“The province of Alberta has a bright future ahead. I have great hopes that hundreds of successful projects will inspire Albertans to achieve even greater success.”
— Ralph Philip Klein
Ralph Klein was a prominent figure not only in Alberta but far beyond its borders. A dedicated politician, he served as Alberta’s Premier for over 14 years, making significant contributions to Canadian politics. Learn more on edmonton-yes.
A Childhood Filled with Challenges
Ralph Philip Klein was born in Calgary on November 1, 1942, to Phil and Florence Klein. He had one sibling, his brother Lynn. Ralph’s childhood was turbulent; his parents divorced when he was five. After the divorce, his mother remarried, but Ralph and his brother struggled to get along with their stepfather. This led to frequent moves between their mother’s and father’s homes.
Their father, despite working hard to support them, had little time to dedicate to raising his sons. By the age of 17, Ralph was restless and uninterested in academics, which worried his mother. She insisted he join the Royal Canadian Air Force, hoping it would instill discipline and provide direction. However, after only a few months of flight training, Ralph realized a military career was not for him. In 1960, he left and returned to Calgary.
Though his military aspirations were short-lived, the discipline he learned during training gave Ralph newfound determination and focus.
Finding His Path
In 1961, Klein enrolled in a business college in Calgary, studying accounting and business administration. He excelled in these fields and was invited to stay on as an instructor after graduation. Eventually, he became the college’s director.
Seeking new challenges, Klein moved into public relations, working with organizations like the Red Cross and United Way. During this time, he married Hilda Mae Hepner, with whom he had two children before their eventual divorce.
In 1969, a pivotal moment in Klein’s life occurred when he joined the news department at CFCN. There, he met Colleen Hamilton, whom he married in 1972. Ralph spent 11 years in the media, eventually becoming a senior public affairs reporter. His coverage often focused on municipal politics, giving him a deep understanding of the city’s governance.
In 1980, Klein surprised his family and colleagues by announcing his candidacy for mayor of Calgary. Running a modest campaign with a small team of volunteers and a budget-friendly mobile office, Ralph’s knowledge of political issues and his determination led to a landslide victory.
A Political Legacy
As mayor, Ralph Klein introduced Calgary’s light rail transit system, strengthened environmental protections, and played a key role in the success of the 1988 Winter Olympics.
In 1989, Klein transitioned to provincial politics, becoming the Minister of Economic Development for Calgary-Elbow. Shortly after, he took on the role of Minister of Environment, where he developed progressive environmental legislation.
In 1992, Klein was elected Premier of Alberta as the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. During his tenure, he won three mandates, including forming Alberta’s second-largest majority government. His leadership helped Alberta eliminate its provincial debt and contributed significantly to its development.
Ralph Klein retired from politics in 2006, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of Alberta’s most influential leaders.