Watch above: New men will be Alberta’s new international representatives. One will replace Gary Mar in Hong Kong. Tom Vernon has the story.
EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Jim Prentice revealed his “fresh approach” to international affairs Wednesday, announcing three new appointments.
Former MP Rob Merrifield has resigned his seat in the House of Commons to fill the position of senior representative to the United States. He will replace David Manning in Alberta’s office in Washington.
Ron Hoffmann was named Alberta’s senior representative for the Asia Pacific Basin. He will take over for Gary Mar in Hong Kong , whose contract will not be renewed when it expires June 2015.
Former MP Jay Hill was named Alberta’s senior representative in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the North and to the New West Partnership. The position signals the government’s realignment of focus; moving from current representation in Ottawa to a priority focus on market access and Western Canadian partnerships, the province said. Alan Ross, Alberta’s current representative in Ottawa, resigned in August to return to the private sector.
To read the biographies of the three appointees, click here.
“I am honoured to welcome our new Senior Representatives,” said Prentice. “These are people who have considerable skills that will advance Alberta’s interests in terms of relationship-building, policy alignment and market development. Each will work in close contact with our government’s overall efforts to remove barriers and ensure that market access and global prices are achieved.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement on Merrifield’s departure from Parliament later Wednesday.
“On behalf of the entire Conservative caucus, I would like to thank Rob Merrifield for his many years of devoted service to his constituents of Yellowhead in the Parliament of Canada, and for his tremendous contributions to our Government. Since his election to the House of Commons, Rob has been a strong voice and advocate for Alberta, and a valued member within our caucus. Rob has tirelessly worked in the service of Canadians in over a decade of public life.”
To read Harper’s full statement, click here.
“Together with all of his friends and colleagues, Laureen and I would like to extend our personal best wishes to Rob in all of his future endeavours, and thank him for all that he has done for his constituents, the Conservative caucus, and all Canadians.”
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