Manitoba Premier Gary Doer is stepping down from office, ending his reign as the longest-serving of Canada’s current premiers.
The 61-year-old, who has held the province’s top job since 1999 leading an NDP government, is holding a news conference right now.
He has twice been re-elected since 1999. Both times Manitobans increased the number of seats held by his majority government.
A former corrections officer at the Vaughan Street Detention Centre in Winnipeg, Doer rose to become deputy superintendent of the Manitoba Youth Centre.
He became president of the Manitoba Government Employees’ Association in 1979, and served in that capacity until 1986.
He first ran for political office for the NDP in 1986 after being courted by both the New Democrats and Progressive Conservatives.
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Better a prairie NDP than a federal Liberal … if I were a Manitoban I probably would have voted for him – he seems pretty steady and practical.
This was very sudden. Anyone out there know what’s going on?
I am from Manitoba and am just as suprised as anyone. I thought he was much younger than 61 yrs old!
My youngest daughter played volleyball against his oldest daughter for years. I was 34 when my daughter was born.
He ended up governing Manitoba on the right end of the spectrum.
Manitobans very proud that Gary Doer will be our new ambassador in Washington!!
Will Layton support this promotion for him, or be against it. Guess the PM can reach across the aisle. Layton and Iggy must be fuming mad, with the new Senators and now this. Looks good on them.
I recall driving through Manitoba years ago, and happened to catch a talk show on the radio.
It was Premier Doer doing a Q & A. I gathered it was a thing he did regularly. I was struck by his connection to the people, and it seemed as though he made no effort to evade hard questions.
Quite impressive.
From what I know of Gary, he’s a good choice but that leaves the question “What’s next for Michael Wilson?” I’m thinking about his past experience with free trade and more senatorial positions which are suppose to open up early in the New Year.
There’s not a hint so far but I doubt Harper is ready to put Mike out to pasture.
Stalwart NDP-MP Bill Blaikie recently traded in his seat in the HOC for one in the Manitoba Legislature. Coincidence?