Doer Named Canada's Next U.S. Ambassador
Source: CBC News
Posted: 08/28/09 11:21AM
Filed Under: Canada
Gary Doer was introduced Friday in Ottawa as Canada's next ambassador to the United States, a day after surprising many political observers by announcing he was stepping down as premier of Manitoba.
During a Friday morning meeting in Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulated Doer on the successful conclusion of his political career in Manitoba and hailed him as a "strong advocate" for good relationships with the United States.
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"Look forward to seeing you in Washington," Harper said.
The longtime NDP premier thanked the prime minister, saying he recogized the position is a "very important challenge."
"I know I am part of a great Canadian team," he said during a photo opportunity with Harper.
Michael Wilson, the current ambassador and a former Conservative finance minister, has been in the post since March 2006.
Doer announced Thursday that he would be stepping down as the NDP premier of Manitoba after 10 years.
'Not going to be watching soaps'
Doer was coy about his future plans when he announced his resignation as Manitoba's 20th premier.
"What am I going to next? Well, I'm not going to be watching soaps," he almost giddily told his press conference.
The 61-year-old Winnipegger has been premier since 1999.
Doer did not provided the exact date of his resignation, saying only it would likely be in the fall after being decided in consultation with his party.
At Thursday's announcement, Doer said he wanted to go out on his own terms and felt it was a good time. Sources told CBC News that Doer wanted his resignation to be announced in his own city, in front of Manitobans, and not as part of a bigger announcement.
Good relationship with PM
The decision to name Doer to the Washington position was made a few weeks ago, CBC News has learned.
Despite his status as an icon among New Democrats, the affable Doer is known to get along with the prime minister, who views him as a pragmatist and a supporter of free trade, the CBC's Julie Van Dusen reported from Ottawa.
Doer, she said, has been described by some observers as a "small-l liberal without a socialist bone in his body.
"I am sure that is probably how the prime minister sees him," Van Dusen said.
If Doer ends up with the Washington job, he would be following the career path of former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna.
The Liberal politician also stepped down on his 10th anniversary of becoming premier, and then went on to represent Canada in the United States.
"It's a great job for a former politician," McKenna told CBC News. "They understand how politics works. Someone 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."
With files from Julie Van Dusen
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