Gary Doer

Former premier and diplomat Gary Doer has led a storied career in his home province of Manitoba and abroad in Washington—serving as Manitoba’s 20th Premier from 1999 to 2009 and as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2016. A leader whose efforts at the highest level helped bring Manitoba into the 21st century, his positive impact can be felt across the province.

Doer’s political journey spans four decades, with roots dating back to Ed Schreyer’s 1973 general election campaign and the NDP’s second victory at the ballot box. Prior to adding his own name to the ballot, Doer joined the Manitoba Government Employees' Association in the mid-1970s. Working for the union, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming vice-president in 1977 and president in 1979.

In 1986, Doer decided to run for MLA in the North Winnipeg constituency of Concordia. After securing his first electoral win, he was promptly appointed Minister of Urban Affairs under then-Premier Howard Pawley. His leadership during the late 1980s helped the NDP maintain their presence in the assembly in the years following Pawley’s resignation and the rise of Gary Filmon’s Conservatives.

After 11 years as Leader of the Opposition, Doer and the New Democrats won the 1999 election. Under his premiership, Doer’s government blended the traditional NDP emphasis on social programs with an economic policy of balanced budgets and paying down debt. His focus on public healthcare and education were cornerstones of his party’s platform throughout the decade and played a major role in their legislative initiatives. Winning three straight majority governments, Doer used his popularity to shape Manitoba in a way that allowed for further growth and success. Working with Ottawa, he secured federal support for the creation of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and helped renovate Winnipeg’s downtown in a way that paved the way for Mark Chipman to bring the city’s beloved hockey franchise back in 2011. His 2003 expansion of the Red-River floodway also links his government to Premier Duff Roblin’s ambitious public project from the 1960s, continuing his investment in protecting Manitoba’s capital for generations to come.

Doer’s time in office also coincided with The University of Winnipeg’s “A World of Opportunity” Capital Campaign—which saw significant redevelopment of the University’s campus and facilities. In keeping with his government’s commitment to furthering education in Manitoba, the NDP donated $25 million to help construct the Science Complex and Richardson College for the Environment at UWinnipeg, pledging a further $7 million in additional support for laboratories, including a vivarium and greenhouse facilities.

Outside the realm of politics, Doer and his family have continued their connection to UWinnipeg. Both of Doer’s daughters have attended classes on campus, one at the Collegiate and the other at the University. The Gary Doer Award, a fund created in his honour by Manitoba Hydro, currently supports students enrolled in the Masters in Development Practice Program.