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Alberta Online Encyclopedia

Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan as Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

Grant MacEwan dealt with the tumultuous life as a politician in a dignified and professional manner. He continuously weathered Alberta's political storms as an alderman, mayor, and member of the legislative assembly. Doing so earned him the respect of his friends and foes. So on December 20, 1965 when a press release issued from Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson's office announced the appointment of Grant MacEwan as Alberta's next lieutenant governor, those who knew Grant MacEwan were not overly surprised. MacEwan's dedication to politics, academics, and the community had earned him the province's most prestigious position.

MacEwan was instantly congratulated by a host of people including the man who caused MacEwan to leave Manitoba years earlier, Conservative Member of Parliament Walter Dinsdale. Everyone believed MacEwan would serve the position with dignity and tact. Basil Dean, the new publisher of the Edmonton Journal, added that MacEwan would give the position "an interesting new look." Others commented on how few enemies MacEwan had in spite of his active involvement in politics for several years.

The new lieutenant governor was sworn in on January 6, 1966. MacEwan was excited to take on this position and was grateful for the opportunity. On the day it was announced that Grant MacEwan was to become Alberta's new lieutenant governor the popular historian was reading to school children. When he was informed of the decision he smiled and told the children how wonderful he thought Alberta was. MacEwan was proud to be serving his province again. His appointment was a clear recognition of the respect he had garnered from so many Albertans.


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