We have a new ambassador

I wanted to wait until it was official, but Prime Minister Stephen Harper picked Michael Wilson as the new ambassador to the United States. Wilson will replace Frank McKenna.

Harper also announced the nomination of John McNee as UN Ambassador. McNee will succeed Allan Rock.

"Strong Canada-US relations are a priority for my government. Mr. Wilson’s in-depth knowledge and experience in the financial sector and in government will make him a strong advocate for Canada in negotiations with our most important bilateral partner" Harper said in a statement.

Wilson has been an MP, serving as Minister of State for International Trade under Joe Clark and Finance Minister and Minister of Industry, Science and Technology and Minister for International Trade under Brian Mulroney. He was involved in negotiating NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).

McNee's current position is Canada’s Ambassador to Belgium, with concurrent accreditation to Luxembourg.

Wilson has said solving the softwood lumber dispute is his top priority, and believes a "change in tone from the top" will help resolve those issues and improve relations between the two countries.

Wilson will have a lot of pressure on him to improve the relationship between the U.S. and Canada while not giving away too much, such as the softwood lumber issue. At least, he has experience. That will be helpful.