Q&A with Ambassador Gary Doer

(Canadian Business Online – Bryan Borzykowski)

Now that Gary Doer’s reign as Manitoba’s premier has come to an end, he can focus on his new gig – Canadian ambassador to the United States. Don’t think this is Doer’s way to settle into retirement, he’ll have to advance this country’s interests in a place that’s more focused on difficult domestic issues and wars abroad, than what its northern neighbours have to say. In this exclusive Q&A interview with Canadian Business Online, Doer talks about the Buy American clause, climate change and what he’ll miss most about Manitoba.

One of the most important cross-border issues facing Canadian businesses right now is the Buy American clause. How are you going to deal with that provision?

I’m only the designate – I’m not in the job yet. But what to I bring to the job in this respect? I have been engaged in this with all the premiers. I was with the prime minister in Quebec City with Premier Charest and Governor Jim Douglas a few months ago. We discussed this issue and the premiers got an agreement – we all came to the table on issue of principal reciprocity with U.S. states. But the prime minister raised the issue again with the president (recently). As ambassador I’ll be able to continue on the message as it’s given by the prime minister, the minister of trade and the minister of foreign affairs. It’s the job of ambassador to make sure the message is repeated and mutual opportunities continue to be repeated over and over again.

You have been outspoken about U.S.-Canada trade in the past.
I’ve always believed in lowering barriers for trade whether in Canada or with US. But, I know this from my experience as premier, you have to do what’s best in the mutual interest of both U.S. and Canada. You can’t ask for something that does not have a positive benefit for Americans as well.

Read the entire Q&A here.