Premier Pat Binns today praised New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna for his contributions to the Province of New Brunswick and Canada over the past decade.
"Premier McKenna leaves a legacy of political success and achievement as Premier of New Brunswick and as a Canadian First Minister. I can understand Mr. McKenna's desire for a change after ten years as Premier and I certainly wish Frank and his family well in the future. His contributions to the development of New Brunswick and leadership on national issues will be missed, but I know he will remain a strong advocate for the region and for a united Canada."
Premier Binns says in the short time they worked together he came to appreciate Premier McKenna's many skills and his commitment to public service. "I have had the opportunity to work with him at the Council of Maritime Premiers level, the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers meeting, the Annual Premiers Conference, and the Calgary meeting on unity. At all those levels his experience, insight and commitment were recognized by his colleagues. In fact, he is presently Chair of the Premiers Conference and Canadian Chair of the Governors and Premiers."
On a personal level Premier Binns says he always found Premier McKenna helpful and willing to offer support and assistance on matters such as the funding agreement for the Atlantic Veterinary College. "I had the opportunity to speak to him today and hope to continue to hear from him in the future."
Premier Binns says the Atlantic Vision Conference is a prime example of the leadership provided by Premier McKenna. "I am not sure anyone else in the region would have been able to bring people together for such an event and could have provided the leadership for a truly regional effort."