Manitoba Premier Gary Doer announces on Thursday in Winnipeg his intent to step down. (CBC)

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer's announcement to step down has garnered shock and praise from those in Canada's political arena.

"I'm a little saddened. I've had a great working relationship with Premier Doer," said Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. "The premier and I have had some good times together and we've done some projects together and I've always considered him a friend and an ally of the city [who would] always go to bat for special projects when we've needed help."

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, in a written statement sent to the media, thanked Doer for his years of service to his province and to the country.

"Gary Doer is both a friend and trusted colleague and both the province of Manitoba, and in fact Canada, have benefited from his commitment to public life," Stelmach said. "Premier Doer is a pragmatic leader who could look outside ideology to do what was best for the citizens of his province. His commitment and co-operation on labour mobility and limiting trade barriers between provinces helped create policy in the West that is a template for the rest of the nation."

Doer, 61, announced Thursday in Winnipeg that he intends to step down as Manitoba's 20th premier, ending his reign as the longest-serving of Canada's current premiers. He has held the province's top job since 1999.

'To leave looking so healthy and happy today, you can't help but be glad for the guy.'—NDP MP Pat Martin

Doer would not give the exact date of his resignation, saying only that it would be decided in consultation with his party.

"On a personal note, Premier Doer was very gracious and reached out to me when I was the newest provincial premier on the national scene, providing me with friendship and support," said Stelmach. "I wish him the best of luck in his future, and congratulate Gary Doer for years of commitment and contribution to his province and this country."

NDP MP Pat Martin said Doer is leaving at the top of his game. The province in good shape and Manitobans owe the premier a debt of gratitude for all of his accomplishments, Martin said.

"You know, 21 years of public service is about all you can ask from a person who has a family, made a huge contribution. And those 10 years as premier, those should count as dog years in my opinion because that takes a lot out of you," Martin said. "To leave looking so healthy and happy today, you can't help but be glad for the guy."

Political landscape to change

Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen has never had more cordial words for Doer. The leader of the Opposition said the resignation is a shocker and praised Doer's record of public service.

"We were basing our next campaign on running against Gary Doer. When you're competitive and you're a contender you always want a chance to go into the ring with a reigning heavyweight champ," he said about the next election, which is set for October 2011. "I'm not going to get that chance in two years."

Manitoba Liberal leader Jon Gerrard is surprised with Doer's resignation but excited about how it will change the political landscape.

"I think certainly when you've got somebody who has been as experienced as Gary Doer leaving, there's always an opportunity for the Liberal Party now to do much better next time 'round," he said.

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell called Doer a person "who's been willing to look at the world and deal with the facts that are there on behalf of the people of his province."

And Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, said Doer "has provided true leadership for his province and for all Canadians. He has shown that government can be balanced, responsible and visionary."