It looks like Canada's about to get a new ambassador to the United States. CTV News has confirmed that Prime Minister Paul Martin has offered the job to Frank McKenna.

McKenna is out of the country and has not commented, but friends of the former New Brunswick premier say he has accepted.

During a press conference in Montreal on Wednesday morning, Martin said, if that's true, he believes McKenna will do a fine job.

"I think that Frank McKenna is a Canadian who has great qualities and if he decides that he wants to serve his country then I'm sure that we will all benefit from it," Martin said.

McKenna, 56, was New Brunswick premier from 1987 to 1997. Last March, he announced he would not run in the federal election. He now practises law and serves on nine corporate boards.

Rumours that McKenna had been up for the job have been circulating for a few weeks, but the former premier has not commented on them.

McKenna would replace current ambassador Michael Kergin, a career diplomat appointed by former prime minister Jean Chretien.

McKenna would be the first former politician to head the Canadian embassy in Washington. In contrast, U.S. ambassadors to Canada almost always are political appointees.

Washington has to approve the appointment before an official announcement can be made.