mulroney yrs, upcoming repeat

He's our rep in D.C.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is sending an architect of the Free Trade Agreement to Washington as Canada's ambassador, tasking him with mending the frayed relationship with the U.S.

Harper said he chose former Tory finance minister Michael Wilson because of the need to have someone with "great connections" pressing the flesh in America's capital.

"He and I understand each other so I think it's the ideal appointment for us to be able to refurbish our relations with the United States, while at the same time making sure we stand up for Canadian interests," Harper said yesterday during a meeting with Wilson and Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay.

Harper also cleaned house at the United Nations, accepting the resignation of ex-Liberal cabinet minister Allan Rock and replacing him with career diplomat John McNee.

Harper said his government's top priorities include settling the softwood lumber trade dispute, securing trade access, tackling agricultural issues and stickhandling the NORAD renewal.

"I would want to get our relationship back on a professional footing," Harper said.

Wilson sidestepped landmines during his first public appearance after his appointment, including his past comments on the need for Canada to join the war in Iraq.

Wilson said he'll use his connections in Washington from his time in former Tory PM Brian Mulroney's cabinet to iron out the kinks in Canada's relationship with the U.S., tackling the softwood lumber dispute first.
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