THE HONOURABLE GARY DOER, PREMIER OF MANITOBA

Gary Doer is Manitoba’s 20th Premier. His government was first sworn into office on October 5, 1999. In June, 2003, he was re-elected as Manitoba Premier with an increased government majority.

Mr. Doer was first elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 1986 as the representative for Concordia. He joined the government of Premier Howard Pawley, serving as Minister of Urban Affairs and additional portfolios. In 1988 he was elected leader of the Manitoba New Democratic Party.

Mr. Doer’s government has delivered a balanced budget every year since his election as Premier in 1999. The relative size of Manitoba’s debt has declined by almost 20 per cent, and taxes have been reduced in four areas, including the first cut in corporate income taxes since the Second World War. Recognizing this prudent approach to managing the province’s economy, Moody’s Investor Services and the Dominion Bond Rating Service have upgraded the province’s credit rating.

Under Premier Doer’s leadership, Manitoba’s growth rate has routinely been above the national average, unemployment and youth unemployment rates have been among the lowest in the country, job growth has almost doubled, and private investment growth has consistently increased.

Manitoba also has a growing and prosperous Indian community. The number of immigrants from India has increased in recent years, with India now in the top three among source countries of immigration to Manitoba.

Strong economic growth continues as Manitoba becomes a world leader in developing and exporting clean renewable energy such as hydroelectric, wind, geothermal, ethanol, and bio diesel. In 2005 Premier Doer was chosen as one of Business Week magazines Top 20 world leaders on climate change and clean energy development.

International trade is at the cornerstone our Manitoba’s economy. Premier Doer looks forward to increasing Manitoba’s two-way trade with India, which totaled $50.6 million in 2004.

Gary Doer remains committed to strengthening his community. He has served as vice-president of the Manitoba Special Olympics; board member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club; Prairie Theatre Exchange; the Niagara Institute; the United Way of Winnipeg and, the Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba.

Premier Doer is married to Ginny Devine. They have two children.