Bruce Heyman named U.S. ambassador to Canada

U.S. President Barack Obama has nominatedBruce A. Heyman, a partner at Goldman Sachs in Chicago, to be his country'sambassador to Canada.

CBC News first reported in April thatObama had picked Heyman, who is also a top political fundraiser for the president, for the Canadian post.

His choicewas confirmed in a news release from the White House today.

"I am proud that such experienced and committed individuals have agreed to serve the American people in these important roles. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead," Obama said of Heyman's nomination and thoseof two others to key posts in his administration.

Obama also appointedKathryn Thomson as general counsel in theDepartment of Transportation andKevin Whitaker, as ambassador to the Republic of Colombia.

Today's announcement follows speculation over the summer that Heyman'scomplex investment portfolio may have disqualified him from the job during the vetting process orled him to lose interest in the appointment.

It was also rumoured that pipeline politics were stallingObama's top pick for U.S. envoy, as all nominations must be approved by the U.S. Senate.

The controversial Keystone XL pipeline that would carry crude oil from Alberta to Texas is the dominant issue in Canada-U.S. relationsright now.

Two weeks ago, word came thatHeymancompleteddiplomatic "charm school" trainingthis summer.

Once the Senate approves Obama's nomination for U.S. ambassador to Canada, Heymanwill replace David Jacobson, whose four-year term ended in July.

American diplomat Richard Sanders will continue to act as charg daffaires in the interim at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawauntil Heyman arrives in Canada.