Two decades after quitting politics, McKenna carves out ‘premier emeritus’ role
FREDERICTON — Twenty years ago Friday, Frank McKenna fulfilled a promise and resigned as New Brunswick premier, exactly one decade to the day after he took power.
He did not, however, leave the public stage.
Instead, he has carved out a new role — a sort of “premier emeritus” who both cheerleads for the Maritimes and offers harsh truths about its economic malaise.
“He’s candid. He says what’s on his mind and he has a very good mind. He has never forgotten New Brunswick and has never forgotten his roots,” said Nova Scotia MP Scott Brison, president of the federal Treasury Board.