Decorated peacekeeper named Alberta lieutenant governor

Retired colonel Donald Stewart Ethell, a distinguished soldier who has served on 14 international peacekeeping missions, has been named Alberta's new lieutenant governor.

Ethell is a "champion for veterans and the welfare of those in the world's most vulnerable nations," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper in making the appointment on Thursday.

Ethell led Canada's peacekeeping operations from 1987 to 1990 and served as deputy force commander of multinational forces during the 1990 Persian Gulf War. His last posting was in Yugoslavia before retiring in 1993.

During his 38 years with the Canadian Armed Forces,Ethell participated in missions in Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel and the Balkans.

He was awarded the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2001.

The Governor General appoints lieutenant governors on the advice of the prime minister to serve five-year terms where they act as provincial representatives of the Queen.

Ethell, who hasappeared as a media defence analyst,replaces Norman Kwong, whose five-year term has already expired.

"It was a privilege and an honour to have Norman serve as our lieutenant governor during these last five years. I appreciated his gentle humour and his passion for people," said Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach in a statement on Thursday.