Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has filled a senior diplomatic post to lead the Canadian consulate in Detroit.
Former N.D.P. M.P. for Windsor-Tecumseh Joe Comartin has been appointed the Canadian Consul General in Detroit.
He officially takes over the position October 29, 2018.
Comartin says provisions in the new USMCA are part of the reason he decided to take the job.
"I think there's a real potential for the auto industry to grow in this region on both sides of the border as a result of some of the changes that have been made and I think the Detroit office, that consulate, will be a key ingredient in enhancing that development"
Comartin says auto will be a prime focus for him, but not the only sector he'll address.
"Not only the auto industry and how we might be able to do further endeavours in enhancing that relationship, but also I'm going to be looking at agriculture and tourism. I think those are two other areas that are pretty crucial for both sides of the border to be increased"
Comartin says his first few weeks will be learning the inside operations of the office, then he'll begin forging relationships with industry.
He says the only condition he made before taking the appointment was that he continue to live in Windsor.
Comartin stepped down from his role as M.P. at the last federal election three years ago after serving in the position 15 years.
A government official says Comartin's post has a salary range of $125,900 to $148,100.