The politician who won every single seat in his province
In short: In 1987, Frank McKenna achieved a feat rarely seen in Canadian politics by winning every legislative seat in New Brunswick. From a lawyer defending boxing champions to a diplomat in Washington, his career has spanned high-stakes politics, international diplomacy, and major corporate leadership.
Born in Apohaqui, New Brunswick, in 1948, McKenna’s political ascent was marked by a historic landslide. During the 1987 provincial election, his Liberal party secured every seat in the New Brunswick legislature, a victory that remains one of the largest in Canadian history. His tenure as the 27th premier was defined by a focus on job creation, driven by his philosophy that the best social program is employment. To boost the province's economy, he used tax incentives and personal outreach to attract investment, while also implementing a sophisticated public relations strategy.
His influence extended beyond provincial borders. McKenna served as Canada's Ambassador to the United States from 2005 to 2006, a role that brought him significant media attention. His time in Washington was marked by diplomatic complexities, including a public disagreement with Prime Minister Paul Martin regarding Canada's participation in the U.S. National Missile Defense program. Despite being a top choice for the Liberal leadership in various polls, McKenna ultimately chose to exit public life to avoid being "consumed by politics."
In the corporate world, McKenna has held significant leadership roles. He has served as the Chair of Brookfield Corporation since August 2010 and as Deputy Chair of the Toronto-Dominion Bank. His business connections, including his friendship with former U.S. President George H. W. Bush and his membership in the Carlyle Group, have frequently been noted by observers and the media.
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- Also: Wikidata — Frank McKenna · CC0
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