The journalist and author Harvey Sawler discusses his new book, Frank McKenna: Beyond Politics (Douglas & McIntyre, 2009), McKenna’s career as a criminal lawyer, premier of New Brunswick (1987-1997), his post-political career as Canadian ambassador to the United States, and now as deputy chair of TD Bank, and quite possibly whether he’ll lead the Liberal Party of Canada.

Frank McKenna: Beyond Politics by Harvey Sawler. (Douglas & McIntyre, 2009) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Frank McKenna: Beyond Politics

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

Frank McKenna: Beyond Politics is a new book from the journalist and author Harvey Sawler. It is an interesting account of one of Canada’s highly respected politicians and now, business leaders. With remarkable access to McKenna, and the insights of many of McKenna’s contemporaries, as well as figures such as former prime ministers and presidents. It’s a telling book about a man who was a successful criminal lawyer, becoming premier of New Brunswick—a job he held for ten years—who left it to pursue a further career in business and the diplomatic corps, capping off his post-political life as Canadian ambassador to the United States. McKenna is now the deputy chair of TD Bank Financial Group, and though he was within reach of the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada twice, and he twice turned it down, one suspects his name might arise again. Harvey Sawler joins me now to discuss McKenna and this book, which is published by Douglas and McIntyre. He is also a well-known tourism consultant. His website is www.harveysawler.com. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Harvey Sawler; Good morning, Mr. Sawler.

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