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 businessman and a former politician and diplomat. He is known for serving as the 27th Premier of New Brunswick from 1987 to 1997. He also worked as the Canadian Ambassador to the United States from 2005 to 2006. Today, he is a top leader at the Toronto-Dominion Bank.
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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 because his family was very large.
After finishing high school, he studied Political Science and Economics at St. Francis Xavier University. He then went to law school at the University of New Brunswick. After becoming a lawyer, he started practicing law in Chatham.
Political Career
Starting in New Brunswick Politics
A few years later, Frank McKenna decided to enter politics. In 1982, he won a seat in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. This meant he became a representative for the area of Chatham.
In 1985, he became the leader of the Liberal Party in the province. In the 1987 election, his party won every single seat in the legislature. This was one of the biggest election victories in Canadian history!
Frank McKenna as Premier
As Premier, McKenna focused on creating jobs. He believed that having a job was the best way to help people. He encouraged small businesses to grow. He also tried to get big companies to invest in New Brunswick.
McKenna also wanted to make people in New Brunswick feel more confident. He thought this would help them be more productive. He used public relations to share positive news about the province.
There were a few challenges during his time as Premier. Some people were concerned when he changed some senior public servants. He also faced criticism for increasing the number of communication staff. However, he explained that the main government communication agency became non-political.
He also created a special toll-free phone number for the Premier's office: 1-800-MCKENNA. People could call this number from all over North America. It was used by people in New Brunswick and businesses thinking of moving to the province.
Leaving the Premier's Office
Frank McKenna believed that ten years was enough time for a Premier to serve. He had promised this when he was first elected. So, in 1997, exactly ten years after his big election win, he resigned.
Ambassador to the United States
After leaving politics, McKenna was considered for a big job: Canadian Ambassador to the United States. This is like Canada's main representative in the U.S.
On January 5, 2005, he was officially named the 21st Ambassador to the U.S. He started his role on March 8, 2005.
As Ambassador, McKenna worked to help Americans understand Canada better. He also encouraged Canadians to understand American culture, especially after the September 11, 2001 attacks. He wanted to clear up misunderstandings between the two countries.
In 2006, McKenna offered his resignation as Ambassador. He wanted to be relieved of his duties. He was replaced by Michael Wilson on March 13, 2006.
After Politics
Business and Banking
After being Premier, McKenna returned to practicing law. He also joined the boards of many companies. He even bought a company that makes custom kitchen cabinets with his son.
In 2006, he was appointed as Deputy Chair of the TD Bank Financial Group. He also became the Chair of the Board for Brookfield Asset Management in 2010.
Why He Didn't Run for Prime Minister
Many people thought Frank McKenna would try to become the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and even Prime Minister. Polls showed he was a popular choice.
However, McKenna decided not to run for the leadership. He explained that he didn't want his life to be completely taken over by politics. He said he had "escaped the trap" of public life and didn't want to go back. He wanted to have a different kind of life after being Premier.
Awards and Honours
