Premier's Message

Message from the Honourable Ralph Klein, Premier of Alberta

As 2005 comes to a close, Alberta enters its second century with optimism and excitement. Alberta's centennial was a time to celebrate our past and imagine our future. It was a year filled with extraordinary projects and spectacular events celebrating our history and our people.

Albertans used our centennial year to show their pride and recognize 2005 in personal and meaningful ways. Communities organized picnics, families hosted reunions and friends and families were invited to share in the celebrations. Mementos were placed in the Centennial Time Capsule and outstanding citizens were honoured with the Alberta Centennial Medal. Tens of thousands of Albertans welcomed the Royal Couple and over 250,000 Albertans marked Alberta's 100^th birthday by taking part in the unforgettable AlbertaSpirit celebrations on September 1. In communities across this province, people are welcoming new centennial legacies - new public facilities, scholarships and works of art - that will serve our next generations well into our second century.

The pride and energy demonstrated throughout the centennial year were remarkable. Like those early Albertans in a newly born province, we continue to have the determination and courage to achieve great things. I am certain our next 100 years will be just as incredible as our first century.

I'd like to thank all Albertans for making Alberta's 100^th birthday year such a success.