Ralph Klein to receive Order of Canada
Retired judge Ian Binnie awarded highest rank
CALGARY • Six years after leaving public office, the man simply known as “Ralph” to most Albertans has been named an officer of the Order of Canada.
“It’s high time. The family is very, very happy,” said Rod Love, former Alberta premier Ralph Klein’s longtime friend and political adviser.
“We think it is absolutely the appropriate recognition for a quarter of a century in public life, and his accomplishments at City Hall, in environment and 14 years as premier really speak for themselves.”
Also named Friday were a former Supreme Court justice, a renowned historian and a legendary hockey coach.
Ian Binnie, who retired from the high court last year, has been named a companion of the order, its highest rank.
Natalie Zemon Davis, a University of Toronto historian and author of The Return of Martin Guerre, is also named a companion, as is Montreal conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin.
Named as new officers of the order are veteran TV journalist Craig Oliver and Michael Pitfield, a former senator and one-time clerk of the Privy Council.
Pat Quinn, who coached five different NHL teams during a storied career and led Team Canada to an Olympic goal medal in 2002, is also a
new officer.
Mr. Klein, 69, has been in poor health since shortly after retiring as premier. He’s battling dementia and chronic lung problems related to smoking. He is now in a nursing home in Calgary.
His wife, Colleen, said family members told Mr. Klein of the honour during a visit earlier this week.
“While words are difficult, his face brightened, and he smiled,” she said in a statement.
“Ralph is ailing now, but will always remain strong and vibrant in the hearts and minds of Albertans and all who believe in public service and what it can achieve when offered inspiring leadership.”
Current Alberta Premier Alison Redford credited Mr. Klein’s legacy as part of the reason “Albertans enjoy an envious quality of life” today.
“Ralph had a long and successful tenure as premier of Alberta, shepherding this province through some very tough times,” she said in a statement.
“He had to make difficult choices and he did so with the overwhelming support of Albertans — listening to them, and following through on their priorities.”
Among the other new officers are:
Chantal Hébert, a wellknown political columnist.
Paul Hoffman, a British Columbia geologist known for landmark research on the Precambrian period.
Marianne McKenna, a noted Toronto architect.
John Richard of Ottawa, former chief justice of the Federal Court of Appeal.
Notables named as members include:
Silver Donald Cameron, a Nova Scotia journalist, writer and community activist.
Greg Hollingshead, an Edmonton author and winner of the Governor General’s Award for Fiction in 1995.
Frances Lankin, a former Ontario cabinet minister and retired CEO of the Toronto United Way.
Des McAnuff, outgoing artistic director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and a two-time Tony Award winner.
Lino Saputo, a Quebec businessman and philanthropist and founder of the cheese company which bears his name.
The actual awards will be presented at ceremonies later this year.