Frank McKenna

Frank McKenna didn't just win an election in 1987; he executed a political annihilation, capturing every single seat in the New Brunswick legislature—a feat unmatched in Canadian history. For a decade, he governed with the relentless energy of a missionary, determined to pull the often-overlooked Maritime province into a new era of prosperity. His focus was unyielding: jobs. He became New Brunswick's salesman-in-chief, crisscrossing the continent and the globe to lure corporations with a mix of charisma, prepared spreadsheets, and promises of a capable, bilingual workforce. While his tactics sometimes drew criticism for their corporate focus, the results were undeniable: thousands of new jobs in call centers and technology sectors. After retiring undefeated from provincial politics, McKenna seamlessly transitioned into the upper echelons of Canadian finance and diplomacy, serving as Ambassador to the United States and chairing major corporate boards, always carrying with him the pragmatic, deal-making ethos he honed in Fredericton.