Tory government hires another party campaign veteran

The man who managed the successful election campaign for the Manitoba Tories has been given a senior political job that pays more than $10,000 a month.

David McLaughlin has been hired on a seven-month contract as a senior adviser on climate change.

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McLaughlin previously worked for Conservative governments federally and in New Brunswick.

He was also president of the National Roundtable on the Environment and The Economy for five years.

Cathy Cox, the province's minister for sustainable development, said McLaughlin brings important experience to his advisory job on climate change.

Since winning the April 19 election, the Progressive Conservatives have also hired the party's former president, Michael Richards, as a deputy secretary to cabinet for just over $163,000 a year.

Other Tories have been appointed to Crown corporations or police boards, including unsuccessful candidates such as Edna Nabess and Tracey Maconachie.

Former Tory legislature members Stuart Murray and Mavis Taillieu have been awarded spots on the board of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

"David McLaughlin is a nationally recognized public policy leader across energy, economy and the environment with 30 years of experience in government and private sector settings across Canada," Cox said in a written statement Wednesday.

"David's focused engagement and unique experience will be an asset to our government as we work with our provincial and federal partners to develop a comprehensive and results-driven green plan."

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