Canada’s longest-serving premier says it’s “time to pass the baton”
Gary Doer, the longest-serving of Canada’s current premiers, is stepping down as Manitoba’s 20th premier. Doer made the announcement at a news conference today saying, “As we mark the 10-year anniversary of our government, this is the appropriate time to pass the baton to a new leader who can carry on that important work.” The 61-year-old first ran for political office for the NDP in 1986, has held his seat since, and has been Manitoba’s premier since 1999. In March 2008, his approval rating of 81 per cent made him the second most popular Canadian premier after Danny Williams of Newfoundland and Labrador. Doer has not revealed any future plans.