Former premier Gordon Campbell has been nominated to be Canada’s next High Commmissioner to the United Kingdom.

Premier Christy Clark confirmed the appointment while in Ottawa for meetings Thursday, after it was reported by the Canadian Press. No official announcement has been made by the federal government.

“I congratulate him on it,” Clark said. She said Campbell’s diplomatic post comes at an important time, as Canada pursues a free trade agreement with the European Union.

Campbell stepped down last year after a protest against the implementation of the harmonized sales tax in B.C. after the 2009 election. Comparable value added taxation systems are an issue in negotiations for a trade agreement with the EU, which requires a similar tax scheme for its members.

Finance Minister Kevin Falcon said Campbell would be a good choice to go the UK as it prepares to host the 2010 Summer Olympics in London.