Frank McKenna
Frank McKenna | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 19, 1948 Apohaqui, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, former political leader, diplomat |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Known for | 27th Premier of New Brunswick (1987–1997), Canadian Ambassador to the United States (2005–2006) |
Francis Joseph McKenna (born January 19, 1948) is a Canadian entrepreneur, former political leader, and diplomat. He currently holds the positions of Chair at Brookfield Corporation and Deputy Chairman at the Toronto-Dominion Bank. McKenna served as Canada's Ambassador to the United States between 2005 and 2006. He was the 27th premier of New Brunswick, serving from 1987 until 1997, and is particularly noted for securing every legislative seat in the province during his initial 1987 election.
Early life
Born on January 19, 1948, in Apohaqui, New Brunswick, Frank McKenna was one of eight siblings born to Olive and Joseph McKenna. Raised primarily in his grandparents' residence located next to his parents', he completed his secondary education at Sussex High School in Sussex, New Brunswick. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Economics from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Initially enrolling in graduate studies at Queen's University, he later transitioned to law school at the University of New Brunswick following advice that most politicians have legal backgrounds.
After receiving his law degree, McKenna practiced as an attorney in Chatham, New Brunswick, gaining prominence as defense counsel in the notable murder trial involving boxing champion Yvon Durelle.
New Brunswick politics
McKenna began his political career by winning a seat representing Chatham in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick during the 1982 election. In 1985, he became leader of the provincial Liberal party (New Brunswick Liberal Association) and led it to an unprecedented victory in 1987 by claiming every legislative seat.
During his premiership, McKenna focused on creating employment opportunities by fostering small business expansion and enticing major corporations through tax incentives. He actively sought to attract skilled professionals to New Brunswick while working to enhance provincial morale as a means to increase productivity. His government implemented an advanced public relations approach that included the use of video news releases, which sparked some controversy.
Nonetheless, his administration faced criticism for early dismissal of senior public servants as part of consolidating authority over the civil service, raising concerns about increased politicization. The number of government communications personnel also grew under his leadership; however, McKenna defended these changes by emphasizing efforts to reduce political influence within Communications New Brunswick. Furthermore, he launched a toll-free hotline, 1-800-MCKENNA, designed to assist constituents and businesses throughout North America interested in investing in the province.
True to his commitment of serving a decade, McKenna resigned exactly ten years after his historic electoral triumph in 1997.
Business career
Following his departure from political office, McKenna moved to Cap-Pélé, New Brunswick, near Moncton, where he resumed legal practice and joined various corporate boards. Alongside his son James McKenna, he acquired Glenwood Kitchen Ltd., a premium custom cabinetry company based in Shediac, New Brunswick. His involvement with the Canadian advisory board of the Carlyle Group drew media attention; however, he clarified that this board was intended solely to provide guidance on a proposed Canadian investment fund that never materialized and thus never became operational.
When appointed as Canadian ambassador to Washington, McKenna stepped down from counsel roles at law firms including McInnes Cooper and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, and relinquished all corporate board memberships. This included resigning as interim chairman of the board of CanWest Global Communications, a role he had taken on following the passing of founder Israel Asper.
Ambassador
Following Paul Martin's ascent to leadership, McKenna emerged as a candidate for the position of Canadian Ambassador to the United States, particularly after John Manley declined the opportunity. His extensive business network, which included connections with the Carlyle Group and a personal relationship with former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, was regarded as a valuable strategic advantage.
Prime Minister Martin officially announced McKenna's appointment as the 21st Ambassador to the U.S. on January 5, 2005; this role took effect on March 1, and McKenna formally presented his credentials to U.S. President George W. Bush on March 8.
In February of that year, McKenna indicated that Canada was already participating in the U.S. National Missile Defense initiative through an amendment to the NORAD agreement, which allowed U.S. access to missile warning systems for NMD purposes. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Martin subsequently clarified that Canada would not engage directly in NMD but would prioritize other defense commitments. This inconsistency undermined McKenna’s standing and exposed perceptions of uncertainty within Martin’s administration.
During his ambassadorship, McKenna attracted significant media attention by advocating for enhanced mutual understanding between Canada and the United States. He sought to correct American misconceptions about Canada while encouraging Canadians to embrace aspects of American culture, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
McKenna stirred debate during a speech delivered to a Toronto business club on September 29, 2005, when he described the U.S. bureaucracy and Congress as largely "dysfunctional," contrasting it with Canada's more "efficient" parliamentary system, noted for its strong party discipline.
On January 25, 2006, McKenna tendered his resignation as Ambassador to Prime Minister-designate Stephen Harper, offering to remain in office until a replacement was named. He was succeeded by Michael Wilson on March 13, 2006.
Prospective career in federal politics
After stepping away from political office in 1997, McKenna briefly served on the Security Intelligence Review Committee and was repeatedly considered for cabinet roles under both Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin. He expressed interest in participating in the 2004 federal election, but ultimately chose not to run due to the absence of an appropriate electoral district in the Moncton, New Brunswick region and a reluctance to displace sitting Liberal MPs.
Following his departure as Premier of New Brunswick, McKenna was widely perceived as a potential leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and a future contender for the office of Prime Minister of Canada. A 2005 poll commissioned by the Toronto Star identified him as the public’s preferred successor to Prime Minister Paul Martin, ahead of rivals such as Bob Rae and John Manley. Additionally, the October 2005 issue of Saturday Night presented odds favoring McKenna as the likely Liberal leadership candidate.
On January 30, 2006, McKenna publicly confirmed he would not enter the Liberal leadership race, despite acknowledging the enduring strength of the Liberal brand and its historical path to forming government. He explained his decision by expressing a wish to prevent politics from dominating his life and reaffirmed his previous commitment to withdraw from political engagement.
After Stéphane Dion stepped down following the 2008 election, McKenna was once again considered a possible leadership contender. However, on October 28, 2008, he decisively ruled out running, emphasizing his continued dedication to leaving public life despite considerable encouragement from supporters.
Banking
On May 1, 2006, McKenna was named Deputy Chair of TD Bank Financial Group. Later that year, in August, he became a member of the board at Brookfield Corporation (previously known as Brookfield Asset Management before its 2022 spin-off) and has held the position of Chair since August 2010.
In Peter Schweizer's book Clinton Cash, McKenna is referenced in connection with the Keystone Pipeline decision and TD Bank’s financial relationships. The publication highlights that TD Bank, where McKenna served as vice chairman, compensated Bill Clinton $1.8 million for ten speeches delivered between late 2008 and mid-2011. McKenna, characterized as a close associate of both Bill and Hillary Clinton, frequently introduced Clinton at these events.
Distinctions
Further reading
- Philip Lee, Frank: The Life and Politics of Frank McKenna, Goose Lane, 2001.
External links
- McKenna's letter of resignation, dfait-maeci.gc.ca
- Frank McKenna Biography, TD.com
- Frank McKenna Biography — Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, gnb.ca
- Liberal Party of New Brunswick website, nbliberal.ca