OTTAWA – Former British Columbia premier Gordon Campbell is off to his new job in London, England.
The Harper government formally announced his appointment as the new high commissioner to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland today.
The Canadian Press first reported Campbell’s new job in June.
Campbell announced his resignation as premier last November after massive public fallout over his controversial introduction of the 12 per cent harmonized sales tax.
While a Liberal, he was responsible for reinvigorating the relationship between B.C. and the Conservative government.
B.C. Liberal Premier Christy Clark said Campbell always looked to build strong bonds within Canada and abroad.
“Gordon Campbell has contributed much to public life in British Columbia, serving as mayor of Vancouver and premier of British Columbia with distinction,” said Clark in a statement.
“In particular, he always took into account the needs of the entire country and worked to build Canada and unite Canadians.”
Clark wished Campbell and his wife Nancy the best and thanked them for taking on a new role in public service.
Campbell’s appointment was announced with several others, including a new ambassador for Afghanistan.
Glenn Davidson, the former commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic and ambassador to Syria, is taking over the post in Kabul from William Crosbie.
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Crosbie reportedly offered to resign last year after criticisms he made about Afghan President Hamid Karzai in a diplomatic cable were published by the website WikiLeaks.
Crosbie had voiced concerns that his remarks would be damaging to Canada-Afghan relations, but at the time, the prime minister said his job was safe.
Monday’s appointments also included the elevation of Elissa Golberg as Canada’s new ambassador to the United Nations.
Golberg was the first representative of Canada in Kandahar, a position created by the Tories in 2008 to co-ordinate defence, diplomacy and development efforts in the southern part of Afghanistan.
Note to readers: CORRECTS harmonized sales tax to 12 per cent and fixes Campbell’s resignation date.
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