Former Premier of Québec Jean Charest Salutes the Life of Premier Ralph Klein

MONTREAL, March 30, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The former premier of Québec, Mr. Jean Charest, wishes to extend his condolences to Mrs. Colleen Klein, wife of former premier Ralph Klein, the Klein family and the people of Alberta.

"We have lost a great premier of the province of Alberta and a Canadian whose leadership had a profound impact on all of Canada," said Mr. Charest in a statement. "The premiership of Ralph Klein marked the beginning of decisive leadership in Alberta and all of Canada on the issues of fiscal discipline, restraint and a return to balanced budgets that would become the norm for every other government in Canada. Ralph led the way by setting an example that became the benchmark for all the other governments, which in turn became a hallmark in the world for Canada. In the eyes of Canadians, Ralph was pure Alberta. He was candid, original, a free thinker, entrepreneurial and like all Albertans, a generous person. He worked hard, played hard and did not pay much attention to political correctness. His salt-of-the-earth nature, combined with his warmth, gave Mr. Klein the ability to connect with all kinds of people, from many walks of life, immediately."

Mr. Charest stated, "Saying that Ralph will be deeply missed by many is an understatement. He loved Alberta and he loved Canada. In return, Albertans and Canadians loved Ralph. I am saddened to lose a good friend."

Mr. Charest, former premier of Québec, is currently a partner at law firm McCarthy Tétrault LLP.

SOURCE: McCarthy Tétrault

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