EDMONTON — A close friend and one-time adviser to Ralph Klein says the former Alberta premier has emphysema.
Rod Love says the illness has, in his words, “slowed (Klein) down, but he’s still out and about.”
He says Klein, who is 68, is still enjoying retirement in Calgary with his wife, Colleen, and their grandchildren.
Klein was not immediately available for comment.
He left office in late 2006 after leading the Progressive Conservatives to three majority election wins.
During his tenure, the province used soaring oil and gas revenues to wipe out its $23-billion debt, something Klein lists as his greatest achievement.