'Partners in Service' exhibit in Alberta.

AuthorFootz, Valerie
PositionHonouring contributions made by the partners of Alberta's former Premiers - Report

On May 9, 2012 the Alberta Speaker unveiled the Partners in Service Exhibit honouring contributions made by the partners of Alberta's former Premiers. The exhibit noted that while the Premiers hold a demanding and highly visible position and their lives have become part of the Alberta's documented history, little is known about their spouses all of whom made a significant contribution to the success of their partners. This article contains extracts from the biographical information about the thirteen partners in service featured in the exhibit located on the fifth floor of the Legislature Building.

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In one of his last formal duties, retiring Speaker Ken Kowalski hosted the Official unveiling of the exhibit honouring the spouses of Alberta's Premiers since 1905. Speaker Kowalski was inspired to pay tribute to the spouses of Premiers after visits to Washington and California where First Ladies of Presidents and Governors respectively are recognized for their role. The exhibit adds a new dimension to the understanding of Alberta's legislative history and features the strength of character required by those individuals who, although they did not serve as elected

Members of the Legislative Assembly nonetheless supported and helped shape Alberta as it is today. This permanent exhibit is the first of its kind in Canada.

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The unveiling featured short remarks from Speaker Kowalski and Premier Alison Redford while Mrs. Lougheed, Mrs. Getty and Mrs. Stelmach provided insight into their experiences, talked about the highs and lows of public life, and shared some of their previously unknown contributions and sacrifices. Commemorative booklets were distributed to those in attendance. The event was one of the last public appearances for the Hon. Peter Lougheed, who sadly passed away in September 2012.

The contributions of the 13 individuals emerged as Legislature Library staff researched and compiled information and photographs. The opportunities and challenges that the spouses of the Premiers have encountered since 1905 are revealing. Beginning with +research compiled for The Mantle of Leadership: Premiers of the North-West Territories and Alberta, 1897-2005, Legislature Library staff spent months researching the thirteen subjects, drafting and polishing the accompanying text, and securing appropriate photographs.

The first step was to concentrate the research on the partner as an individual. As is expected, information about partners from the early 20th century was difficult to locate. Emphasis was placed on the period of time that their partner served as Premier. Reflective of the times, the focus of the press was not on the spouse or the family. Gradually, the fact that the family, and particularly the partner, is an important support for the Premier...

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