Lois Elsa Hole was a Canadian politician, businesswoman, academic, and writer. She served as Alberta’s 15th Lieutenant Governor and earned the nickname “the Queen of Hugs” for her warm and affectionate greetings. Learn more on edmonton-yes.
It All Started with Gardening
Lois Elsa Hole was born in Buchanan, Saskatchewan, but her family soon moved to Edmonton. In 1948, she graduated from Old Scona Academic High School and later earned a music teaching diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto.
In 1950, Lois met Ted Hole, and a few years later, they married. In 1952, the Holes bought a small farm in St. Albert, where they began a gardening business. They opened a series of greenhouse stores, cultivating and selling plants.
By 1979, their business was officially registered as Hole’s Greenhouses & Gardens Ltd., which grew into one of Western Canada’s largest and most successful retail greenhouse companies.
Distinguished Achievements and Role as Lieutenant Governor
In 1981, Hole began her public service career as a trustee at St. Albert’s School No. 6. Before this, she had served as a trustee and chair for the Sturgeon School Division for 14 years and spent 10 years as a board member at Athabasca University.
Lois also served as a director at the Farm Credit Corporation and was the honorary chair of the 27th Canadian Congress on Criminal Justice and the Children’s Foundation.
Outside her professional work, she remained passionate about her greenhouse business, developing new plant varieties and authoring six books on gardening. She also published collections of personal stories. These works led to frequent invitations to write articles for publications and appear on gardening-related television programs.
In recognition of her contributions, Athabasca University awarded her an honorary doctorate in 1983. In 1995, she was named “Woman of the Year,” and in 1997, she received a diploma as an honorary citizen in business.
On December 9, 1999, Alberta Premier Jean Chrétien appointed Lois Hole as Alberta’s 15th Lieutenant Governor, making her the province’s second woman to hold the position.
During her tenure, Lois discussed controversial healthcare legislation with the Premier, focusing on the role of private service providers. She assured Albertans she would avoid a constitutional crisis and signed key bills into law. Her service earned her membership in the Order of Canada.
Unexpected Tragedy
In 2002, while serving as Lieutenant Governor, Lois was diagnosed with stomach cancer. She publicly announced her diagnosis and her commitment to treatment. Despite her illness, she continued her duties until her passing on January 6, 2005, at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton.
To honor her legacy, the Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park was established in April 2005 as Alberta’s 69th provincial park, spanning 1,421 hectares.
In 2008, the Lois Hole Public Library opened in Edmonton’s Callingwood North neighborhood, featuring a sculpture of her.
In 2009, St. Albert declared May 14 Lois Hole Day, unveiling a bronze sculpture of her at City Hall, created by Barbara Paterson.