Former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein has received the University of Calgary's highest honour.
The ailing premier was presented with the Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree at a luncheon on Tuesday for close friends and family.
Klein was in attendance to accept the honour in a rare public sighting since he was diagnosed with dementia.
"I'm proud that the university is recognizing his public service contribution," says U of C Chancellor Jim Dinning.
Klein was chosen by the senate for his distinguished service as the mayor of Calgary, premier of Alberta, and a one-of-a-kind leader and champion in the province.
"In Mr. Klein' words ‘to receive a degree from the University of Calgary, the city where I was born, raised, and became mayor, is special'," says Rod Love, Klein's friend and spokesperson.
The previous mayor and premier's accomplishments included hosting the 1988 Olympic Winter Games and leading the development of Calgary's light rail transit system.
