Ralph Klein – Premier, Province of Alberta
Most incumbents would consider winning 62 of 83 seats and 47% of the total vote as a massive affirmation of their personal popularity. But, as he has proven over a remarkable 25 years in public life, Ralph Klein is no ordinary politician. Despite winning a fourth landslide that would be the envy of any other government in November’s provincial election, Klein was chastened enough by a slight dip in his party’s seat total and popular support from the 2001 campaign to order a postmortem that included ideas for renewing the Tories.
Some insiders, however, believe the biggest obstacle to renovating the party might be its one-time saviour. The premier has remained publicly resolute that he will remain in his post through 2008, but the post-election jostling by his would-be successors has not earned the same flaying as Klein issued in 2002, when he famously warned off “tire-kickers” from campaigning for his job. Any putative leadership contenders should remember, however, that dislodging a politician who has bested four different opposition leaders at the polls and kissed off a $23-billion provincial debt will be no easy task. – WG
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment to date as premier of Alberta?
Eliminating Alberta’s $23-billion debt in a very short time frame is the accomplishment I’m most proud of. Most of all, I’m proud of the people of Alberta, who gave our government the clear direction to get the province’s fiscal house in order, and who kept our feet to the fire to deliver. Above all, Albertans worked hard to help us eliminate the debt. Getting rid of the debt is the primary reason that Alberta enjoys the fiscal flexi-bility it has today and that’s why we’re able to lead the nation in terms of investment into priority areas such as health, education and infrastructure.
Who do you think is the greatest Albertan ever?
Calgarian Art Smith is the person whom I regard as the greatest Albertan ever. He’s a war veteran, a successful businessman and a tireless community worker and advocate. For decades, Art has exemplified the very best qualities of Alberta and he has worked to help others, such as children and the homeless, without seeking personal recognition or reward. He’s a one-of-a-kind person and a truly great Albertan.
In 100 years, will you warrant your own chapter in the history books, a footnote to great events or a single Google hit?
Well, I’m going to dodge that one a bit and simply say that historians, not me, will decide my place in Alberta history. But I’m certain of one thing: this period in Alberta history will be one that is studied for generations to come. In the years leading up to the province’s centennial, Alberta has forcefully emerged as a national leader in terms of growth, health care, fiscal accountability and quality of life. It’s a time in the province’s history that all Albertans can be proud of.
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