This release was issued under a previous government.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of former Premier Don Getty.
“Don distinguished himself not only in politics, but also in the worlds of sport and business, through leadership, hard work and service.
“His contributions to our province are many, including his work to establish Albertans’ constitutional rights as owners of our province’s natural resources, his role in the creation of the Heritage Savings Trust Fund, the introduction of self-government for Metis settlements, and economic diversification in the sectors of forestry, tourism, technology and non-conventional energy.
“Premier Getty was a dedicated Albertan. He was also a committed Canadian who worked hard to make our federation stronger.
“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. Several other provinces followed suit, and Family Day is now celebrated in Saskatchewan, Ontario and British Columbia.
“My condolences to his wife Margaret, his family and his many friends. Our province lost a great Albertan today.”