Looking Forward

Sitting in Room 208 of Manitoba’s Legislative Building, the Chamber Room, on the day after October’s federal election–a day occupied by numerous demands of his time–Manitoba’s Premier Gary Doer exudes the cool confidence of a guy who has done it a million times before. He’s been at it since dawn, starting with a few stops at local radio stations before moving on to several interviews with the press. By mid-afternoon he’s probably been asked for his opinion on “what last night’s result will mean for Manitoba” about a dozen times. But rather than frustration or weariness at the same questions time and again, his demeanour is that of a man who is used to offering his opinion and he knows that it matters. In short–he gives the impression
of a guy in charge.

And so he should.

A year and six months into his third mandate, Doer has been premier of Manitoba since 1999, and is the first Manitoba premier to hold three consecutive majorities–all of which were larger than the previous. Under his stewardship, the provincial NDP government has presented balanced budgets every year since coming to power. Among other achievements and initiatives his government is responsible for: the Red River floodway enhancement project, one of the largest capital projects in Manitoba history; changes to election financing rules banning union and corporate donations; and assisting in the development of the MTS Centre and the forthcoming Canadian Museum of Human Rights.

This experience and leadership (and the fact that he’s premier and better know this stuff) give Doer an authoritative voice when it comes to Canada’s fifth largest province–and its future. On how Manitoba will weather the current global economic situation: “We are diversified, we have entrepreneurs, we have a good, knowledgeable, and skilled workforce, and we have lots of different sectors we can rely on.” On Manitoba’s role as a potential electrical powerhouse: “There’s no immediate gratification for long-term projects. But if you don’t do it today, you’re not going to have the benefits five years from now. We believe that we have to build transmission. We need to be really decisive on (building transmission), deal with opposition to it and get it done. It frees up a lot of capacity with the dams we’re building to sell, sell, sell, which in turn produces revenue in the long-term and jobs in the short-term.”

And what about that federal election? “A lot of the same. Minority parliament means that there will be more populism with parties being more accountable to the public, but less long-term action in Ottawa.” As to whether there will be any substantial differences between the first Harper mandate and the current, Premier Doer responded, “We have a good working relationship with Prime Minister Harper. You get a very decisive yes–or a very decisive no–and from that perspective it will continue to be a good business relationship between Manitoba and Ottawa.”

The year 2009 will mark the premier’s 10th anniversary as leader of Manitoba. When asked–from a legislative standpoint–what Manitobans can look forward to, he was forthright, “We are going to be spending most of our time dealing with Manitoba companies and workers. Companies that are ready to grow in the retail and housing sectors. But we have to make sure that while we’re doing that we also make sure that people that need a ‘bridge’ to cope with some of the challenges in North America are given the best opportunity possible.”

These “North American challenges” are also referenced when it comes to Manitoba’s trade initiatives throughout 2009. “We don’t want to put all of our ‘trade eggs’ in the American basket. We should be doing more trade with Europe. And, even though China and India are slowing down, we would be absolutely naive if we didn’t try to continue to trade with those huge markets.”

The environment will also be a dominant topic throughout the 2009 legislative calendar. Developing “tourism assets (with) our forests,” and introducing legislation to address water and air quality are items Manitobans can expect to see on next year’s legislative agenda.

A major focus of his administration however, will be the continuing development of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights slated to be constructed at the Forks. The premier believes that the museum will contribute to an increased profile on the world stage for Winnipeg–and all for the right reasons. “You want young people to believe you can make a difference for human beings in the world. Your heart and your head and your will can make a difference. I think we’ll see a decrease in cynicism with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and that’s really important at this juncture in democracy.”

It’s likely that the combination of the fast-thinking and informed politician and the individual clearly concerned with the common good that contributes to his ongoing popularity. And he is popular. Doer occupies a unique spot in Manitoban public life: he’s a popular politician. People like him. When asked what it was that appealed to people about him he deadpanned, “I’ve probably had a beer with every Manitoban.” Whether true or not (it’s not) this throwaway comment also speaks to why people like him: he’s a regular guy. He likes a beer, enjoys a good steak, does a spot-on impersonation of the Queen, goes to Bomber games, takes his kids to soccer and so on. The fact that he numbers among his friends a pretty famous and successful movie star cum governor of California is kind of cool too. (For the record-they still keep in touch.)

As to the prospect of a fourth term he’s cagey. As the next provincial election could be almost three years down the road, he’s reluctant to commit to a yes or no. “You have to make that decision when you get closer to the date (of election). Do you have the ideas, the energy, the platform that makes sense? Do you still have the support of the public, and more importantly, do you have the support of your family?”

And when it comes to the issue of taking a crack at the federal political arena, his response indicates that the fortunes of the federal NDP would have to change before such a step would be considered. “I wouldn’t want to be in a situation where I couldn’t get things done. I had a period of time in Opposition trying to rebuild this party, and I’d rather spend my time on things I can get done, rather than criticizing things that aren’t being done. I like being in government.”

More to the point, it appears that Manitobans like him being in government. With approval ratings consistently in the 70 percent area, this four-time winner of “Canada’s most popular premier” poll (2003 to 2006), continues to appeal to the voters of this province. Whether it’s his political acumen, his need to get things done, or his true desire to get the best for his province, Gary Doer is pretty much the kind of guy you’d like to sit down and have a beer with. If you do, ask him about kayaking with Jean Charest in Churchill. He just might tell you.

Photography by Grajewski Fotograph Inc.