After nearly 14 years as Alberta's premier, Ralph Klein broke down in tears as he bid an emotional goodbye during his final day in the legislature on Thursday.

Klein received a standing ovation from members of all parties after thanking Albertans for the honour and privilege of serving a "great province."

He later met with reporters for his last briefing as premier and was asked whether he expected to be moved to tears.

Ralph Klein, centre, wipes away tears as his colleagues give him a standing ovation on his last day in the Alberta Legislature, Thursday.
(Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

"No, I didn't think so. But you know, it's a long period of time coming to an end — 26 years in politics. I hardly know anything else other than my journalist career," he said.

"What was going through my mind? Just the kindness of the Speaker and the acknowledgement of the second time that would be my last session."

Speeches and tributes flowed in Klein's honour in May on what was thought to be his last day — the final day of the spring sitting.

But MLAs were called back to the legislature last week for a special one-week sitting that ends Thursday.

Klein plans to send a letter to the Alberta Conservative party in mid-September indicating he plans to step down. The premier will retire from politics after a new party leader is chosen.

Earlier this year, Klein announced he will become a fellow with the Fraser Institute, a conservative think-tank in British Columbia. The premier also has accepted an offer to guest lecture at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., this fall.