City of Edmonton Pays Tribute to Peter Lougheed

September 14, 2012

The City of Edmonton joins Albertans in mourning the passing of the Honourable Peter Lougheed, former Premier of Alberta and a visionary leader dedicated to the long-term safety, security and prosperity of the people of our province.

“On behalf of the people of Edmonton and our City Council, we would like to express our sincere condolences and our sadness over the passing of Peter Lougheed,” said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. “Our thoughts are with his family and the many people whose lives were touched by this compassionate man who worked tirelessly for democracy in Alberta his whole life.”

“The prosperity and stability we enjoy today in Edmonton is largely due to Peter’s efforts, starting four decades ago,” said Mandel. “All Albertans and Canadians benefit from his legacy. He fostered a new approach to ensuring the views of Albertans are represented in the governance of our province and the decisions are guided by what is best for Albertans.”

The Progressive Conservative government of Peter Lougheed was first elected in 1971, ending the 36-year rule of the Social Credit Party and starting a dynasty of government that continues today. In terms of advancing democracy, the Lougheed government’s first acts in 1972 included the introduction of The Alberta Bill of Rights and the establishment of Hansard for Alberta, the first published record of the public proceedings of the Alberta Legislature, heralding a new era of openness in government.

Lougheed’s most celebrated achievements include the development of Alberta’s oil and gas industries and the establishment of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, a way to ensure our natural resources wealth would benefit Albertans for generations to come.

The City of Edmonton salutes one of Alberta’s most valuable citizens. Flags will be flown at half-mast at all City of Edmonton buildings until dusk on the day of his funeral/memorial service, which will be announced at a later time.