Hailing ‘a true statesman’: Hancock portrait unveiled
Former premier praised for his skills in debate and his devotion to education
The tributes echoing around the Alberta legislative building Monday evening were “absolutely, totally, the most embarrassing thing” in former premier Dave Hancock’s life, to say nothing of the fact his portrait now hangs on the third floor.
Hancock was premier for just six months — the shortest serving premier in the province’s history — but was MLA for Edmonton-White mud for more than 17 years.
He took the top job in March 2014 at a rocky time for the Progressive Conservatives. Alison Redford had just resigned after a caucus revolt, on the verge of facing motions of non-confidence arising from spending scandals.
He stepped down that September, and Monday joked being premier was the best summer job he ever had, but, just as others threw compliments his way Monday, was serious in his praise of colleagues in both the PC ranks and across the aisle.
“It’s a picture of one person, but it’s not,” he told reporters following the unveiling. “It’s a picture of all the people who worked so hard to be part of the system, part of the process, and brought their passion to make Alberta a better place.”
Talk Monday centred around Hancock’s devotion to education, his thorough knowledge of house rules, and his ability to debate with great aplomb.
For Premier Rachel Notley, who admitted she learned a lot from the former MLA, Hancock will forever be a fellow “policy wonk” — a role he was happy to acknowledge with a nod and a grin.
The portrait by Tom Menczel depicts Hancock standing inside the legislative building, dressed in a navy suit, sun beaming in to match his smile.
“It is said he disagreed without being disagreeable,” said Wildrose house leader Nathan Cooper.
Both Cooper and interim PC leader Ric McIver praised Hancock as a true statesman who took actions because they were right — not for personal gain — and who didn’t fall victim to empty political rhetoric.
“This province will always be better because you were here,” McIver said.
Speakers also praised his family, and McIver thanked Hancock’s wife, Janet, for sharing her husband with Alberta.
It is said he disagreed without being disagreeable.