Doer a closet Tory?

By John Mohan

A week ago Siloam Mission's new chief operating officer Sherwood Armbruster found me reading a paper in the drop-in centre.

He had a look on his face that said he had some big news he was dying to share. He had inside information that Gary Doer, the premier of Manitoba was resigning from office. That night, news broadcasts captured the announcement including his declaration he would not be staying at home watching soaps. Everybody knew he must have something in the works. A big corporate job or perhaps a federal appointment -- nobody was worried for Gary because we all knew he would land on his feet.

Now the entire country knows Premier Doer has accepted the prime minister's request to become Canada's next ambassador to the United States. Manitobans are rightly proud one of our own has been named to the prestigious position and we relish being in the national spotlight for a story that's not about being the murder or car theft capital of the country.

There are wide speculations as to why Premier Doer accepted the role to represent Canada to our American counterparts, considered the best of all diplomatic positions. Possibly for better winters. Maybe a higher salary with a longer limo? Better parties? Avoid the fallout of looming political scandals? Wanting to work in an air-conditioned building? Maybe he's a closet Tory who's been lockstep with the prime minister all along. Perhaps he was just plain bored with getting re-elected over and over again for as long as he wanted without ever having to try. Maybe we'll never really know why.

One suggestion that has never been confirmed is a few months ago the premier placed a secret call in to my office wondering if Siloam Mission had a position open worthy of his skills and experience. The theory goes (again unconfirmed) he was motivated by the announcements that former mayoral chief of staff Armbruster and CJOB morning host Larry Updike had joined Siloam Mission.

This caused Doer to speculate we could also accommodate his plans to resign after 10 years as our premier.

The unsubstantiated rumour goes that he, like Armbruster and Updike, wanted to work for a non-profit organization to bring some personal fulfilment with the knowledge his efforts were helping Manitoba's less fortunate. While there were openings in areas like the emergency shelter and truck driving, Doer felt he was best suited for the communication department hoping for a desk beside Larry Updike.

According to anonymous sources, I told Doer that I would consider him for a role with us only if he apologized for the "Spirited Energy" rebranding campaign to show he'd learned his lesson. I guess taking the Washington job says we're at an impasse.

Manitoba wishes you well, Ambassador Doer.

-- John Mohan is the CEO of Siloam Mission.

Last Updated: 2nd September 2009, 1:49am

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