Alberta politician Gary Mar, who lost to new premier Alison Redford in the Progressive Conservative leadership vote Oct. 1, has been appointed as the province’s representative in Asia.
In an Oct. 14 news release, Redford said Mar’s skills as “a proven relationship builder” are expected to foster “a new era of co-operation between Alberta and Asia.”
Before making his leadership bid, Mar was Alberta’s representative in Washington, D.C. He resigned that position to enter the race and was the frontrunner throughout the campaign until losing in a final ballot to Redford.
Mar said in the news release that he and Redford had discussed the possibility of his running for office and serving in cabinet, but he now plans to serve Albertans instead through the Asia appointment.
Asia is Alberta’s second largest export market, worth almost $8 billion in 2010, and China is one of Alberta’s fastest growing markets.
Mar will earn an annual salary of $264,576.
