Doer's farewell promotes UNESCO bid

Outgoing Manitoba Premier Gary Doer askedwell-wishers gathered to bid him farewell Friday to remain committed to one of his favourite environmental projects.

Heurged people at a tribute dinner to remain committed to protecting four million hectares of boreal forest in eastern Manitoba and western Ontario.

"Do not ever give up on the dream of protecting the east side of Lake Winnipeg,"Doer told about 1,000 people at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

Heisstepping down as premier to become Canada's next ambassador to the United States. New Democrats choose a new leader Saturday.

Doerused the farewell Friday night topromote efforts to getaworld heritage designation from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization.

"Let's have a world UNESCOsite in Manitoba with that beautiful, beautiful boreal forest," he said.

Doer'slast policy announcement as premier came Tuesday when he pledged$10 million in provincial money to bolster a trust fund set up by four First Nations communitiesworking on the UNESCO campaign.

The Poplar River, Little Grand Rapids, Pauingassi and Pikangikum First Nations will present a final bid for the designation in 2011 and have established a non-profit corporation to seek international recognition for the land.

Tributes to Doercome from all over

Glowing tributes to Doer and his time in government poured in from many who have had dealings with him.

He's been premier since 1999 but was first elected as the MLA for the Winnipeg riding of Concordia in 1986.

Local business magnate Mark Chipman, who worked with Doer to build Winnipegs MTS Centre arena, said he was "humbled and honoured" to have earned his friendship.

There were also video tributes from Jean Charest, the Liberal premierof Quebec, and Bernard Lord, the former Conservative premier of New Brunswick.

But the most touching words came from Doers eldest daughter, Emily.

"I am sad to know that this is the end of a wonderful journey but so excited for the next chapter," she said. "Dad, there has been much accomplished but more to do. We love you."

In hislastremarks as premier, Doer indicated his successes in government had much to do with the people hes been surrounded by.

"I know the old song that Paul Anka wrote, and youd say I did it my way," Doer said.

"I want to say its been an honour and I want to say the way wed sing that song is 'we did it our way.'"

A new premier will be chosen Saturday, when about 2,000 NDP delegates vote for either Greg Selinger or Steve Ashton to lead the party.

CBC News will be providing live coverage of the convention on television, radio and online.