Minister Mar goes to Washington

Veteran cabinet minister Gary Mar has been appointed Alberta's new trade representative in Washington.

Mar, 45, replaces Murray Smith, another former cabinet minister who held the job for more than two years. Smith left the postin Augustto return to Alberta to work for a securities firm.

"Alberta will be well served by Gary Mar as our new envoy in Washington, D.C.," Premier Ed Stelmach said in a news release on Thursday. "Gary brings broad public policy experience, an ability as an accomplished speaker, an in-depth understanding of the U.S. political system, and his enthusiasm to represent the province."

Mar, the MLA for Calgary-Mackay, was first elected 14 years ago. In that time, he's been the minister of health, education, community development and environment. Mar was dropped from cabinet after Ed Stelmach became premier in December 2006.

One of the main tasks of the ambassadorial job is to promote the potential of Alberta's vast oilsands.

"I am excited about serving Albertans in this new way," said Mar.

The post includes a $200,000 salary, a car, driver and a fancy apartment in the U.S. capitol.

Mar starts his new position at the end of October.