Former Premier Don Getty dies at 82
Posted Feb 26, 2016 7:25 am.
Last Updated Feb 26, 2016 10:17 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Alberta’s 11th premier has passed away.
Don Getty led the province from 1985 to 1992 under the Progressive Conservative banner.
He was also a football star, winning two Grey Cups as quarterback of the Edmonton Eskimos before getting into politics.
In fact, it was when he was with the Eskimos that he met another former premier, Peter Lougheed, who convinced Getty to get into the political game.
(photo courtesy Edmonton Eskimos)
Interim PC Leader Ric McIver says it’s a sad day for Alberta.
“Anybody that serves as a premier of the province certainly gives a lot of their live for the greater good, and Mr. Getty was no exception,” McIver said. “Really, Alberta was in good shape at the end of his time leading it.”
Mount Royal University Political Scientist Keith Brownsey says Getty governed well, during another oil collapse in 1986 when oil sunk to $10 a barrel.
“He managed I think rather well through all of that,” he said. “He was a pretty steady hand during some difficult times in this province.”
Brownsey explains Getty’s popularity sunk because there was an expectation the province would do nothing but boom.
“I think he suffered politically from that, but he was a much more prudent fiscal manager than what we give him credit for. Ralph Klein simply slashed and burned, and got us into some of the problems that we face today. Don Getty avoided all of that, or at least tried to.”
McIver said to a certain degree, Getty doesn’t get the credit he deserved.
“It occurs to me that Family Day, which everybody just enjoyed not very long ago, was something that was put in place when Mr. Getty was leading this province,” he said.
Premier Rachel Notley released a statement, also giving a nod to the February holiday:
“It occurs to me that Family Day, which everybody just enjoyed not very long ago, was something that was put in place when Mr. Getty was leading this province,” he said.
Premier Rachel Notley released a statement, also giving a nod to the February holiday:
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of former Premier Don Getty.
Don distinguished himself not only in politics, but also in the worlds of sport and business, through leadership, hard work and service.
His contributions to our province are many, including his work to establish Albertans’ constitutional rights as owners of our province’s natural resources, his role in the creation of the Heritage Savings Trust Fund, the introduction of self-government for Metis settlements, and economic diversification in the sectors of forestry, tourism, technology and non-conventional energy.
Premier Getty was a dedicated Albertan. He was also a committed Canadian who worked hard to make our federation stronger.
But his greatest legacy was his support of families and the introduction of Family Day – a holiday where Alberta families could spend time together, strengthen bonds and reconnect. Several other provinces followed suit, and Family Day is now celebrated in Saskatchewan, Ontario and British Columbia.
My condolences to his wife Margaret, his family and his many friends. Our province lost a great Albertan today.”
Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said Getty “stood up tall for our province on the national stage and served Alberta as premier with determination during difficult economic challenges,” adding he’s a personality that will be sorely missed.
Getty was 82 years old.
There are no details yet on funeral arrangements.
