From the Inkless emailbox….
From the Inkless emailbox….
Statement by New Democrat leader Jack Layton the appointment of Premier Gary Doer of Manitoba to position as U.S. Ambassador
Premier Gary Doer is a statesman, respected by people across the political spectrum. He is principled, pragmatic, open-minded and has been an effective and highly regarded spokesman and advocate for NDP policies.
His appointment as U.S. ambassador will help Canada establish a healthy working relationship with the Obama administration. We have a number of troubling issues that need immediate attention: climate change, buy-U.S. protectionist policies and border security just to name three. Premier Doer is adept at threading his way through thickets of competing interests, at bringing all sides together and making everyone feel that they contributed to the final decision. I am delighted with his appointment.
Premier Gary Doer spent 11 years in opposition before winning the first of three majority governments in 1999. He drove Manitoba’s economic growth with prudent fiscal management and balanced budgets – each and every year. He made his province a world leader in renewable energy, supported education and skills training, and invested in stronger public health care. He is, and will always be, an inspiration to our party.
Just a few weeks ago, Premier Doer spoke at our National Convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He spoke of the balance between principle and power, saying that winning government and enacting good, progressive policies was the right thing to do. Premier Doer and his government stayed true to their principles and made lives better in every corner of Manitoba.
New Democrats feel honoured to have one of our most effective leaders chosen to play this significant role on behalf all Canadians. On behalf of our caucus in Ottawa and New Democrats across Canada, I wish my friend Gary and his wife Ginny well in this new opportunity to serve Canada.
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