Prime Minister announces the appointment of a new ambassador to the United States

Prime Minister Paul Martin today announced the appointment of the Honourable Frank McKenna, P.C., O.N.B. ,Q.C., as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States of America. This appointment is effective March 1, 2005.

“I am pleased to appoint Frank McKenna as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States at this time of renewal in our relationship,” said the Prime Minister. “His experience and skill will be a great asset as we begin to implement the agenda that President Bush and I set out during his recent visit – to enhance the shared security, prosperity and quality of life of our two peoples.”

Mr. McKenna has had a distinguished career, both in government and in the private sector. He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick in 1982 and served as Premier of that province from 1987 to 1997. Since taking his leave from politics, he has had a successful practice as a lawyer and has been very active in business, including the family-owned company and numerous corporate directorships. He holds an under-graduate degree from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. He also holds a number of Honourary degrees from universities across Canada.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank Michael Kergin for his contribution as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States since June 2000.