JOINTLY WITH THE EMPIRE CLUB OF CANADA.
Frank McKenna became Canada’s 20th Ambassador to the United States of America on March 8, 2005. Ambassador McKenna joins the Canadian and Empire Clubs, as the first speaker in our 2005/2006 Canada/US Speakers Series, to reflect on his first six months on the job and to review the key issues in the Canada/US relationship — both in play and on the horizon.
A lawyer by profession, Frank McKenna became a Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick in 1982 and leader of his party in 1985 at the age of thirty-seven. In a dramatic turn around in political fortunes and after 17 years in opposition, he led his party to power in 1987, making political history by winning all 58 seats in the provincial legislature.
Under Premier McKenna’s leadership, New Brunswick saw a dramatic improvement in its economic fortunes and in 1993 the Premier was recognized as, Economic Developer of the Year, by the Economic Developers of Canada, the first and only time a political leader has been so recognized. At the height of his popularity and following two successive election victories, Frank McKenna left provincial politics, honoring a promise he made when elected that he would limit his term to 10 years.
In 1998, he returned to the practise of law, becoming Counsel to McInnes Cooper and Consulting Counsel to Osler Hoskin & Harcourt in Toronto. In 2002, he and his wife Julie purchased Glenwood Kitchen Cabinets a firm which manufacturers custom kitchens for the Canada, US and Caribbean markets. Ambassador McKenna and his wife have 3 children, James, Christine and Tobias. James now runs the company.
Tickets for this lunch are $50/$60 and tables are $550. To order contact the Empire Club of Canada at 416-364-2878.
