Gary Doer couldn't wait to get started in his new job as Canada's ambassador to the United States.

So on Sunday, he hitched a train ride across Manitoba with David Jacobson, the American ambassador to Canada.

Chicago lawyer Jacobson, newly appointed by President Barack Obama, just happened to be on the Manitoba portion of his cross-Canada train trip to get to know the country better.

"It came up in the last week. It was suggested (that since) the U.S. ambassador was coming across country, I should meet with him," said Doer, disembarking in Winnipeg at about 7 p.m. Sunday.

'We will govern with warm hearts and cool minds. We will do the job that people have asked us to do as we go forward'-- Greg Selinger, in his victory speech to delegates

'I'm going to go have a few beers, maybe more than a few beers, and Monday morning I'll be back at work'-- losing leadership candidate Steve Ashton |

After a slick video featuring John K. Samson, the lead singer of local indy gods The Weakerthans, NDP leadership hopeful Greg Selinger waded through the crowd of supporters shaking hands and accepting hugs, acting every bit the victor though the votes hadn't been cast.

"My notes said remember to smile, but it's pretty hard not to with a crowd like this," Selinger said later.

Selinger's iPod is way cooler: With a little American-style campaign flare, Selinger waded through the crowd to make his speech as U2's Elevation blared on the speakers. That gave way to a song by The Weakerthans, drawing a few hoots from the hipsters on the convention floor.

The weight changes shoulders this morning as Manitobans go to church and get ready for the Blue Bomber tilt with the B.C. Lions.

At a photo-op today, Gary Doer will hand the keys to his office at the legislature to the new guy, premier-designate Greg Selinger.

The handover symbolizes the weight of responsibilty of being premier passing from one man to the next.

It's something the former finance minister has been thinking about, even dreading, well before his convincing win over Steve Ashton on Saturday.

Two dead in head-on collision TWO men, aged 57 and 30, died when their vehicles collided head-on just after midnight Saturday on Logan Avenue west of McPhillips Street.

WINNIPEG -  Gary Doer will become Canada’s ambassador to the United States at the stroke of midnight Sunday night, the still-premier said in his last media scrum today.

Talking to reporters after casting his ballot for the new leader — but before the results were known — Doer did not reveal who he had voted for except to say: “I voted for the winner.”

Joking with reporters, he refused to say more.

“The one interesting thing is on Monday morning whoever is elected premier of the province of Manitoba I’m going to have to work with as ambassador,” he said.

The Winnipeg Free Press was broadcasting live from the NDP leadership convention. Watch the replay.

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Ashton: The province would be willing to be partners with other levels of government and other funders to ensure the present stadium is safe. The Bombers are an important part of our community.

Selinger: I want to find the best way possible to proceed on this project as quickly as possible so as to minimize costly repairs for the old stadium.

2Ashton: I am totally committed to having a one-member, one-vote system implemented before the next leadership convention.