Minister of Crown Investments Minister responsible for the Accountability of Crown Corporations
Which position did Gary Doer hold from Feb 1987 to Aug 1987?
Gary Doer Gary Albert Doer , ( born March 31 , 1948 ) is a Canadian former politician and diplomat from Winnipeg , Manitoba , Canada . He served as Canadas Ambassador to the United States from October 19 , 2009 to March 3 , 2016 . Doer previously served as the 20th Premier of Manitoba from 1999 to 2009 , leading a New Democratic Party government . Since the end of his term as envoy to Washington , Doer has taken up a position as senior business advisor with the global law firm Dentons and has been retained by the government of Alberta to lobby the Trump administration on the softwood lumber dispute . Doer is a member of the Inter-American Dialogue . Early life and career . Gary Doer was born to a middle class family in Winnipeg , Manitoba . His background is German and Welsh . He graduated from St . Pauls High School and went on to study political science and sociology at the University of Manitoba for one year where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity , but left to become a corrections officer at the Vaughan Street Detention Centre . He later rose to become deputy superintendent of the Manitoba Youth Centre . Doers work environment was not always safe : he once had to deal with a hostage taking situation , and was attacked with a baseball bat on another occasion . Doer became president of the Manitoba Government Employees Association in 1979 , and served in this capacity until 1986 . He also held prominent positions with the Manitoba Federation of Labour and the National Union of Public and General Employees , served as a director of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers , and became a governor of the University of Manitoba . In 1983 , he negotiated an agreement with the provincial government of Howard Pawley in which civil servants agreed to delay a wage increase in return for a guarantee of no layoffs or wage rollbacks . The following year , he openly criticized Dennis McDermotts leadership of the Canadian Labour Congress . Doer first joined the New Democratic Party in the 1970s , and worked for the party in the 1973 provincial election . He discontinued his membership in 1975 to preserve the neutrality of his union , and was later courted by both the New Democrats and Progressive Conservatives to run for public office . He rejoined the NDP in 1986 , and was a candidate in that years provincial election . Cabinet minister . Doer was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in the 1986 provincial election for the northeast Winnipeg division of Concordia . He joined the government of Premier Howard Pawley on April 17 , 1986 as Minister of Urban Affairs , and was given additional responsibilities as Minister responsible for the Manitoba Telephone System on December 2 of the same year . Doer ordered a Royal Canadian Mounted Police probe of the MTS soon after his appointment , and worked to reform its practices following a failed investment in Saudi Arabia . He soon developed a reputation as a fixer , working as a trouble-shooter in difficult fields . Doer was given further responsibilities as Minister of Crown Investments on February 5 , 1987 , and was later named as Minister responsible for the Accountability of Crown Corporations ( August 19 , 1987 ) and Minister responsible for the Liquor Control Act ( September 21 , 1987 ) . Seen as a rising star in the party , he was sometimes mentioned as a future leader . The Pawley government was sustained by a narrow legislative majority after the 1986 election , and was defeated on March 8 , 1988 when disgruntled backbencher Jim Walding voted with the opposition on a budget non-confidence motion . Pawley resigned as NDP leader the next day , and called a new general election for April 26 . NDP leader . Leadership election . Doer was the first declared candidate in the Manitoba New Democratic Partys 1988 leadership contest . He was supported by cabinet ministers Vic Schroeder , Myrna Phillips , Muriel Smith , Leonard Evans , Jerry Storie and Wilson Parasiuk , and by federal Members of Parliament Rod Murphy and David Orlikow . He also received an endorsement from the Manitoba Federation of Labour . Doer emphasized his experience in managing large organizations , and called for pay equity legislation to be introduced within a year of his election . He narrowly defeated rival candidate Len Harapiak on the third ballot of the partys leadership convention in Winnipeg . He was not sworn in as premier , as the legislature had already been dissolved . Doer became leader of the Manitoba NDP when the party was at a low ebb of popularity . An internal poll before the election showed that they had only 6% popular support , and some NDP workers privately worried that they could lose all of their legislative seats . Many believed Doer was their best hope for a recovery . Support for the NDP increased to 19% during the leadership campaign , and to 23% after Doer was chosen as Pawleys successor . The party nevertheless remained in third place , and faced an uphill struggle in the 1988 election . 1988 election . Doer promised a $58 million tax cut , and opposed the federal governments free trade deal with the United States of America . He indicated that he was open to the possibility of amending the Meech Lake Accord , a federal proposal for constitutional reform . He also promised to build more community health centres , and supported home renovations for senior citizens and the disabled . The NDP won 12 out of 57 seats , while the Progressive Conservatives under Gary Filmon won 25 seats and the Liberals under Sharon Carstairs jumped from one seat to twenty . Doer rejected the possibility of forming a coalition government with the Liberals , and the Progressive Conservatives were able to form a minority government with the NDP holding the balance of power . He was not personally blamed for his partys loss , and continued as party leader . The NDP chose not to defeat Filmons government during confidence votes in late 1988 and early 1989 , as Doer argued the public would not support another election so soon . Meech Lake Accord . The dominant political issue in Manitoba between 1988 and 1990 was the Meech Lake Accord , which recognized Quebec as a distinct society in Canada and devolved some powers from the federal government to the provinces . The accord required approval from all ten provincial legislatures to become law . The provincial Liberals initially opposed the accord , which meant that Doers support was necessary for its passage . In November 1988 , Doer indicated that his party would not support the accord unless certain amendments were introduced . He was later appointed to a provincial panel that held a series of public meetings , and recommended significant changes to the deal . The Filmon government also expressed skepticism about the accord , and announced that it too would seek amendments from the federal government . All three Manitoba party leaders agreed to a federally brokered compromise in June 1990 , shortly before the accords official deadline . The accord nonetheless failed to pass in the Manitoba legislature because of a procedural motion from Elijah Harper , a Cree member of the NDP caucus who argued that it did not give fair representation to indigenous Canadians . Doer described Harpers decision as a fundamental issue of conscience , and blamed Prime Minister Brian Mulroney for delaying negotiations until the deadline had almost expired . One year later , he indicated that he felt betrayed by federal negotiators , and described the entire Meech Lake process as dishonest from start to finish . 1990 election . In the aftermath of the accords defeat , Filmon called a provincial election for September 11 , 1990 . Doer promised a ten-year freeze on personal income taxes , and argued that the Progressive Conservatives would pursue a hidden right-wing agenda if they won a majority government . He also promised legislation that would make it more difficult for companies based in Manitoba to close down . An early poll showed the NDP in third place with 18% support , well behind the governing Progressive Conservatives and also behind the Liberals . The Liberal campaign faltered , however , and the New Democrats were able to make strong gains in the elections final days , partly buoyed by the unexpected victory of Bob Raes New Democrats in the neighbouring province of Ontario . The Progressive Conservatives won a narrow majority with 30 seats , while the New Democrats won 20 and the Liberals seven . Doer succeeded Carstairs as Leader of the Opposition in the legislature . Leader of the Opposition . First term , 1990–95 . Doer criticized the Filmon governments cutbacks to health and education , and drew attention to the provinces rising unemployment and child poverty rates in the early 1990s . Opposing Filmons austerity measures , he argued it was inappropriate for the government to cut jobs at a time of high unemployment . In 1993 , he opposed the governments decision to end funding for groups such as the Foster Family Association , the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs , the Manitoba Anti-Poverty Organization and the Manitoba Environmental Council . Doer announced in late 1992 that his caucus would support the Charlottetown Accord , a comprehensive package on constitutional reform that was introduced by the federal government after the failure of Meech Lake . The Accord was defeated in a national referendum . Doer released an election platform in November 1994 , highlighted by a ten-point preventive health-care program for children and a six-point Manitoba Works plan to reduce unemployment . 1995 election . Doer focused on health issues in the 1995 provincial election . He promised that he would replace walk-in clinics with neighbourhood health organizations , to be staffed with salaried doctors , nurses , midwives and social workers . He pledged to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to reduce prescription drug costs , and to review some of the hundreds of drugs that had been delisted in recent years . He also promised to create a new group of health providers called nurse practitioners , to carry out some doctors responsibilities . On economic issues , Doer promised a balanced budget with no personal or sales tax increases over four years and indicated that he would cut nearly $119 million from government programs to fund health , education , and job creation . An early poll from the Angus Reid firm showed the Progressive Conservatives with 37% support , the Liberals with 35% , and the NDP with 21% . The Liberal campaign faltered once again , however , and a poll released only days before the election showed the NDP had again surpassed the Liberals for second place . The Progressive Conservatives were re-elected with 31 seats , the NDP increased their total to 23 , and the Liberals fell to only three . In the closing days of the campaign , Doer asked the provinces chief electoral officer to investigate reports that three independent candidates from an unregistered party known as Native Voice had received assistance from a Progressive Conservative campaign official . Some believed these candidates would split the progressive-left vote in their ridings , and give the Progressive Conservatives a greater chance of winning . Little was done at the time , but the story emerged as a prominent provincial scandal following an exposé from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in June 1998 . Doer called for an inquiry , which the Filmon government granted ; the presiding officer determined that at least one of the candidates had been illegally induced to run to by a local agents of the Progressive Conservative Party . Second term , 1995–99 . Despite an improving economy , the Filmon governments 1996 budget introduced further cuts to social assistance , health care , and post-secondary and public school education . Doer argued that the cuts were ideological in nature , and not based on financial necessity . The government also introduced legislation permitting unionized workers to shield their dues from being donated to political parties . Doer suggested that corporate shareholders should also be allowed to opt out of party donations . Doer opposed the Filmon governments decision to privatize the Manitoba Telephone System in 1996 , arguing that it would cause Manitobans to lose control over a vital part of their economy . He called for a referendum , which Filmon rejected . Doer nonetheless accepted the finality of the sale , telling party delegates in 1999 that buying back the service would be too expensive and carry too many risks . Doer also opposed the Filmon governments proposal to water-down the single-desk marketing powers of the Canadian Wheat Board . He argued there could be no middle-of-the-road position on the Wheat Board , adding that continued single-desk marketing would be in the economic interests of producers and the economic interests of Winnipeg . Some New Democrats expressed discontent with Doers leadership in late 1997 . Most notably , a group led by policy committee chairman Victor Olson issued a statement on party renewal that was generally interpreted as a challenge to his leadership . This came to nothing , but there was general agreement among party members that Doer would need to win the next election to continue as party leader . 1999 election . In the buildup to the 1999 provincial election , Doer unveiled a platform that called for balanced budgets , debt repayment and a freeze on taxes . He again emphasized health care as a priority , and said that his government would stop the practice of using public monies for politically motivated polls and advertisements . He also expressed concern that the Progressive Conservatives could privatize Manitoba Hydro , and criticized a provincial workfare initiative as giving too much discretionary power to government overseers . The NDP voted to support the Filmon governments 1999 budget , citing the premiers decision to increase health spending with money from a provincial rainy day fund . Doer added that , if elected , his party would replace Filmons budgeted income tax cut with a property tax cut . The NDP entered the 1999 election in a much stronger position than in the three previous campaigns . A poll taken three years earlier had shown the NDP leading the Progressive Conservatives for the first time since the Pawley administration . The Tories regained their lead by 1998 , but fallout from the vote-splitting scandal gave the NDP an 8% lead in a Probe/Free Press poll issued in March 1999 . In this period , many began to regard the NDP as a possible government-in-waiting . Later polls showed the gap between the parties narrowing to a virtual tie . Doer pledged $13 million to shorten health-care waiting times in the 1999 campaign , and said that he would work to end hallway medicine in overcrowded hospitals . He also pledged an additional $2 million to hire more nurses and provide incentives for rural doctors . In education , he promised to cut college and university tuition fees by 10% and to invest $24 million to the provinces three community colleges . On election reform , he promised to ban campaign donations from corporations and unions . Doer also criticized the Filmon governments handling of a contract with Urban Shared Services Corp. , which attempted to save the province money by reheating food for hospitals and seniors homes at a centralized location . The project went well over-budget , and the food was often criticized as inedible . A poll released a week before the election showed the NDP and Progressive Conservatives tied with 42% support , and the election was considered too close to call until the actual day of voting . The NDP ultimately won 32 seats , against 24 for the Progressive Conservatives and only one for the Liberals . A collapse of the Liberal vote worked to the NDPs advantage . Premier . More than eleven years after declining the option , Doer was sworn in as Premier of Manitoba on October 5 , 1999 . He also took the position of Minister of Federal/Provincial Relations . Re-election campaigns . After governing for just under four years , Doer called a new provincial election for June 2003 . He brought forward a five point re-election plan highlighted by promises to reduce property and income taxes , hire more nurses and doctors and make reductions in medical waiting lists , take a cautious approach to managing the economy , and improve the provinces education and law enforcement systems . Many journalists noted similarities to the NDPs 1999 platform . The NDP held a massive lead in the polls throughout the campaign , and most observers agreed that its re-election was a foregone conclusion . Even the Winnipeg Free Press , not traditionally supportive of the NDP , urged voters to re-elect Doers government . The NDP won an increased majority with 49.47% support and 35 of 57 seats , and made inroads into traditionally Progressive Conservative areas of south Winnipeg . Four years later , Doer called an election for May 2007 . The NDP campaign focused on Doers personal popularity and his governments record in office . The party released a seven-point re-election plan , focused on health care , the environment , education , tax cuts , public safety , money for highways , and keeping Manitoba Hydro as a public institution . Doer promised to hire 700 nurses and nurse practitioners , 100 new police officers , 20 new crown prosecutors , and 20 new workplace safety inspectors . He also promised to improve Manitobas record on vehicle emissions , provide tax credits for caregivers , and phase out the provincial small business tax over three years . The NDP was again re-elected with an increased majority , this time taking 36 of 57 seats . Prominent cabinet members . Prominent members of Doers first cabinet included Greg Selinger in Finance , Gord Mackintosh in Justice , David Chomiak in Health and Rosann Wowchuk in Agriculture . Tim Sale replaced Chomiak at Health in October 2004 , and was in turn succeeded by Theresa Oswald in 2006 . Chomiak replaced Mackintosh at Justice in 2006 . Selinger remained as Finance Minister until 2009 , when he succeeded Doer as Premier . Wowchuk remains in Agriculture . Jean Friesen served as Doers Deputy Premier in his first term . She retired in 2003 , and Doer chose Rosann Wowchuk as her replacement . Financial policy . The Doer government has introduced an uninterrupted succession of balanced budgets since its first election in 1999 . These budgets have generally been cautious , and have sought to balance tax concerns with spending increases . Doers first budget , delivered in 2000 , removed 15,000 low-income Manitobans from the tax rolls and introduced $150 million in tax breaks over three years while projecting a $10 million surplus . His 2003 budget , the last of his first term , reduced provincial taxes by $82.7 million and increased spending by about 5% , mostly in health and education . Despite a series of economic setbacks , the government was able to post a balanced budget in 2004 through increased taxes and drug premiums as well as civil service reduction through attrition . Tobacco and liquor taxes were increased and the provincial sales tax expanded to cover more services , although Doer rejected a panel recommendation to increase the sales tax by 1% . The government was able introduce a more expansive budget in 2005 after an infusion of federal revenues , reducing personal and property taxes , increasing spending by 3.5% , and putting $314 million into a rainy day fund . Doers 2006 and 2007 budgets introduced further tax cuts , and the 2007 budget offered increased education spending and a new child benefit to assist low-income families . At the Manitoba NDPs March 2009 convention , Doer announced that Manitoba would continue its commitment to education , training and research despite a global economic downturn and a slowing economy . He argued that the province was still recovering from the Filmon governments spending cuts during the economic downtown of the 1990s , and that his policies would allow Manitoba to emerge from the recession in a strong , competitive position . His government introduced a balanced budget with economic stimulus programs a few weeks later , even as the global recession forced other provincial governments across Canada into deficit . Doer encouraged the Bank of Canada to lower its rates in late 2003 , saying that the rising strength of the Canadian dollar in relation to the United States dollar was causing increased unemployment . He later criticized Bank Governor David Dodge for doing nothing to save Canadian jobs and profits . In early 2008 , he called for a national strategy to offset the disruptions caused by Canadas soaring dollar . In 2004 , provincial Auditor General Jon Singleton argued that Manitoba was actually running a deficit due to costs associated with crown corporations , utilities and arms-length agencies that were not officially counted in the budget . He recommended that Manitoba adopt a system of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ) . Greg Selinger , Doers Finance Minister , noted that the existing rules were set in place by the Filmon government , and indicated that the NDP had included a summary financial statement to its budget including many of the costs Singleton identified . The Doer government nevertheless announced in 2005 that it would adopt GAAP . For the first seven years of his administration , Doer was assisted on financial matters by Eugene Kostyra , a cabinet minister from the Pawley government . Kostyra resigned from his position as secretary of Manitobas Community and Economic Development Committee in late 2006 , and Angela Mathieson was appointed as his replacement . Health . Doer has frequently argued in favour of Canadas public health system . He criticized Albertas plan to introduce more private health provisions in 2002 , and defended the public system as efficient and less expensive . In the same year , he endorsed Roy Romanows assessment that the federal government must play a stronger role in health care to prevent more encroachments by the private system . At a presentation before the Romanow Commission in 2002 , Doer called for the federal government to double its health care commitment . Two years later , he played a significant role in negotiations that saw the federal government contribute $18 billion in new funding to the provinces over six years . The Doer governments first budget included a $135 million increase in health spending , taking total provincial spending to $2.43 billion . In October 2002 , the government announced a long-anticipated $100 million expansion to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg , with new operating rooms and emergency departments . The government was unable to end hallway medicine in the six-month period it had promised during the 1999 election , and faced the problem of nursing vacancies in the early 2000s . Nevertheless , most observers agreed that the provincial situation improved significantly between 1999 and 2003 . Health spending continued to increase during Doers second term ; a report in December 2004 indicated that Manitobas per capita health spending was the highest in Canada for the seventh continuous year . Doer emerged as a defender of Manitobas burgeoning internet pharmaceutical industry in the mid-2000s . This industry was very popular among American clients , but nonetheless provoked opposition within both countries . In 2004 , Doer accused federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh of capitulating to American interests by agreeing to increased restrictions on the industry . He later argued that the Canadian government could protect its national drug supply and maintain Manitobas pharmaceutical sector simply by banning bulk exports . Doers government introduced a landmark anti-smoking bill in 2004 , banning smoking in all indoor public places and workplaces across the province . Supported by all parties , the legislation was the first of its kind in Canada . It did not cover Manitobans working in federal government buildings or living on First Nations territory , as these were not under provincial jurisdiction . Doer welcomed Prime Minister Paul Martins decision to name Winnipeg as the site of Canadas new public health agency in 2004 . Social policy . The Doer government passed a bill granting full adoption rights to gay and lesbian couples in 2002 . The NDP and Liberals supported the bill , while the Progressive Conservatives voted against it . In 2004 , the federal government announced that it would introduce legislation to permit the legalization of same-sex marriage in Canada . Federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler initially indicated that civic officials would be allowed to opt out of performing same-sex marriages if the practice offended their beliefs . Doer criticized this , arguing that provincial employees should not be permitted to discriminate . Doer initially declined to express his personal views on the subject , but announced in late 2004 that he supported same-sex marriage as a human right . In April 2005 , Doer signed a $176 million deal with the federal government of Paul Martin to expand the provincial day-care sector . The project was canceled in 2006 by the new Conservative government of Stephen Harper , over Doers objections . Unlike some within the NDP , Doer is personally opposed to the decriminalization of marijuana , which he has said could result in economic difficulties with the United States . As premier , Doer encouraged several Manitoba crown corporations to donate money to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg ; Manitoba Public Insurance , Manitoba Hydro , Manitoba Lotteries Corporation and the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission subsequently made donations of one million dollars each . Opposition leader Hugh McFadyen and some journalists questioned Doers involvement in the matter , arguing that he was effectively directing the corporations to make these donations . Education . Doers government cut university tuition by 10% during its first term , and later provided universities with a property tax exemption . It also amalgamated several school divisions prior to the 2002 municipal elections , and began to phase out education property taxes in the same period . In 2006 , the Doer government introduced a proposal for Manitoba university graduates to receive a tuition rebate of up to 60% if they chose to stay and work in the province after graduation . A 2008 Winnipeg Free Press article indicated that Manitoba and Alberta were investing more money in public education per student than all other provinces of Canada . Teachers wages in Manitoba were also noted to be healthy in relation to the average national wage . Agriculture . Shortly after being sworn in as premier , Doer led an all-party delegation to Ottawa to seek a $1.3 billion financial bailout for western farmers to help mitigate an economic downturn in the sector . He was joined by Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow , Progressive Conservative MLA Larry Maguire , and Manitoba Liberal leader Jon Gerrard . The federal government introduced $170 million in funding shortly thereafter , a figure that Doer and Romanow described as heartless . In February 2000 , Romanow and Doer stood with Chrétien to announce their support for a compromise bailout of $400 million . Shortly after his re-election in 2003 , Doer criticized the federal government for failing to respond to an agriculture crisis caused by the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a Canadian cow and the subsequent closure of the American border to beef products produced in Canada . The federal and provincial governments subsequently agreed on a $50 million bailout to the industry . The border was reopened to live cattle in December 2004 . Doer strongly supports the Canadian Wheat Boards policy of single-desk marketing , and has opposed efforts by some on the political right to weaken its status . In late 2006 , Doer accused federal Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl of interfering in the Wheat Boards elections . The Doer government has rejected a return to single-desk hog marketing , which was eliminated during the years of the Filmon government . During its second term , the government supported plans to establish an OlyWest hog processing plant in northeast Winnipeg . This measure was extremely controversial among party members , and area NDP MLAs Daryl Reid and Bidhu Jha indicated that they opposed the measure . In response to criticism , Doer withdrew his support for OlyWest in 2007 . The Doer government introduced a temporary ban on new hog farms throughout most of the province in March 2008 , following the release of a provincial environmental report . Around the same time , Doer announced new funding for waste-water treatment plants that would allow two existing hog-processing plants to expand their operations . Doer is a vocal opponent of the American Country of Origin Labelling initiative , which would require American producers to separate meat from hogs slaughtered in Canada and increase packing and labelling cost . Justice . Doer opposed the Chrétien governments decision to implement a federal gun registry , and his government joined with other provinces to raise a constitutional challenge against the law in 2000 . Doer called for the federal government to strengthen its laws against child pornography in 2002 , after the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled that John Robin Sharpes fictional writings involving children met the legal definition of artistic merit . Doer was quoted as saying , We believe that the rights of children should be superior rights in our country to the rights of perverts . The following year , the Manitoba government unveiled a website that included photographs and profiles of high-risk sex offenders . Also in 2002 , Doer argued that persons who kill police officers should spend the rest of their natural lives in jail , without access to Canadas so-called Faint Hope Clause for early release . Three years later , he argued that the provisions of the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act were too lenient . In 2007 , Doer led an all-party task force to Ottawa to seek greater federal penalties for gang-related crime , youth offences and car theft . In 2004 , the Doer government increased funding for the hiring of police officers and Crown prosecutors . Following increased urban violence in 2005 , the province announced funding for 54 more officers . The government also launched an initiative to hire seven recreational directors for inner-city Winnipeg neighbourhoods in 2008 , to provide sports opportunities for youth as an alternative to crime . Doer announced the creation of an all-party task force on security following the attacks of September 11 , 2001 . The following month , he announced that he would work with the Governors of Minnesota and North Dakota for a coordinated security strategy . Doers government tabled legislation in 2009 to provide civilian oversight of police officers in Manitoba , following an inquiry into the death of Crystal Taman . She was killed when her car , stopped for a red light , was struck by off-duty Winnipeg Police constable Derek Harvey-Zinks pickup truck . The Taman Inquirys report strongly criticized the resulting police investigation into the collision , as well as the Doer Governments choice of special prosecutor , Marty Minuk . Environment . Doer has been a strong and consistent supporter of the Kyoto Accord on climate change . In February 2004 , his government signed an agreement with the Chicago Climate Exchange pledging Manitoba to create a trust fund to pay for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions . In 2007 , he announced that Manitoba would pursue a plan with other provinces and states to push greenhouse gas emissions to 15% below 2005 levels by 2020 . The next year , Doer legislated his provinces commitment to meet its targets under the Kyoto Protocol by 2012 . Doer announced that Manitoba would increase ethanol production in 2002 , and held consultations on a plan requiring Manitoba drivers to use ethanol-blended gasoline . In October 2002 , the government instructed its provincial fleet drivers to switch to ethanol fuels . These plans stalled due to limited production , but were revived when a new facility was constructed in late 2005 . In March 2004 , the government introduced enabling legislation on water protection , allowing for the introduction of specific regulations on water protection zones , water quality standards , and related matters . Doer signed the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord with seven American governors in November 2007 . The following month , he announced that Manitoba would introduce vehicle emission standards similar to those in California . In late January 2008 , he agreed to a blueprint proposal with the premiers of British Columbia , Ontario and Quebec for a market-based trading system to cut greenhouse gas emissions . He later became an enthusiastic supporter of North American cap and trade programs to reduce energy emissions , while at the same time criticizing the idea of a carbon tax . Doer introduced plans to eliminate coal-burning factories in his 2008 budget . The budget also included a new program for water conservation , and a $7 million fund directed toward climate change issues . He also called for an independent review of the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission in 2008 , arguing that the renewal process for hydroelectric projects was too long . In November 2008 , Doer announced that his government would ban new logging in provincial parks and phase out existing projects . He also announced a ban on plastic shopping bags , and on the use of cellphones while driving . Parents were also forbidden to smoke when children were in the car . The opposition Progressive Conservatives indicated that it would support all of these initiatives . In late 2005 , the American magazine Business Week listed Doer as one of the top twenty international leaders fighting climate change . Aboriginal issues . In November 1999 , Doer appointed a two-person panel to advise his government on implementing the findings of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry , which had been published eight years earlier . In April 2000 , Manitoba took steps to provide indigenous Manitobans with their own child and family-service agencies . Doer convened a provincial summit on aboriginal commerce in November 2004 . He indicated that the summit was intended to showcase successful businesses , and to forge greater links between the aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities . Doer is a strong supporter of the Kelowna Accord signed in late 2005 by the federal government of Paul Martin , provincial premiers and aboriginal leaders . After the Martin government was defeated in the 2006 federal election and replaced by the government of Stephen Harper , Doer criticized Harpers failure to implement the accord . In late 2008 , the Doer government introduced legislation to give sixteen bands on the east shore of Lake Winnipeg greater authority over the management of their traditional lands . The bill requires that plans for development be approved by both the province and the bands chief , and extends the range of influence well beyond the areas small reserves . Some chiefs in the affected area later objected to the bill on procedural grounds , arguing that they were not properly consulted . Following consultations with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in 1999 , the Doer government established a selection committee to oversee proposals for setting up casinos in Manitoba first nations . The process subsequently became stalled , and only one of the casinos was up and running by 2003 . The government subsequently appointed a panel to review the situation and recommend a change in strategy ; the panel argued that the province should consider creating one large casino , instead of several small on-reserve casinos . A second casino was opened in 2005 , while the larger issue remained unresolved as of 2007 . Energy . Doer has often referred to hydroelectric power as playing a major role in Manitobas long-term economic strategy , and has advocated a national east-west power grid to export Manitobas plentiful hydroelectric power to Ontario and other provinces in Western Canada . Doer announced Manitobas first wind farm project in November 2004 , near the community of St . Leon . This was a private-public partnership arranged between Manitoba Hydro and AirSource Power Fund . It was officially started in April 2005 . In September 2007 , Manitoba Hydro indicated that it would construct a new transmission line to connect north and south Manitoba on the west side of Lake Winnipeg . Hydros initial plan had been to construct the line on the east side , but Doers government rejected this approach , arguing that it would damage pristine boreal forest territories . The local aboriginal community is divided on the issue , with some leaders supporting the governments conservation approach and others arguing that east side construction would help combat poverty in the area . The Progressive Conservative Party has strongly criticized Doers decision . In April 2008 , Manitoba Hydro announced a $2 billion agreement to sell surplus energy to Wisconsin once the construction is complete . Doer asked Manitoba Hydro and the Manitoba Public Utilities Board to provide an analysis of natural gas prices in July 2008 , with the intent of limiting price increases during the winter . He also indicated that his government would intervene to protect consumers from high prices . Finance Minister Greg Selinger later indicated that the government would provide some relief for consumers , but would not use Manitoba Hydros profits to offset rate increases . Labour issues . The Doer government introduced a number of labour reforms early in its first mandate , making it easier for unions to obtain certification and giving employees increased powers to move disputes to binding arbitration . Business leaders opposed the changes , though Doer argued that the bill was far less contentious than opponents made it out to be . In 2004 , Doer rejected a call by party members to introduce legislation that would ban replacement workers in labour disputes . Doers government increased Manitobas minimum wage from $6.00 to $6.25 in November 2000 , and brought in subsequent increases of 25 cents on an annual basis . By April 2005 , the minimum wage had been increased to $7.25 . Some argued that this was still short of a living wage . The minimum wage was increased to $8.50 in 2008 . In 2005 , the Doer government introduced a bill to expand provincial workers compensation coverage . The Doer government announced in late 2007 that temporary foreign workers and modeling agencies would be included under the Employment Standards Act , to prevent worker exploitation . Monsanto . In 1999 , the Manitoba government under NDP leadership , began its ongoing relationship with Monsanto , accepting a 12.5 million dollar agreement to bring in its first development centre . In 2005 , Gary Doer announced a deal to allow Monsanto to build their 42,000 square foot Canadian head office in Manitoba . Doers government introduced a biotechnology training strategy in October 2002 , to address a skilled-worker shortage in the industry . In early 2003 , Doer signed a $160 million deal with the federal government for expansion work on the Red River Floodway . The floodway expansion was described as the largest infrastructure project in Manitoba history , and was started in late 2005 . Doer took part in discussions in 2007-08 with media mogul David Asper and officials from other levels of government , regarding the location of a new stadium for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team . He was skeptical about Aspers initial plan for a stadium in the Polo Park region of Winnipeg , and was more supportive of an abortive plan to construct the stadium in the economically depressed area of Point Douglas . Asper eventually chose site in Fort Garry , next to the University of Manitoba . The deal was finalized in early 2009 , with the province providing $20 million in funding ; provincial officials believe that all but $1 million will be recovered before the stadium opens in 2011 . In September 2008 , Doer and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz announced $138 million for a rapid transit plan that will eventually link downtown Winnipeg with the University of Manitoba . In the same month , Doer designated a piece of land in northwest Winnipeg as the site of a future inland port . The area was given the name CentrePort Canada , and its first directors were chosen in December 2008 . Doer announced in February 2009 that his government would spend $1 million on special training for northern Manitoba workers , following a global economic downtown that adversely affected the provinces forestry and mining sectors . Two months later , he joined with the federal government to announce a $40 million investment in a cold weather aerospace engine testing and research facility in Thompson . In early May 2009 , the federal and provincial governments announced $116 million for infrastructure renewal in rural and northern communities . Crocus Investment Fund . In early 2005 , the labour-managed Crocus Investment Fund stopped trading and entered into financial protection . The Doer government was subsequently accused of having ignored signs of trouble at the fund , and of failing to protect the interests of investors . The opposition Progressive Conservatives argued that the government had neglected warnings of financial impropriety , in part because of ideological links between the New Democratic Party and the labour movement . Doer rejected this charge , observing that the fund had been established by the Filmon government in conjunction with labour leaders . He also rejected calls from the opposition for a formal inquiry , and insisted that the province did nothing wrong in the matter . Federal-provincial relations . Doer supported the Chrétien governments Clarity Act legislation , which required that any future negotiations on provincial secession be preceded by a referendum with a clearly defined question . The act was opposed by Quebec nationalists , who regarded it as an infringement on their national sovereignty . In 2004 , Doer criticized new Prime Minister Paul Martin for seeming to undermine the principles of the bill . He also criticized Martins promise to remove the Notwithstanding Clause from the Constitution of Canada in the 2006 federal election . Doer later criticized Martins successor , Stephen Harper , for recognizing the Québécois as a nation within Canada in late 2006 . He was quoted as saying , [ t ] o me , Canada is one nation , one country . I understand Quebec is unique in terms of language , culture and law , but Canada is one country . Notwithstanding this and other criticisms , a May 2008 article in The Globe and Mail newspaper described Doer as one of the few premiers to have a good working relationship with Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper . Manitoba signed on to the federal governments Building Canada Fund in late 2008 , receiving about $500 million in new infrastructure monies . Following a global economic downturn in late 2008 , Doer called on the federal government to invest in job creation and infrastructure funding . Prime Minister Harper later said that his government would spend more on roads , bridges and other public works . According to journalist Chantal Hébert , Doer played a vital role in convincing other provincial leaders to accept Quebec Premier Jean Charests plan to create the Council of the Federation in 2003 . In 2008-09 , Charest and Doer helped broker an agreement among the premiers to provide for greater labour mobility within Canada . In early 2007 , Doer said that Manitoba would not enter a free trade deal signed between Alberta and British Columbia . He instead called for a national trade accord . Doer met with other western Canadian premiers in June 2009 to introduce a plan for the collective purchase of prescription drugs . The premiers indicated that the plan could save taxpayers millions of dollars . In late 2008 , the federal Liberal and New Democratic parties announced plans to defeat the Conservatives on a motion of no confidence and create a coalition government . The plan was ultimately unsuccessful , and the Conservatives remained in power . Doer did not take a position on the coalition , and instead called for all parties in the House of Commons of Canada to work in a cooperative manner . International relations . Since his first election in 1999 , Doer has been a leading opponent of a water diversion in Devils Lake , North Dakota that many regard as posing a serious environmental threat to Manitoba . In 2005 , the Canadian and American governments reached a non-binding compromise deal on the project that committed both sides to design an advanced filter to prevent environmental disruption . Doer initially described this agreement as a significant improvement over prior arrangements , but later criticized the North Dakota government for starting the water diversion before the deal was finalized . In May 2009 , Doer said that Manitoba would invest more than $10 million in drainage improvements if North Dakota would agree to construct a permanent filter on its Devils Lake output . North Dakota Governor John Hoeven rejected the deal in the same month , arguing that the issues were separate . Doer has led several international trade delegations from Manitoba , including visits to Russia , Germany , Israel , India , China and The Philippines . He also made an historic visit to Iceland in August 2001 ; Manitoba has a large Icelandic population , and Doer was the first Manitoba Premier to make an official visit to the country . Halldór Ásgrímsson , the Prime Minister of Iceland , made a follow-up visit to Manitoba in July 2005 . In May 2008 , Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko made an official visit to Manitoba and addressed the provincial legislature . Doer signed an agreement with the American state of Georgia in 2004 , for increased co-operation between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and the National Virology Lab in Winnipeg . In the same year , he signed a memorandum of understanding with Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty to create a biomedical corridor for the promotion of research , capital investment and technology development . In early 2005 , Doer and New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord traveled on a trade mission to Texas in what was described as an effort to improve relations between Canada and the United States . Later in the year , Doer and Jean Charest traveled on a trade mission to Mexico . In 2006 , he appeared at a prominent climate change event with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger . In June 2009 , Doer took part in discussions to create a Western Energy Corridor to allow an easier flow of both renewable energy and fossil fuels among western American states and Canadian provinces . Doer has supported Canadas military mission in Afghanistan , despite skepticism about the purpose of the mission from the federal NDP . He called for Canada to ban donations to Hezbollahs charity wing in 2002 , and endorsed Jean Chrétien governments decision to remain out of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 . In 2005 , Doer spoke against the American governments plans to require passports at Canada–US border crossings . He argued that the new expense of travel would create a financial Berlin Wall for some families , and instead proposed a security protocol centred around drivers licenses . In 2007 , North Dakota Governor John Hoeven announced that he was working with Doer to find an alternative approach . In 2008 , Doer argued that Canada should aggressively defend the North American Free Trade Agreement against criticism from American Democratic Party presidential candidates . He later spoke against the United States Congresss planned Buy American legislation during a business trip to Illinois and Texas . Doer signed an agreement in Manila in February 2008 , to permit an easier flow of immigration from The Philippines to Manitoba . Legislative reform . Doers government changed the rules of the legislature in 1999 , to allow the Speaker of the Assembly to be elected by a secret ballot vote of all members . Speakers had previously been appointed by the premier . The Doer government announced election spending reforms in June 2000 , which were highlighted by a ban on political donations by private corporations and organized labour . This measure was opposed by the opposition Progressive Conservatives , and by the right-wing Canadian Taxpayers Federation . The reforms came into effect in 2001 , and were extended to party leadership contests in June 2002 . Further restrictions were added in 2006 . In June 2009 , Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz spoke against Doers plan to ban union and corporate donations from municipal elections . The Doer government introduced legislation in April 2006 to prevent MLAs from crossing the floor from one party to another . Under the terms of this legislation , MLAs who choose to leave their political party are required to sit as independents until the next election , or to resign and seek re-election for another party . Doer announced plans in early 2008 to create a lobbyist registry for Manitoba , as well as introducing fixed election dates , partial public campaign financing , and restrictions on partisan direct mail flyers sent out by MLAs at public expense . The plan for public campaign financing was later abandoned after public opposition . In 2009 , opposition politicians and some journalists pressured Doer to call a public inquiry into a controversy involving expense claims from the 1999 provincial election . Elections Manitoba had determined that some reimbursement claims filed by the Manitoba NDP were unwarranted ; in late 2003 , the party agreed to repay $76,000 in an out-of-court settlement . Critics have charged a lack of transparency in the process , and have questioned why Elections Manitoba did not lay charges . At least one Winnipeg journalist has compared the matter with an expenses scandal faced by the Conservative Party of Canada following the 2006 federal election . Doer has argued that the matter is settled , and that there is no need for an inquiry . Popularity . Doers government enjoyed an extended honeymoon with voters after the 1999 election . The NDP consistently led all other parties in public opinion polls from 1999 until 2005 , often by wide margins . The partys popularity dipped in late 2005 , damaged somewhat by questions resulting from the failure of the Crocus Investment Fund . Polls taken in December 2005 and March 2006 showed the NDP and Progressive Conservatives tied for support . In July 2006 , the PCs pulled ahead of the NDP for the first time in seven years . The NDP nevertheless recovered to win a convincing majority in the 2007 election , and in July 2008 held a ten-point lead over the Progressive Conservatives in popular support . The PCs posted a surprise lead over the NDP in a December 2008 poll , although some local journalists questioned its accuracy . By April 2009 , the NDP once again held a ten-point lead . Doer was rated as Canadas most popular premier in polls taken in 2003 , 2004 , 2005 and 2006 , scoring a 77% rating in March 2006 . His approval rating was 81% in March 2008 , making him the second most popular Canadian premier after Danny Williams of Newfoundland and Labrador . Retirement . On August 27 , 2009 Doer announced he would not seek re-election in the 2011 election , and on August 28 , 2009 he was nominated by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to succeed Michael Wilson as Canadian ambassador to the United States . He was formally sworn into that position on October 19 , 2009 , and on the same day Greg Selinger was sworn in as his replacement as Premier of Manitoba . Doers former constituency assistant Matt Wiebe subsequently won the by-election to succeed Doer as MLA for Concordia on March 2 , 2010 . Federal politics . Doer supported a bid to draft former Manitoba Premier Edward Schreyer as a candidate in the federal New Democratic Partys 1989 leadership contest . When Schreyer declined to run , Doer tried to convince Stephen Lewis and then Bob Rae to enter the contest , without success . He eventually supported Audrey McLaughlin , who was elected on the fourth ballot of the partys leadership convention . There was speculation that Doer would seek the federal NDP leadership in 1995 , after McLaughlin announced her resignation . He declined , and instead gave his support to longtime friend Alexa McDonough , whom he nominated at the leadership convention . McDonough was chosen as party leader following the first ballot . Doer opposed the New Politics Initiative in 2001 . In the 2003 leadership election , he supported the leadership campaign of Bill Blaikie , whose federal Winnipeg—Transcona riding overlapped with his own provincial division . Blaikie finished second against Jack Layton . Doer has disagreed with the federal NDP on some issues . He defended CanWest Globals takeover of a part of Conrad Blacks newspaper empire in 2000 , even though the arrangement had been criticized by the federal party . He later called for Svend Robinson to be demoted as Foreign Affairs Critic in 2002 , after Robinson announced his support for the Palestinians in their conflict with Israel ( official NDP policy was that both sides should seek a peace agreement ) . Doer was quoted as saying , Either he represents the party as a foreign affairs critic or hes removed as foreign affairs critic . And I believe he should be removed . He later expressed disappointment that Robinson was allowed to keep his critics role , albeit with a ban against speaking on Middle East issues . Doer published a ten-point proposal for the future of the federal NDP in June 2002 , calling for a focus on health and education as well as fiscal balance , community safety and election finance reform . Doer was considered a possible candidate for the 2012 leadership election , but declined to run . Ideology . Doer is on the centrist wing of the New Democratic Party . He once described his political ideology as follows : Doer endorsed Tony Blairs approach to leading the British Labour Party in 1997 , and his own 1999 election platform was frequently compared with Blairs Third Way of social democracy . Doer has also been compared with former Premier of Saskatchewan Roy Romanow , who also governed from the centrist wing of the party . Former NDP MLA Cy Gonick wrote a critical essay about Doer in 2007 , describing him as a small-l liberal without a socialist bone in his body . Legacy . Manitoba Wildlands director , Gaile Whelan Enns , said He has no real policy legacy . Eric Reder , Manitoba campaign director for the non-profit Wilderness Committee , echoed that assessment . The entirety of his term was incremental—little decisions , Reder said . The Manitoba governments relationship with Monsanto lead to the documentary Seeds of Change , which explored negative aspects of the relationship . Fracking for oil increased dramatically under Doer . Electoral record . All electoral information is taken from Elections Manitoba . Expenditures refer to candidate election expenses . External links . - Canadainternational.gc.ca , Ambassadors Biography - http://www.lg.gov.mb.ca/awards/order/ordermb10.html