Frank McKenna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank McKenna
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McKenna in 2018
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| Canadian Ambassador to the United States | |
| In office March 8, 2005 – March 13, 2006 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Michael Kergin |
| Succeeded by | Michael Wilson |
| 27th Premier of New Brunswick | |
| In office October 27, 1987 – October 14, 1997 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Lieutenant Governor | Gilbert Finn Margaret McCain Marilyn T. Counsell |
| Preceded by | Richard Hatfield |
| Succeeded by | Ray Frenette |
| New Brunswick Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office May 4, 1985 – October 27, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Shirley Dysart |
| Succeeded by | Camille Thériault |
| Leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Association | |
| In office May 4, 1985 – October 13, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Shirley Dysart |
| Succeeded by |
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| MLA for Chatham | |
| In office October 12, 1982 – September 11, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Frank E. Kane |
| Succeeded by | District abolished |
| MLA for Miramichi-Bay du Vin | |
| In office September 11, 1995 – October 13, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | James Doyle |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Francis Joseph McKenna
19 January 1948 Apohaqui, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouses | Julie Friel (1972-present); 3 children |
| Alma mater | St. Francis Xavier University University of New Brunswick |
Frank McKenna (born January 19, 1948) is a Canadian who has been a successful businessman, politician, and diplomat. He is currently the Chair of Brookfield Corporation and a top leader at the Toronto-Dominion Bank. Frank McKenna was the Canadian Ambassador to the United States from 2005 to 2006. He also served as the 27th premier of New Brunswick from 1987 to 1997. In his first election, his party won every seat in the province.
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Early Life and Education
Frank McKenna was born on January 19, 1948, in Apohaqui, New Brunswick. He was one of eight children. He grew up in his grandparents' home, which was next to his parents' house. This was because his large family needed more space.
After finishing Sussex High School, he went to St. Francis Xavier University. There, he earned a degree in Political Science and Economics. He started studying for a master's degree at Queen's University. However, he later decided to study law at the University of New Brunswick.
After becoming a lawyer, he moved to Chatham and started his law practice. He became well-known for defending Yvon Durelle, a famous New Brunswick boxing champion, in a widely publicized murder case.
Political Career in New Brunswick
A few years later, Frank McKenna entered provincial politics. In the 1982 election, he won a seat in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. He represented the area of Chatham.
In 1985, he became the leader of the provincial Liberals. In the 1987 election, his party achieved one of the biggest wins in Canadian history. They won every single seat in the legislature.
McKenna's Time as Premier
Most people saw McKenna's time as premier as a success. His main goal was to create jobs for people. He often said that "the best social program we have is a job." He encouraged small businesses to grow. He also tried to get large companies to invest in New Brunswick. He offered them tax benefits and even called professionals directly to invite them to the province.
Another one of his plans was to help New Brunswickers feel more confident. He believed this would help people be more productive. He also started a modern public relations effort. This included using video news releases, which caused some discussion.
Challenges During His Term
McKenna's time as premier also had some challenges. When he first became premier, he let go of several senior public servants. He wanted more control over the province's public service. Some people thought this was a very strong move.
He was also criticized for hiring more communication staff for the government. However, he explained that the main government communication agency, Communications New Brunswick, was now fair and not political.
Another point of discussion was a special toll-free phone number to the premier's office. The number was 1-800-MCKENNA and worked across North America. It was used by people in New Brunswick and by businesses thinking about moving to the province.
McKenna believed that ten years was enough time for a premier to serve. He had promised to serve for that long when he was first elected. So, he resigned in 1997, exactly ten years after the 1987 election.
Business Career After Politics
After leaving his political office, McKenna moved to Cap-Pélé, New Brunswick, near Moncton. He went back to practicing law and joined many company boards. He also bought Glenwood Kitchen Ltd. with his son, James McKenna. This company makes high-quality custom cabinets in Shediac, New Brunswick.
He was also a member of the Canadian advisory board for the Carlyle Group. This caused some media attention. However, the media stopped asking questions when McKenna explained that the board was for a Canadian investment fund that was never started. So, the board was never active.
When he was announced as the Canadian ambassador to Washington, he left his law firm jobs. He also resigned from all his positions on company boards. This included his role as interim chairman of CanWest Global Communications. He had taken on that role after its founder, Israel Asper, passed away.
Ambassador to the United States
Frank McKenna was considered as a possible Ambassador to the US. This was after Paul Martin became Prime Minister. Many people in the news thought McKenna's business connections would be helpful. They also noted his friendship with former president George H. W. Bush.
On January 5, 2005, Prime Minister Paul Martin's office confirmed that McKenna would be the 21st Ambassador to the United States. The official announcement was made on January 14, and he started on March 1. McKenna officially became the Ambassador on March 8. This was when U.S. President George W. Bush accepted his official papers.
As Ambassador, McKenna received more media attention than many previous ambassadors. In the U.S., he worked to correct common misunderstandings about Canada. In Canada, he encouraged Canadians to better understand American people and culture. He especially noted their feelings after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
McKenna caused some discussion after a speech in Toronto on September 29, 2005. He criticized the U.S. government system. He said it was "in large measure dysfunctional." He compared it to Canada's government, praising its strong parliamentary system as more "efficient."
On January 25, 2006, McKenna offered to resign as Ambassador. He wrote to Prime Minister-designate Stephen Harper asking to be relieved of his duties. He offered to stay until a new ambassador was chosen. Michael Wilson took over as ambassador on March 13, 2006.
Banking Career
Frank McKenna was appointed as Deputy Chair of TD Bank Financial Group starting May 1, 2006. In August 2006, McKenna joined the board of Brookfield Corporation. He has been the Chair of Brookfield Corporation since August 2010.
Distinctions
