PM Harper announces new Lieutenant Governor for Manitoba

A man who was once the head chemist for the city of Winnipeg has been named as Manitoba's next lieutenant-governor.

Phillip Lee will take over the role from John Harvard, whose five-year term is set to expire next month. Lee's swearing-in ceremony will happen Aug.1.

The appointment was announced Friday by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and supported by both the governing NDP and the provincial Opposition.

Lee was born in Hong Kong in 1944 and came to Canada to study at the University of Manitoba in 1962. He worked for the city in the water and waste departments from 1967 until 2005.

He was admitted to the Order of Canada in 1999 for his extensive work in Winnipeg's Chinese community.Lee played a key role in the development of many of the community's landmarks, including the construction of the Chinese Gate between Logan and James avenues.

"For decades, Mr. Lee has played an integral role in Winnipeg's cultural community and has been widely recognized for his efforts in promoting a positive cultural awareness among Canadians of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds," Manitoba Premier Gary Doer stated in a release.

"As such, he is well prepared to assume this prominent role as the Queen's representative in our province and will bring an exciting dynamic to this office.

"I also want to thank his honour Lt.-Gov. John Harvard for his service," Doer added. "For the past five years, Mr. Harvard has served in the position with dignity and distinction and has enriched the office he represented."

The position of lieutenant-governor is largely ceremonial and holds very little direct influence over the government of Manitoba.