Don Getty's death spurs outpouring of reaction for former Alberta premier
Tory premier from mid-1980s dead at 82
Albertans are sending their condolences after learning that former premier Don Getty has died at the age of 82.
- Former Alberta Premier Don Getty dead at 82
- Leave your condolences in the comment section below
Getty took the reins of the Progressive Conservative Party after Peter Lougheed and served as premier from 1985 to 1992.
The football player-turned-politician — he helped the Edmonton Eskimos win two Grey Cups — led the province during one its worst economic downturns.
Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley tweeted condolences early Friday morning.
Don Getty represented Alberta with distinction as Premier, Minister, MLA & Eskimos quarterback. My sincere condolences to his family today.
—@JustinTrudeau
I'm saddened to hear of former Premier Don Getty's passing. My thoughts are with his loved ones in this difficult time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ableg?src=hash">#ableg</a>
—@RachelNotley
Jim Horsman, who was Getty's deputy premier, remembered his close friend as a proud Canadian who was passionate about keeping the country united.
"He was very diligent in efforts to make sure that Quebec was part of the Canadian fabric, going through Meech Lake and then Charlottetown," he said.
"It was a 10-year period after the constitutional repatriation that he had to deal with. I think that we didn't succeed but at least we made a valiant effort, particularly in the arena of senate reform, you may recall."
I once registered Don Getty to vote. He was classy and genuine, excited that I was involved in political process. Plus, I love Family Day.
—@phendrana
Don Getty, former Esk & AB Premier. 1933-2016. Condolences to the Getty family. May his soul find peace. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ableg?src=hash">#ableg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yeg?src=hash">#yeg</a> <a href="https://t.co/PqpcOycsNa">pic.twitter.com/PqpcOycsNa</a>
—@mychadelic
Thoughts and prayers with the Getty family. Don was a great advocate for Edmonton and Alberta. Even on the football field, he fought for us.
—@RonaAmbrose
Former energy minister Rick Orman says the economic situation Getty faced in the mid-80s was even more challenging than the current one.
"We were up around an 11-per cent unemployment rate, and so the challenges were significant at the time," he said. "Governments today are struggling to try and deal with $35 to $45 oil and we had to deal with nine to $10 oil."
Longtime Tory organizer Alan Hallman also praised Getty for his contributions to Alberta.
"Don was a tremendous man, he showed great leadership in this province, not only as a premier but as a quarterback for the Edmonton Eskimos," he said.
So sad to learn of the passing of Premier Don Getty. A great Albertan. our prayers to his family & loved ones. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PCAA?src=hash">#PCAA</a>
—@RicMcIver
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Premier Don Getty. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ableg?src=hash">#ableg</a>
—@HanlonMike
Lethbridge-East NDP would like to offer <a href="https://twitter.com/PC_Alberta">@PC_Alberta</a>, & Getty family our deepest condolences on death of fmr Premier Don Getty.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ableg?src=hash">#ableg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yql?src=hash">#yql</a>
—@LethEastNDPCA
My condolences to the family of former premier Don Getty at his passing. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ableg?src=hash">#ableg</a>
—@Dfildebrandt
In a written statement, Premier Notley said Getty contributed a lot to Alberta, including his work to establish Albertans' constitutional rights as owners of the province's natural resources and his role in the creation of the Heritage Savings Trust Fund.
Family Day part of Getty's legacy
"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," she said.
"Several other provinces followed suit, and Family Day is now celebrated in Saskatchewan, Ontario and British Columbia."
Wildrose Party Leader Brian Jean issued a statement saying Albertans have lost a man who loved and was dedicated to the province.
"As Minister for Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as Minister of Energy during the 1970s, he stood up tall for our province on the national stage and served Alberta as premier with determination during difficult economic challenges," Jean said.
Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann said his thoughts and prayers are with Getty's family.
"As a youngster, I remember watching him guide the Eskimos to the Grey Cup championship. He brought that energy and leadership to his career in politics," he said in a statement.
"Don was dedicated to Alberta and all Albertans, he will be missed."
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former premier and Esks QB Don Getty <a href="https://t.co/tTs1lpWQDF">https://t.co/tTs1lpWQDF</a> <a href="https://t.co/cprO3ku8Ad">pic.twitter.com/cprO3ku8Ad</a>
—@EdmontonEsks
On behalf of Edmonton, our deepest sympathies to former Premier Don Getty's family and colleagues. Our flags are all at half-staff. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yegcc?src=hash">#yegcc</a>
—@doniveson
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