5, 1999. He did not seek re-election later in the year, but instead served as campaign manager for the Progressive Conservatives in their loss to Gary Doer's New Democrats. (He had played the same role for the party in their successful campaign of 1995.) In 2000, Downey endorsed Tom Long's bid to lead the newly formed Canadian Alliance party (National Post, 10 May 2000). In 2004, he endorsed Belinda Stronach for leader of the new Conservative Party of Canada. Downey ran for a directorship on the Canadian Wheat Board in 2002, campaigning against the board's monopoly status. He lost to incumbent Bill Nicholson, who supports the current system. References Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba MLAs 1942 births Living people Deputy premiers of Manitoba