About Frank McKenna

Considered one of Canada’s most intriguing public servants and business leaders, Frank McKenna's fascinating career spans almost four decades.

In 1987, he led the Liberal Party of New Brunswick to a landslide provincial victory, winning all 58 seats in the legislature. It was a sweep achieved only once before in Canadian history, by Walter Lea’s Liberal party in PEI in 1935.

As premier of New Brunswick, Mr. McKenna dramatically modernized and reformed the province’s healthcare and education systems. Dubbed “the best salesman any province ever had” by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business Magazine, his bold economic and social policy innovations also won unprecedented favour with the province’s business community.

After leading three consecutive majority governments, Mr. McKenna stepped down from his post, honouring a promise to his wife that he would not serve a day longer than 10 years.

In 2005, Mr. McKenna headed to Washington, navigating contentious bilateral trade and security issues as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States. Stepping away from public service in 2006, Mr. McKenna became a sought-after corporate director.

Today, as Deputy Chairman at TD, he is responsible for supporting the Bank in its customer acquisition strategy, particularly in the area of Wholesale and Commercial Banking.

Mr. McKenna’s extraordinary leadership and service have been recognized with numerous awards, including his appointment to the Order of Canada in 2008.