viewed as something positive for Manitoba. In comments published by the Winnipeg Sun His friend and former Liberal MP Reg Alcock points to Doer’s ability as a negotiator: “I know how familiar a lot of Manitobans are with just how good a negotiator Doer is.”
Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Bob Rae praised the move. He has enjoyed a 30-year relationship with Doer. In comments published by the Canadian Press, he calls the appointment imaginative: “I think it’s an imaginative and good appointment and I think it would churlish of any of us to deny that.”
Former Ambassador to the United States Frank McKenna agreed with the choice. In comments published on CBC.CA he said Doer’s diplomacy would stand him in good stead for the job: “Some like Gary Doer has great diplomatic sense, and I think he’d be a great fit with the back channels and social scene down there.”
For now, Doer will be known as Ambassador designate. His appointment will be official when he presents his credentials to President Obama, which is expected to be sometime next month. Issues on his plate include the controversial “Buy American,” legislation.
As Premier, Doer wasn’t strictly bound by his NDP ideology. This earned him a reputation as someone who could cut small business taxes as well as boost spending on social programs.
This isn’t the first time a Prime Minister has crossed party lines in naming an Ambassador. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney named former Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis Ambassador to the United Nations in 1984.
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