Ralphie Resigns

CALGARY—Ralph Klein's long goodbye became official yesterday as Canada's longest-serving current premier resigned as leader of the country's most prosperous province.
Klein told reporters he sent a resignation letter to the executive of the Alberta Progressive Conservatives last week but promised his wife, Colleen, it would not be made public until after a report was released by a crystal meth task force she headed.
The 63-year-old, speaking at a fundraising event, said the day that began the end of nearly 14 years in the premier's chair felt like "any other day" to him.
"It's business as usual, just a nippy September day," he said.
Klein confirmed his plans to stay on until a new leader is chosen by the party, in a race that has been informally in full swing for weeks. The president of Alberta's Progressive Conservatives has confirmed Nov. 25 as the day party members will vote for Klein's replacement.
Doug Graham also says a second ballot, if necessary, will be held a week later on Dec. 2.
Klein, who has said he will also resign as MLA for Calgary-Elbow, said he will watch the race to replace him "with interest" but will not be active in it.
"I'll pay attention to what they have to say, but I'll keep out of the race. I'm not supporting overtly any candidate. I haven't made up my mind who I'll be voting for, but I will be voting."
Some of those who worked with Klein around the cabinet table and are now running to replace him said the day marked the end of an era.
"The absolute fundamental that he taught me was (to) listen," said ex-minister Mark Norris. "Politicians all too often want to talk and tell you what their ideas are, but he was just a master at listening, bringing together consensus and then acting on it."
Ed Stelmach said Klein's early days, when the price of oil was in the tank, the budget deficit was skyrocketing and people were leaving, showed him at his best.
"His leadership was crucial in keeping the team together," said Stelmach. "I remember often sitting at the caucus table and he said, `Look folks, are you behind me or not?' It was the kind of leadership that was necessary."
Jim Dinning, Klein's treasurer in those tumultuous years, recalled his indefatigable energy.
"There was a wonderful excitement around the room, that there was so many things to get done, so many changes to make.
"He just was amazing in his capacity to say, `Now that's a good idea, why don't we run with it?'"
Klein had spoken of leaving office within a couple of years, but accelerated that timetable after he received just 55 per cent support from party delegates in a leadership review in March.
After leaving office, he plans to do some work for two conservative think-tanks, the Fraser Institute and the Manning Centre. He will also be a guest lecturer at the Woodrow Wilson Institute in Washington, D.C.


The year 2006 is definately a "year of change". Alberta is certainly going to be different without Ralph at the helm. It's going to actually be interesting to see how things turn out politically. I wouldn't be suprised if the Liberals make a strong push and a Minority government is formed. Probably a tory, but could be a liberal too. The last election a lot of Albertans gave Ralph the benefit of the doubt. But whoever replaces him won't get such an easy ride.

Sorry to see you go Ralph. You always found a way to make the headlines. Alberta will miss your infamous quotes. We'll always have "shoot, shovel and shut up!"