Former Ontario PC candidate, aboriginal affairs spokesman, takes on key PMO role

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper has hired a failed former Ontario Progressive Conservative candidate as his new chief spokesman as he prepares for a raucous fall session of Parliament and a 2015 election campaign.

Jason MacDonald was most recently director of communications for Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt.

MacDonald replaces Andrew MacDougall, who is leaving as director of communications in the Prime Minister’s Office for a public relations job in the U.K.

MacDonald ran unsuccessfully for Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives in the 2011 provincial election.

MacDougall has congratulated MacDonald, saying on Twitter that he is professional, experienced and able to handle tough files.

MacDonald also previously worked for Carleton University and the CBC.

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

Related Articles